The soap opera community is in mourning as one of its cherished members has passed away. Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital, shared the sad news on May 10 that Jacklyn Zeman, also known as Jackie, had passed away at the age of 70.
In a heartfelt message on Twitter, Valentini expressed his sorrow on behalf of the General Hospital family. Like her iconic character, Bobbie Spencer, he described Jackie as a true professional and a beacon of positivity. He emphasized the tremendous impact she had on the set, bringing a radiant light and uplifting energy to her work.
Jacklyn Zeman, the esteemed screen actor known for her iconic portrayal of Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer in over 800 episodes of the beloved television series “General Hospital,” passed away at the age of 70 (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Valentini acknowledged that Jackie’s absence would be deeply felt, but he reassured everyone that her optimistic spirit would forever remain in the hearts of the cast and crew.
“On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman,” General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini announced on Twitter.
Jacklyn Zeman is best known for her portrayal of the character Bobbie Spencer on the long-running soap opera “General Hospital” (Credit: ABC)
“Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work.”
On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman. Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work. pic.twitter.com/DxGdjYavab
— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) May 11, 2023
He added, “Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew. We send our heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones, friends, and family, especially her daughters Cassidy and Lacey. #GH.”
American actress Jacklyn Zeman, known for her portrayal of Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer on General Hospital, passed away on May 10, 2023, at the age of 70 (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
He extended his sincere condolences to her loved ones, friends, and family, particularly her daughters Cassidy and Lacey. The hashtag #GH accompanied his message, signifying the lasting imprint Jackie left on the General Hospital community.
Jacklyn Zeman, born on March 6, 1953, in New Jersey, initially pursued ballet as a child and later attended New York University to study dance. However, she transitioned into acting and debuted on “The Edge of Night” in 1976. That same year, Zeman embarked on a significant journey on “One Life to Live,” where she appeared in over 40 episodes.
In 1977, Jacklyn Zeman joined the cast of “General Hospital” and became a long-standing fixture on the show, appearing in over 800 episodes spanning almost five decades.
“General Hospital” is a popular daytime soap opera that has entertained audiences for decades with its dramatic storylines and compelling characters. One of the notable actors who rose to fame through his role on the show is John Stamos, who portrayed the charismatic and rebellious character Blackie Parrish.
Zeman has gone through three marriages. Her first marriage was to Murray Kaufman, a popular DJ known as Murray the K, and it lasted from September 16, 1979, to 1981. Her second marriage, to Steve Gribbin, lasted from 1985 to 1986.
Lastly, her third marriage was to Glenn Gorden, lasting from February 14, 1988, to June 21, 2007. Zeman and Gorden have two daughters, Cassidy Zee Gorden (born September 16, 1990) and Lacey Rose Gorden (born July 15, 1992).