GH‘s Jacklyn Zeman Remembered by TV Family as a ‘Beautiful Queen, Inside and Out’ — Read Cast Tributes
General Hospital legend Jacklyn Zeman, who died Wednesday at the age of 70, is being remembered by her former costars.
The four-time Daytime Emmy nominee, who portrayed Bobbie Spencer on the ABC soap for more than four decades, passed following a short battle with cancer. GH vet Sarah Joy Brown, who originated the role of Bobbie’s long lost daughter Carly, was among the first to pay tribute.
“My earliest memories of my time on General Hospital involve @JackieZeman loving on and mothering me, gently guiding me toward success, where she felt so at home,” she wrote on Twitter. “Beautiful queen, inside and out. I know everyone who loved her is devastated. My love to her girls, fam, work fam and fans.”
Laura Wright, who has played Carly since 2005, shared a classic GH clip featuring Zeman, Brown and Brad Maule (aka Tony Jones):
Jackie !!! ❤️ https://t.co/24eN9XOAPQ
— Laura Wright (@lldubs) May 11, 2023
The ABC soap’s production also released a statement in the wake of Zeman’s passing: “Jacklyn Zeman has been a beloved member of the General Hospital and ABC family since she originated the iconic role of Bobbie Spencer over 45 years ago. She leaves behind a lasting legacy for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of the bad girl turned heroine and will always be remembered for her kind heart and radiant spirit. We are devastated by the news of her passing, and send our deepest condolences to Jackie’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Keep scrolling for additional tributes…
KIN SHRINER:
A bad loss but Jackie was a tremendous force I will so miss her ! @GeneralHospital pic.twitter.com/VCKsdoRoSF
— Kin Shriner (@kinshriner) May 11, 2023
KRISTINA WAGNER:
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend, Jackie Zeman. We were pregnant at the same time. Our children played together often. There were trips to the GH studio, birthday parties, playdates, and beach days. It was magical. My heart aches for her daughters. #RIPJackieZeman
— Kristina Wagner (@KristinaWagnr) May 11, 2023
WILLIAM DEVRY:
Devastated to hear the horrible news of #JackieZeman 's passing. Too much bad news coming out of #GeneralHospital these days. Very very sad & hard to believe. 💔
— William deVry (@WilliamdeVry1) May 11, 2023
GENIE FRANCIS:
Beautiful, beautiful Jackie. This was way too soon. pic.twitter.com/vrO2a2S5p1
— Genie Francis (@GenieFrancis) May 11, 2023
KATHLEEN GATI:
I am heartbroken to hear this news. One of the kindest people I have ever met. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans. ❤️ https://t.co/XDgouGewE8
— Kathleen Gati (@gatitweets) May 11, 2023
JON LINDSTROM:
I just heard of Jackie Zeman‘s passing late tonight. This is going to take me a minute to process. I can’t believe such a life force as hers has left. Her family and close friends must be absolutely devastated. Please hold them in your hearts. @JackieZeman #RIP @GeneralHospital pic.twitter.com/wSsQ4fKdag
— Jon Lindstrom (@thejonlindstrom) May 11, 2023
EDEN MCCOY:
Jackie was the first person I spoke to when I walked on set to film my very first scene. I was so nervous, but she soothed me with hugs as she introduced herself. Thank you for all that you were to me & so many. Love you now & forever. My condolences to her beautiful family pic.twitter.com/HWAd7GCuIM
— Eden McCoy (@RealEdenMccoy) May 11, 2023
TRISTAN ROGERS:
Jackie Z was the first person I really got to know back on GH in ‘81. We did many pa’s together and they were always great. She was always the perfect partner. Much later we worked on The Bay. And now I’ll never be able to work with her again. Her spark has gone. By babe.
— tristanrogers (@tristanrogers) May 11, 2023
A MARTINEZ:
PARRY SHEN:
An absolute legend.
I loved hearing her stories
about the show in the 70s & 80s. Always so kind & down to earth.You will be so missed, Jackie.
Condelences to her daughters, family & legions of fans who have loved Bobbie Spencer for decades. https://t.co/ju9ZW8P7QM— Parry Shen (@parryshen) May 11, 2023
RICK SPRINGFIELD:
Rick Springfield (Dr. Noah Drake) on Jackie Zeman's passing: "Incredibly stunned and broken hearted to hear of Jackie’s passing. Such a truly kind soul with no touch of the diva and only sweet things to say about everyone. She was the one, along with Gloria Monty, who helped…
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) May 11, 2023
JOHN STAMOS:
FRANK VALENTINI (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER):
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
SAG-AFTRA:
We are saddened by the loss of daytime royalty, Jacklyn Zeman, who starred as @GeneralHospital's iconic and radiant Bobbie for over 45 years. Our condolences to her family, friends and GH colleagues. #sagaftramember since 1975. https://t.co/24NhiZXZeB
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 11, 2023
My deepest condolences 💐 Jacklyn Zeman you will truly be Loved and Missed🥲My prayers are with your family and friends😍🥰Truly a Legend
So sad to hear about this.
Her Bobbie was part of the most memorable stories for me. BJ’s heart. The intro of her daughter Carley who then sleeps with her husband. Noah Drake’s (Rick Springfield!!) girlfriend. Although my favorite pairing was Bobbie & Scotty. Shenanigans with Luke.
RIP
First thing I thought of was BJ’s heart. Absolutely loved her.
One of my all time favorite GH storylines. I didn’t have internet back then nor did I read soap magazines. So if spoilers were out there about what was going to happen, I wasn’t aware ahead of time. I was FLOORED when they killed off BJ. Never thought they’d kill a child. That was such an amazing, gut-wrenching, fantastic storyline and JZ was spectacular throughout it. (Also loved when she learned Carly was her daughter)
Rest peacefully, Jackie. You’re already missed.
Very sad. I hope GH is able to do her passing justice especially with the WGA strike. Don’t let replacements write it. Please!
The union writers on this show are awful; maybe replacements would do a better job.
I’m kind of gutted by this. GH was the first soap I watched and in the early 90’s, I used to buy Soap Opera Digest. I always loved reading and watching interviews with her, she seemed so down to earth. Loved her scenes with Genie Francis, Tony Geary and the amazing Rick Springfield. She is royalty.
She literally JUST hosted the Nurses’ Ball last month! Here she is dressed in one of the costumes from it!
https://twitter.com/PamPetrakos/status/1656642951710232578?s=20
Crushing news!!! She, Laura, Luke and Scotty are GH to me!!! RIP.
rest in paradise beautiful jackie zeman
Such sad news. I’ve been watching GH for over 40 yrs and loved Jackie’s character; Bobbie Spencer was spunky and vivacious! My sincere condolences to her daughters, family and all who loved her.💖
Rest in Paradise, Jackie🤍🙏🌈
I sincerely hope Jackie knew how very loved she was – we don’t always give people their ‘deserved flowers’ while they can still appreciate the gesture. 💔
This hurts. She’s been coming into our living rooms for 40 years. She was a comforting presence on the show and a link to the glory years. I agree with Genie Francis – way too soon.
We will really miss Jackie she always shine
LOVED BOBBIE SPENCER, LOVED JACKIE ZEMAN!!!
She TRULY was GH(!!) & she was a TRUE part of my ‘teendom’, my young adulthood, & now my Adulthood (w/kids!!) I’m unbelievably sad. Whn I saw/heard tht she’d passed I cried… I’ll cry watching the show knowing tht she’ll no longer be there. “Rest Easy, Barbara Jean, We LOVE U!!!”
I have been a GH Fan since it’s inception and I am but one of many who loved her character of Bobbie. I would have loved knowing Jacklyn Zeman, as well. All of us who have followed her journey feel grief at this time. God Bless her girls, family and friends. As for me, GH will be a sad place without her. There aren’t enough words. Thank you Jacklyn.
So sorry to hear of the passing of
GH’s Jackie Zemen. I watched her in the 80’s and really enjoyed the character of Bobbie. I can’t believe she’s gone. RIP Jackie
Loved watching Jackie from the beginning….when she and Scottie were an item. Always beautiful and always entertained. Condolences to her family.❤️
So sad she passed away. Beautiful lady. Always enjoyed watching her on GH. She will be missed. Prayers for her family and friends.
Sorry to hear about this. Condolences to her colleagues and friends.
I will miss seeing her on GH. I have been watching the show all my life and the impact these people play on our lives. Jackie will be missed by me and my condolences to her friends family coworkers. Praying for comfort.
Kirstie Allison
My sincerest condolences to her family. You were one of my favorites on GH. Watched you since “Loving”. Rest in peace sweet lady. You will be missed ❤️🙏❤️
Was in Junior college when General Hosptial rose up the charts. I was hooked the day Scotty pushed Luke off the boat into the water. All the guys in the dorm would always watch the show before dinner. Loved watching it. GOD bless the souls that have since past that made that show great. Will miss you Jackie. Thanks for the memories.
Used to like her. Sadly she feel into the agenda’s lines. She said her lines and well…she dead. Thankful one less person to push an agenda. Hey, choose your lines wisely. Don’t miss you…oh hey how many others did you harm with your voice???
What a joy you must be to your friends (if with your attitude you havecany) and family. Was your hate filled tirade necessary? May your family get similar empathy on the event if your passing.
What are you talking about??? Jackie was on the show for 45 years. She was an excellent actress with the best of the best. Everyone loved Bobbi and she could make us hate her love her and make us cry. Will be missed so much. You are ģiving mean vibes at the death of a favorite actress. Nothing nice to say… do not say anything. No one cares about your thoughts. So strange you aŕe. Go back to your mean life……..Prayers for Jackie’s family. We loved her!!!!!!
I have been watching General Hospital from day one. and Jacyn Zeman came on scene she was a beast on the screen and I loved every minute of it. Bobbie Spencer touch my soul. man I’m hurt that she’s no longer among us . I notice something wrong when Bobbie didn’t return and now know why.
So sorry to lose such a great actress. I’ve watched GH pn and off since the 80’s. Love Jackie as a mean girl and also as a good girl. Obviously she will be missed, my condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace in Bobby
Heartbroken to hear of her passing! What a true class act she was! Red heads forever ❤️