RIP Jacklyn Zeman! General Hospital Actress Dies of Cancer at Age 70
- Jacklyn Zeman passed away at the age of 70 after a short battle with cancer
- She rose to prominence after her portrayal of the character Bobbie Spencer on the hit soap, General Hospital
General Hospital actress Jacklyn Zeman has passed away
Jacklyn Zeman is no longer alive among us! General Hospital star, 70, took her last breath on Wednesday, May 10, in Thousand Oaks, California.
Her death was confirmed by executive producer Frank Valentini in a heartbreaking statement via Twitter. The statement reads,
“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. 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.”
His family confirmed to ABC News that she died after a short battle with cancer. Further, there is not much detail available regarding her death cause.
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Jacklyn Zeman contributed her more than four decades on the long-running soap opera “General Hospital”
The “General Hospital” team paid tribute to the beloved Zeman via Twitter admitting she leaves behind a lasting legacy. The team wrote,
“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.”
Jacklyn rose to prominence after her portrayal of the character Bobbie Spencer on the hit soap, General Hospital. She appeared in more than 800 episodes on the ABC Daytime show after her debut on the show in 1977.
Between a 40-year journey, she took a three-year hiatus from the program from 2010 to 2013 and then rejoined it and remained in the cast until her death.
Before her role as Bobbie in “General Hospital”, she portrayed several minor roles in various television series including Lane MacClain in the ABC soap opera “One Life to Live”.
Besides, the actress appeared in Broadway and off-Broadway productions and movies such as “Young Doctors in Love”, “National Lampoon’s Class Reunion”, “The Bay”, and more.
Tributes pour in on the passing of the soap star
As soon as the iconic soap star’s death was confirmed many took to social media platforms to express their grief on her.
Fellow co-star Kathleen Gati mourned her death, writing,
“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.”
While actor Parry Shen described Zeman as a “down-to-earth” star and “absolute legend”. Shen continued,
“I loved hearing her stories about the show in the 70s & 80s. Always so kind & down to earth. You will be so missed, Jackie. Condolences to her daughters, family & legions of fans who have loved Bobbie Spencer for decades.”
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Similarly, Rick Springfield told CNN in a statement that he was “incredibly stunned and brokenhearted to hear of Jackie’s passing.” He said,
“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 [producer] Gloria Monty) who helped launch my 80s career when after the screen test along with several other hopeful young men Gloria asked Jackie who she thought would make a good Noah Drake and God bless her if Jackie didn’t say me,”
Later, Springfield concluded by stating,
“Love to your spirit as it ascends sweet girl. You left your mark on many of us and you will not be forgotten.”
Short bio on Jacklyn Zeman
Jacklyn Zeman was an American actress. Jacklyn Zeman was famous for her role as Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer on General Hospital. See more…