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General Hospital’s Cast and More Share Their Memories of the Late, Great Jacklyn Zeman: ‘An Absolute Legend’
Thursday, May 11th, 2023
As you read this, you’re probably feeling exactly the way that we are. Stunned. Sad. Just… at a loss. It was a terrible shock to learn on May 10 that Jacklyn Zeman had passed away at age 70 after what ABC called a short battle with cancer. It was also a terrible blow, to know that we had seen her for the last time on General Hospital as Bobbie Spencer, the bad-girl-turned-good that she’d played since December 1977.
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On-screen daughter Laura Wright (Carly) may have summed up our collective reaction the best when she shared, simply, a series of broken-heart emojis with clips of her beloved castmate in action. As we watched them, man, did the memories come flooding back.
— Laura Wright (@lldubs) May 11, 2023
For the longest time, Bobbie was the soap’s hard-luck heroine, moving from one disastrous marriage (to, say, D.L. Brock) to another (with Stefan Cassadine, for instance). Part of Zeman’s gift was that she was able to make us believe, time after time after time, that her character really thought that each Mr. Wrong was going to buck the trend and turn out to be the Mr. Right that she never actually found.
— Laura Wright (@lldubs) May 11, 2023
If Bobbie had a soulmate, it was probably her late husband, Dr. Tony Jones. But the tragic loss of their daughter B.J. — combined with Carly’s long-ago vendetta against her mother — ripped their relationship to shreds. Zeman played Bobbie’s devastation with a gut-wrenching honesty but also with a spirit that let us know that no matter how many pieces she was broken into, she’d put herself back together and keep trying.
— Laura Wright (@lldubs) May 11, 2023
Of course, this Bobbie was a world away from the one that Zeman originally brought to life. When she joined General Hospital, the former hooker had a hard edge, a mean streak and no issues with stooping low to get what she wanted — which at the time was Scotty Baldwin… who, just Bobbie’s luck, only had eyes for Laura!
As you head to the comments to share your fondest memories of Zeman, stop off at the below photo gallery in which the actress’ General Hospital family and more share their recollections of the one-of-a-kind actress.
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Image: Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images
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<p>“My earliest memories of my time on <em>General Hospital</em> involve Jackie loving on and mothering me, gently guiding me toward success, where she felt so at home,” tweeted the Emmy winner who originated the role of Zeman’s daughter. “Beautiful Queen, inside and out. I know everyone who loved her is devastated. My love to her girls, fam, work fam and fans.” (This shot is from their trip to the ’98 Emmys.)</p>
Image: Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images
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<p>“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the talented and beloved actress Jackie Zeman,” tweeted the primetime mainstay. “I recall the wonderful times we spent working together on <em>General Hospital</em>. Her warm personality and infectious energy always brightened my day. Jackie will forever hold a special place in my heart, and her memory will continue to inspire me. XO.”</p>
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<p>“I just heard of Jackie Zeman’s passing late tonight. This is going to take me a minute to process,” Instagrammed her longtime castmate. “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.”</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>Responding to Lindstrom’s post, Samuel said that “I just found out, too, Jon. Completely stunned. She was so lovely. Will miss her sense of humor and energy.” In his own post, Samuel added that Zeman (seen here rocking the 2018 Nurses Ball) “never ceased to make us laugh, and smile. We will miss you!”</p>
Image: Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images
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<p>Laura and Bobbie may have begun as bitter rivals on screen — this portrait is from 1980 — but behind the scenes, their portrayers were good friends. “Beautiful, beautiful Jackie,” tweeted Francis upon hearing the news. “This was way too soon.”</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>“I don’t have the words. This shocks and hurts too much for words,” wrote the Emmy winner. “I want to hug you. Laugh with you. Share stories. Talk real talk because that’s what we did. I can not believe this is true. How is this true? I don’t have the words right now. I’m heartbroken. My love is with you and your beautiful Cassidy and Lacey, your beautiful grand babies, your fur babies and everyone who was lucky enough to know your heart and love. No words to do you justice. This really hurts. I love you. I cannot believe this.”</p>
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<p>Zeman was “an angel on and especially off screen,” Turner said. “Thank you, Queen; you will always be loved and never forgotten. RIP.”</p>
Image: FilmMagic/Getty Images
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<p>“Incredibly stunned 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,” said her onetime leading man (with her here in 2011). “Love to your spirit as it ascends, sweet girl. You left your mark on many of us, and you will not be forgotten.”</p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI
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<p>The <em>General Hospital</em> alum, who was killed off twice as A.J., said that he was “truly saddened to have learned that Jackie passed. She was always so kind to me. She will be missed by so many people. My deepest condolences for her family, friends and legions of fans. RIP, Jackie.”</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>Zeman was “an absolute legend,” said her on-screen son-in-law. “I loved hearing her stories about the show in the ’70s and ’80s. Always so kind and down-to-earth. You will be so missed, Jackie. Condolences to her daughters, family and legions of fans who have loved Bobbie Spencer for decades.”</p>
Image: FilmMagic/Getty Images
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<p>“Dear, sweet Jackie. It is so very sad to hear of her passing,” Instagrammed the soap vet whose Stefan was one of Bobbie’s many husbands. “She was a gentle, kind soul. Jackie loved her work and always brought joy and laughter to everyone around her. Sending love to all who loved her.”</p>
Image: George De Sota/JPI
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<p>Zeman, who started her soap career on <em>One Life to Live</em>, made quite an impression on the Emmy winner, who tweeted that “her warmth and friendly enthusiasm always lighted up a room. RIP.”</p>
Image: Charley Gallay/Getty Images
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<p>“This hit me really hard, a gut punch… ” marveled the Emmy winner. “I think [that was] because Jackie was such a sweet, delicate soul. And I got to know her really well in the later years. I just loved her spirit. I keep telling people life is not fair, we just have to accept what is. I will miss you, Jackie. We all will.”</p>
Image: ABC
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<p>“Well, hate to even be posting about this,” said the Emmy winner, seen here with Zeman and Laura Wright at Jason and Carly’s <em>General Hospital</em> wedding in 2021. “Another reminder of how precious life is and to hug the ones you love and stay present. Jackie Z. What an awesome lady. So sweet. She was one of the veterans that, when I came on [in 1991], welcomed me with open arms. For that, I’ll always be grateful… I never saw her in a bad mood despite life’s challenges. Her energy was incredible. She always asked how I was and what was happening in my life. Always made time. We had Malibu in common; anytime someone mentioned Malibu, I would think of her. She lived out there, and I would surf there a lot, so we would talk about that… Thank you, Jackie, for your example. Legend. So sweet and kind. My prayers are with your family.”</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>“I am heartbroken,” tweeted the soap vet, here with Zeman and <em>General Hospital</em> castmate Leslie Charleson (Monica) in 2006. “Jackie will always be missed. So kind. So talented. How fortunate I am to have known her.”</p>
Image: Chris Haston/NBC
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<p>“I’m saddened and in complete shock hearing of Jackie’s passing. I have known her for over 30 years and have had the pleasure of working with her more often over the last 10 on <em>The Bay</em>,” Instagrammed the soap-hopper who played Katherine on <em>General Hospital.</em> “What an absolute doll of a person… always so upbeat, optimistic with the most incredible laugh. She was so proud of her girls, Lacey and Cassidy, and talked about them all the time. She told me how much she loved being a mother and a grandmother. We all will miss you, sweet Jackie.”</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>“Devastated to hear the horrible news of Jackie Zeman’s passing,” tweeted the actor. “Too much bad news coming out of <em>General Hospital</em> these days. Very, very sad and hard to believe.”</p>
Image: Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images
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<p>“Jackie Z was the first person I really got to know back on <em>General Hospital</em> in ’81,” said her fellow vet. “We did many [personal appearances] together, and they were always great. She was always the perfect partner. Much later, we worked on <em>The Bay</em>. And now I’ll never be able to work with her again. Her spark has gone. Bye, babe.” Above is a promo shot taken in 1983 with Charleson and the late Peter Hansen (Lee) and Stuart Damon (Alan).</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>“Oh my, I am shocked and sooo very sad!” exclaimed Zeman’s longtime co-star (with her here in 2005). “Jackie Zeman is a legend!!! So many wonderful memories, both personal and professional. Her sparkle will be present on <em>General Hospital</em> forever.”</p>
Image: ABC/Getty Images
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<p> </p> <p>“We all loved Jackie,” said the actress. She was so special, caring and full of light. I’ll cherish our conversations about life, acting and how to be a nurse in Port Charles. She was incredible and had the biggest heart. Sending my love to her family, friends and fans.”</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>Calling his former castmate “dearest Jackie,” the Emmy winner said that she was “always a joy,” emphasizing his tweet with broken-heart emojis. This snap of them is from 2018’s Hollywood Christmas Parade.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>“Such a light of love has been lost,” said the Emmy winner, who played Bobbie’s nephew Lucky from 2003-09, “but I know has gained her wings as the angel that she was! Incredible woman with a smile that made you smile… So honored to have worked with her!”</p>
Image: Patrick McMullan/Getty Images
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<p>Zeman was “the kindest,” tweeted the actress who played Parker on <em>General Hospital</em>. “Fly with angels now.” In 2007, Jones wound up at a fashion show seated, years before passing through the soap, with Zeman and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, <em>Young & Restless</em>… also years away from her run as Nina).</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>“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 <em>General Hospital</em> studio, birthday parties, playdates and beach days. It was magical. My heart aches for her daughters.”</p>
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<p>“I am heartbroken to hear this news,” shared Obrecht’s portrayer. “One of the kindest people I have ever met. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans.”</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>“Walking around my house, I see many things Jackie<br /> gave me over the years that speak not just to my spirit and soul, but to hers,” tweeted the former <em>General Hospital</em> scribe, here with <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> boss Bradley Bell. “Colorful, beautiful things, always with an underlying message of love, friendship and spirituality. God, I’m gonna miss her.”</p>
Image: Monty Brinton/CBS/Getty Images
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<p>The Emmy winner summed up her feelings in not just a single tweet but a single word: “heartbroken.”</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
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<p>“One thing that has always been hard for me is processing the idea [that] people that I love and have been close to in my life will eventually sail on heaven’s highway,” says the Emmy winner, once Lucky on <em>General Hospital</em>. “A lot of people have asked me, ‘What was Jackie like?’ Jackie was one of the most kind, loving and wonderful humans that I’ve been ever so lucky to call a friend and colleague. I had many dinners over the years outside of work with her and my dear friend, Kin Shriner (Scotty). I have to say Jacklyn would light up a room or stage the moment she stepped on it or into it. One thing that I personally remember is how she always would say my name…with such meaning accompanied with a beautiful smile, and I never felt worthy of that emphasis. I loved everything about you Jackie, your laugh, your hugs, and I loved playing your nephew… I know you’re lighting up heaven’s stage and keeping everyone up there in stitches!”</p>
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<p>The Emmy winner, with Rogers, Zeman and Buchanan in 2017 here, offered “my deepest condolences to Cassidy and Lacey.”</p>
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<p>“This is a great loss. I had been a fan of Jackie’s since I was a girl watching her play Lana on <em>One Life to Live</em>,” Instagrammed the Emmy winner who originated the role of Nina on <em>General Hospital</em>. “She was gritty, sexy, dark and complex (Lana). I wanted to do what she was doing (Jackie). Then she of course came to <em>General Hospital.</em> I was mesmerized by her there. Jackie was so sweet and caring but tough. Tough in the greatest way. I told her I had been a fan since Lana and she laughed and told me some stories. I don’t think she knew I was a super fan. I kept it to myself. Ha! I didn’t want to freak her out. My love goes out to her family. My love also goes out to her <em>General Hospital</em> family, who I consider my family still. [The show] has had some significant loss in the last year. It’s hard. It takes a toll. To lose people you love so much, ya know? I care and love you guys at <em>General Hospital</em> and am sending you love. Healing love. It was my pleasure to know this woman and call her a peer. Little did I know as I watched her tear it up on a daily basis on <em>One Life to Live</em> that I would one day share a stage with her. What an honor indeed.”</p>
Image: Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage/Getty Images
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<p>“What a beautiful soul that will be missed here on earth. Jackie was one of my first mentors at <em>General Hospital</em>,” said the Emmy winner. “She was a warm woman with a witty sense of humor. She embraced life. Sad day.”</p>
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<p>“Dear girl,” Alexander wrote in a note that was shared with <a href="https://soaphub.com/general-hospital/news-gh/gh-star-denise-alexander-pays-tribute-to-late-jacklyn-zeman/" target="_blank">Soap Hub</a>. “I keep hearing your voice and your laugh, and I can’t stop crying. I have so treasured your sweetness, your sense of humor, your talent and, always, your dear kindness. And the best hugs.”</p>
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<p>In sharing the sad news, the boss said that “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.” Here, the duo were attending a 2013 <em>General Hospital</em> event at the Paley Center for Media.</p>
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<p>“Jackie was the first person I spoke to when I walked on set to film my very first scene. I was so nervous,” the Emmy nominee recalled, “but she soothed me with hugs as she introduced herself. Thank you for all that you were to me and so many. Love you now and forever. My condolences to her beautiful family.”</p>
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<p>Understandably, the Emmy winner who’s played Bobbie’s daughter since 2005 found herself initially at a loss for words. On Twitter, she shared a number of spectacular clips of Zeman in action, each of them accompanied by a broken-heart emoji. Later, Wright Instagrammed that “I’m struggling to wrap my head around this. I’m so grateful to have shared so many years with this beautiful woman. Jackie told the best stories. She had an <em>incredible</em> spirit, and she lived such an amazing life. She loved working on <em>General Hospital</em>. She adored her daughters and lit up when talking about her grandchildren. Saying she will be missed is an understatement. Thank you, Jackie, for sharing your heart and soul with all of us. Much love to Cassidy and Lacey.”</p>
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<p>Wrapping his head around the “bad loss” of his dear friend and longtime leading lady, Shriner shared a video in which he was “sitting at the Smoke House, Jackie’s favorite restaurant, Jackie’s booth, so… here’s lookin’ at you, Jackie.” We’ll join him in raising a glass to her. “Jackie was a tremendous force,” he added, “so I will miss her.”</p>
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<p>“For 40 years, I was fortunate enough to play Jackie Zeman’s big brother on <em>General Hospital</em>,” the Emmy winner <a href="https://tvline.com/2023/05/11/jackie-zeman-dies-anthony-geary-tribute-general-hospital/" target="_blank">told our sister site TVLine</a>. “In all those years, I never heard her utter one disparaging word about any actor, crew member, or co-worker. In fact, I never heard Jackie express an unkind word about anyone, ever. In a highly competitive profession where ego, feelings and emotions are bread and butter, I’ve found this quality to be extremely rare. I expect it will be even more rare now that dear Jackie is gone. She was quite simply one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever known. I will miss her laugh and the deep, soulful look in her eyes whenever she expressed the love and pride she had in her two lovely daughters. Tonight, l already miss her and feel a powerful ache where Jackie’s smile used to be.”</p>
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