GENERAL HOSPITAL Stars Pay Tribute to Jacklyn Zeman
Another daytime icon was taken way too soon when Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie, GENERAL HOSPITAL) passed away. The beloved star’s family confirmed to ABC News that Zeman died at the age of 70 following a short battle with cancer.
As the news of Zeman’s death spread around social media and Hollywood, many GH stars past and present shared their love, condolences, and memories of the actress who brought Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer to life for the past 46 years.
Laura Wright (Carly)
“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 incredible spirit, and she lived such an amazing life. She loved working on GH. 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 ❤️.”
Eden McCoy (Josslyn)
“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 and forever. My condolences to her beautiful family.”
Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan)
“This is going to take me a minute to process. It’s difficult to believe that such a life force as hers has left us. Her family and close friends must be absolutely devastated. Please hold them in your hearts.”
John J. York (Mac)
“Oh my, I am shocked and so very sad! Jackie Zeman is a legend! So many wonderful memories, both personal and professional. Her sparkle will be present on General Hospital forever.”
Rick Springfield (ex-Noah)
“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 executive producer Gloria Monty) who helped launch my ’80s acting career when, after the General Hospital 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. Love to your spirit as it ascends sweet girl. You left your mark on many of us and you will not be forgotten. XO”
Sean Kanan (ex-A.J.)
“Truly saddened to have learned that Jackie Zeman passed. She was always so kind to me. She will be missed by so many people. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and legions of fans. RIP, Jackie.”
Kathleen Gati (Obrecht)
“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.”
Maurice Benard (Sonny)
“This hit me really hard, a gut punch. I think 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.”
Charles Shaughnessy (ex-Victor)
“I was a fan when I watched GH from the lunchroom at work in a fabric wholesaler in 1983. Then I got to work with her and again just recently. A genuinely lovely, kind, thoughtful person, and a legendary daytime star. RIP sweet Jackie Z.”
Genie Francis (Laura)
“Beautiful, beautiful Jackie. This was way too soon.”
Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky)
“Such a light of love has been lost but I know [she] has gained her wings as the angel that she was! Incredible woman with a smile that made you smile and so honored to have worked with her. God bless ya, Aunt Jackie.”
Lisa LoCicero (Olivia)
“We love you, Jackie. We miss you already. 💔”
Alicia Leigh Willis (ex-Courtney)
“We lost such a bright light today. Jackie was loved by everyone who knew her. Working alongside her all these years has been such a joy. Such a beautiful soul. You will be missed, my friend.”
Stephen Nichols (ex-Stefan)
“Dear, sweet Jackie. It is so very sad to hear of her passing. 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.”
Parry Shen (Brad)
“An absolute legend. 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.”
Marc Anthony Samuel (Felix)
“So stunned to just learn of Jackie’s passing. She was such a talented and lovely person and legend who never ceased to make us laugh, and smile. We will miss you!”
Risa Dorken (Amy)
“We all loved Jackie. 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 GH fans.”
Dioni Michelle Collins (Deanna)
“In shocked and devastated to hear about the passing of our sweet, beloved Jackie Zeman. Truly a talented and kind-hearted person, who will be deeply missed. Condolences to her family, friends, and devoted fans. We love you, Jackie.”
John Stamos (ex-Blackie)
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the talented and beloved actress, Jackie Zeman. I recall the wonderful times we spent working together on General Hospital. 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.”
Sarah Joy Brown (ex-Carly and Claudia)
“My earliest memories of my time on GH involve Jackie Zeman loving on and mothering me, gently nudging me toward success, where she felt so at home. Beautiful Queen, inside and out. I know everyone who loved her is devastated. My love to her girls, fam, work fam, and friends.”
William DeVry (ex-Julian)
“Devastated to hear the horrible news of Jackie Zeman’s passing. Very, very sad and hard to believe.”
Carolyn Hennesy (Diane)
“To say that Jackie was a class act is an understatement. Flawless couture, beautiful, funny as hell, sardonic in the best possible way, professional… just a few of her brilliances. Oh, did I mention she was one helluva actress? No? Well, she was. This woman was and is a legend. She will be missed something fierce.
Death, they say, comes in threes. GH has, in the last what, six months or so, had its full share of death. Our beloved Sonya Eddy, then our rock, N’neka Garland, and now this. Yes, we’re a soap… but our grief is usually scripted for your entertainment. This is something different. This is a frying pan to our collective face. This is the rack. You’ll never know, onscreen, that we’re all messed up by this wretched series of events. We are also professional. But this is something I’m not certain we, collectively, know how to process. Only time will tell.
My love to Jackie Zeman and her beautiful family. My God give you strength and may you find moments of serenity in the coming days until your days are once again serene.”
Ian Buchanan (ex-Duke)
“Dearest Jackie. Always a joy.”
Tyler Christopher (ex-Nikolas)
“What a beautiful soul that will be missed here on earth. Jackie was one of my first mentors at General Hospital. She was a warm woman with a witty sense of humor. She embraced life. Sad day.”
Theo & Erik Olson (ex-Wiley)
“Coming out of hiding because I can’t stay silent on this GH loss. Jackie was such a beautiful soul and an absolute GH legend. Can’t believe she’s gone. The GH family has been hit so painfully this year with loss after loss. Sending my deepest condolences to you all.”
Donnell Turner (Curtis)
“An angel on and especially off-screen. Thank you, Queen. You will always be loved, and never forgotten. RIP🙏🏾💐😭.”
Tamara Braun (ex-Carly)
“I don’t have the words. This shocks and hurts too much for words. I want to hug you. Laugh with you. Share stories. Talk real talk because that’s what we did. I cannot believe this is true. How is this true? I’m heartbroken. My love is with you and your beautiful Cassidy and Lacey, your beautiful grandbabies, 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.”
Kristina Wagner (Felicia)
“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.”
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