Jacklyn Zeman, who rose to fame as Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer in the iconic daytime drama “General Hospital,” has passed away at the age of 70. The news was announced by the show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, on Twitter.
The official Twitter page of “General Hospital” also released a statement, paying tribute to Zeman’s outstanding contribution to the show and the entertainment industry as a whole. The tweet read, “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.”
Zeman’s portrayal of Bobbie Spencer, the bad girl turned heroine, earned her an Emmy nomination and a permanent place in the hearts of millions of soap opera fans worldwide. She appeared in over 800 episodes of “General Hospital” during her 50-year tenure on the show, becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the soap opera world.
Born in 1953 in Englewood, New Jersey, Zeman was initially a dancer before she turned to acting. She landed her first significant role in 1977 as a regular on the ABC soap “One Life to Live.” Her performance caught the attention of the casting directors of “General Hospital,” who cast her as Bobbie Spencer in the same year.
Zeman’s colleagues and fans have expressed their grief and shock at the news of her passing, remembering her for her kind heart, radiant spirit, and outstanding talent. She leaves behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, and her contribution to the art of acting will not be forgotten. The entertainment industry has lost a bright light, but her memory will live on forever.
