GENERAL Hospital fans are grieving the loss of legendary actress Jacklyn Zeman.
The legendary soap opera star, 70, has been remembered as an “icon” by devastated fans and co-stars alike.
Who was General Hospital star Jacklyn Zeman?
Jacklyn Zeman was born on March 6, 1953, in Englewood, New Jersey, and grew up studying ballet.
After completing her high school studies at age 15, she bagged a scholarship to study dance at New York University.
Jacklyn danced and modeled professionally while keeping up with her education, before a brief stint as a Playboy bunny from 1972.
She worked at the New York City Playboy Club throughout her early 20s, but memorably said in a 1979 interview that she “refused to be a centerfold”.
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However, she then decided to focus on her acting career instead, securing several small parts before landing her first big break.
The actress joined the ABC daytime soap opera One Life To Live as Lana McClain in 1976, before leaving a year later.
Just months after, Jacklyn was cast as Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer on the broadcaster’s sister soap, General Hospital.
Her portrayal of the troubled character earned her four nominations for Daytime Emmy awards over the course of her career.
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Jacklyn is said to have appeared in more than 800 episodes of General Hospital.
Her final Instagram post was a video celebrating the program’s 60th anniversary.
When did she die?
Jacklyn sadly passed away on May 10, 2023, aged 70, following a battle with cancer, her family confirmed.
Her death was announced by the executive producer of General Hospital, Frank Valentini, on Twitter.
The poignant post read: “I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Jackie Zeman.”
“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. #GH.”
The show and her co-stars have also paid tribute to the late actress.
Australian actor and musician Rick Springfield, who played Dr. Noah Drake, told People he is “incredibly stunned and broken-hearted to hear of Jackie’s passing”.
He added: “Such a truly kind soul with no touch of the diva and only sweet things to say about everyone.”
Springfield credited Jacklyn for launching his career while adding that she “left her mark on many of us”.
General Hospital wrote in a tweet: “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.”
What else did Jacklyn Zeman star in?
Aside from soap operas, the New Jersey native also appeared in the 1982 comedy movie National Lampoon’s Class Reunion.
She had a cameo in the spoof Young Doctors In Love the same year, before starring in Jury Duty: The Comedy in 1990 with Heather Locklear.
Jacklyn also enjoyed exercising her theatrical muscles in a number of off-Broadway productions, including Come Blow Your Horn, The Boyfriend, and Barefoot In The Park.
She also appeared in shows such as The New Mike Hammer, Sledge Hammer! and Chicago Hope.
She starred in the US TV series The Bay from 2010-2022, where she played Sofia Madison.
This earned Jacklyn her fifth Daytime Emmy nomination.
Was Jacklyn Zeman married and did she have any children?
Jacklyn first got hitched in September 1979 to popular DJ Murray Kaufman, also known as Murray the K, which lasted until 1981.
After her short-lived romance, she then went down the aisle a second time in 1985 to marry Steve Gribbin. However, they split in 1986.
The daytime TV legend then wed Glenn Gorden on February 14, 1988, and went on two have two daughters together.
The couple welcomed their first child, Cassidy Zee, on September 16, 1990, before Lacey Rose was born on July 15, 1992.
Jacklyn and Glenn went their separate ways in 2007.
Jacklyn became a grandmother in December 2019 after Cassidy gave birth to her daughter Kennedy Elise MacLeod.
The doting nana joked she had got plenty of practice thanks to having several fur babies in her life and being “a grandma for twenty-five years on TV”.
She was also regarded as a matriarch among her peers on General Hospital, many of whom she counted as close friends.
Did General Hospital pay tribute to Jacklyn Zeman?
Early in 2024, fans will learn that Bobbie has died. The show will also air two episodes honoring the character on January 10 and 11.
The fictional town of Port Charles will come together to pay homage to Bobbie, according to People.
Long-time cast member Laura Wright exclusively told People, “When we shot the memorial, the entire cast was there.”
“And it wasn’t just for Bobbie; it was for Jackie as well,” she continued. “It was about Jackie and everyone was so present… It was like we as a cast got to really say goodbye.”