Jacklyn Zeman, Actress Who Played Bobbie Spencer on ‘General Hospital’ Is Dead
According to a sad report verified by credible sources, actress Jacklyn Zeman, known for playing Bobbie Spencer on ABC’s General Hospital, has died, aged 70.
Zeman’s passing was announced by General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini on social media on Wednesday night.
“On behalf of our General Hospital family, 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,” Valentini tweeted.
A statement posted to the official General Hospital Twitter account said, “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.”
The statement continued, “We are devastated by the news of her passing, and send our deepest condolences to Jackie’s family, friends and loved ones.”
No cause of death or further details were provided.
Jacklyn Zeman biography
Zeman was born to a Jewish household in Englewood, New Jersey. Rita Zeman-Rohlman, a magazine editor, and Richard S. Zeman, a systems engineer, are her parents. She was born and raised in Bergenfield, New Jersey, and graduated from Bergenfield High School at the age of 15.
She then attended New York University on a scholarship to study dance. In 1972, she worked as a Playboy Bunny at the Playboy Club. Before gaining a series regular role as Lana McClain in the ABC daytime serial opera One Life to Live from 1976 to 1977, Zeman appeared in a number of lesser roles.
She was hired as Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer later that year for the sister-soap General Hospital, where she continued to appear regularly until 2010.
For her part, Zeman was nominated for one Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Zeman began making frequent appearances on General Hospital in 2013.
