Jacklyn “Jackie” Zeman, a.k.a. legendary Bobbie Spencer from “General Hospital,” has died at the age of 70
Just weeks before her death, she appeared with her costars looking amazing.
The actress was a single mother of two daughters she considered her greatest blessings, and she enjoyed being a grandmother to two wonderful children.
Jacklyn “Jackie” Zeman was an actress well-known for her role in “General Hospital,” where she cemented her role as the beloved nurse Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer for 45 years.
Before this, the star had a few smaller parts and was a regular on “One Life to Live,” where she played Lana McClain until 1977.
Zeman finally scored her ultimate role in “General Hospital” later that year. On the soap, she played the mother of Laura Wright’s Carly Corinthos, the late B.J. Jones, and Lucas Jones, with her onscreen grandchildren being Eden McCoy’s Josslyn Jacks, Chad Duell’s Michael Corinthos, Donna Corinthos, and the late Bryan Craig’s Morgan Corinthos.
On May 11, 2023, the executive producer of the soap, Frank Valentini, on behalf of the “General Hospital” family, took to his Twitter account to reveal the heartbreaking news that his colleague had passed on at age 70. The producer confessed he was “heartbroken” to announce Zeman’s death. He described as their “beloved.”
Valentini noted that just like her character on the ABC soap opera, Zeman was a “true professional” and “bright light” who brought positive energy to her craft. He also shared a picture of the celebrity during happier times.
The executive producer also mentioned how the actress would be missed, but her “positive spirit” would continue living on with the soap’s crew and cast. He sent his team’s sympathy to Zeman’s family, friends, and loved ones, especially her two daughters, Lacey Rose and Cassidy Zee Gordon.
The “General Hospital” Twitter page also paid tribute to the actress, sharing another image. Describing her as a “beloved member” of both the show and ABC, the tribute also hailed her for her lasting legacy as the bad-girl-turned-heroine who would be remembered for her radiant spirit and kind heart.
Jaime Laurita, chef and television personality, also honored Zeman by sharing a throwback photo of them on Instagram. He confessed to his heart feeling heavy at losing a “sweet” and “talented” friend.
Laurita, who also revealed his friend’s cause of death, said the late star was most well-known as Spencer after appearing on the soap for more than 800 episodes. However, he shared that she was also a co-host on the show, “Make This Place Your Home.”
The chef noted how her family had adored her and how positive she was. He wished her a peaceful rest, thanked her for her love, said he’d miss her kind heart, and lifted her lovingly to the heavens.
Weeks before Zeman’s death, on April 3, 2023, she seemed happy and healthy in a long gorgeous navy blue gown alongside fellow “General Hospital” colleagues at the Nurses Ball. Little did anyone know that would be one of the last events the actress would attend.
One Twitter fan said the celebrities looked “amazing!!” and that Eden McCoy’s dress was “gorgeous.” Another person agreed that all the stars looked “great,” while a third fan described them as “stunning.”
According to Zeman’s family and Laurita, Zeman died after a short battle with cancer. The actress wasn’t married at the time but had a close relationship with her ex-husband and was a doting mother and grandmother.
How Many Times Was Jacklyn Married, and Who Were Her Grandchildren?
Zeman was married thrice throughout her lifetime. Her first husband was Murray Kaufman, also known as Murray the “K.” They tied the knot on February 14, 1979, and didn’t have any children until they divorced in 1981.
The star also married Steve Gribbin on Valentine’s Day in 1985 and they had a short-lived childless union which ended the following year.
On Valentine’s Day again in 1988, Zeman walked down the aisle for the third time with Glenn Gordon. The couple welcomed their daughters before divorcing on June 21, 2007.
Zeman’s first daughter, Cassidy, was born on September 16, 1990, while her younger sister, Lacey, joined the family on July 15, 1992. In an April 2021 Instagram post, their mother posed alongside them, proudly stating:
“Two of my greatest blessings right here.”
Despite divorcing many years ago, the actress and her ex-husband were still amicable as they came together for family pictures. In April 2022, Glenn was featured in his ex-wife’s Instagram photo alongside their daughters and grandchild.
The single mother once revealed that her children “have always made me feel loved and special” during Mother’s Day. She said when they were younger, they spoiled her by bringing her breakfast in bed adorned with roses from their garden and handmade cards!
The mother of two kept their cards and letters in a chest and described them as her “treasures.” She acknowledged how they’d grown but continued adding to her collection and telling her she was the best mother in the world.
The sisters would open up about how they felt about their mother in their notes, and Zeman loved how they openly honored and appreciated her.
She was proud of how much she was loved by her daughters and the “kind, strong, generous, open-hearted women” they’d grown into, adding:
“They are beacons of bright light. Shining spirits. I feel such gratitude for these blessings.”
In her prayers, Zeman also thanked her mother and grandmothers for what they’d shared with and given her. The actress no longer had her parents around, but she frequently honored them through her social media posts.
She also promised to be the best mother and “Gramie Jackie” to Cassidy’s daughter, Kennedy, who is lucky to be surrounded by a lot of tender loving care from the family.
Sadly, the proud grandma, who welcomed her second grandchild in January 2022, didn’t make it to this year’s Mother’s Day celebrations after her sudden passing. But the response after her death was one filled with love.
During last year’s Father’s Day celebrations, Zeman honored her late father by posting a throwback photo of him. In her caption, she revealed he was an honest, wise, trustworthy, and kind person whom one could rely on to do the right thing.
The actress revealed how much she respected and admired her father’s “impeccable core values” and that he was a wonderful husband to her mother and the best father to her and her sisters. She recalled him giving her special attention and loving his family as a unit and as individuals.
On April 5, 2023, the actress’ fans saw her looking healthy and happy…
Her father made everyone feel unique and valued and provided well for the family, something Zeman was grateful for as she thought of him daily. She concluded her message by saying she would always love her father.
For Mother’s Day, she also shared a throwback Instagram image of her late mom and confessed to thinking of her daily and missing her presence, though she felt her open heart and spirit in her heart and soul.
Zeman showed gratitude for the unconditional love and beauty her mother gave her and her siblings and noted how she felt the same for her children and family.
Barely a year later, fans got a glimpse of a healthy-looking and happy Zeman in an Instagram video celebrating”General Hospital’s” 60th anniversary. In the clip she shared, she thanked the fans who watched the show and declared her love for them.
Following her death, a follower replied to the post saying the star “will be so missed” before thanking her for the years of entertainment. “Rest in paradise,” the fan added.
Actress Rita Sehmi also paid tribute to Zeman, noting how “General Hospital” would never be the same without her and she would “be dearly missed.”
Zeman’s death also took others by surprise. One follower thought the news was “devastating,” especially since “General Hospital’s” Sonya Eddy had just passed away too in 2022.
Judging from all the comments that poured in from colleagues and fans, Zeman was a fan favorite whose loss left a lot of hearts broken. May she rest in peace.
