IN MEMORIAM: Friends and family remember “positive, happy, warm and loving spirit” Jacklyn Zeman
Friends, family, and fans have been taking to social media to lovingly remember the life of Jackie Zeman. The General Hospital actress passed away this week at age 70.
Rocked by the sudden passing of long-time General Hospital favorite Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie Spencer), the daytime community is taking to social media to remember the beloved friend and actress. Here is a sampling of some of the thoughts and memories being shared.
Zeman’s family released a statement on social media, calling Zeman a “positive, happy, warm and loving spirit.” They thanked fans for the “outpouring of love and support.”
“There are few words that will do justice to the incredible life our mama lived. Her positive, happy, warm and loving spirit touched all those that were lucky enough to know her, watch her and love her. She was a loving mother and gramie, a talented actress, and a fiercely loyal friend — all of which brought joy to her life. She gets to continue to create beauty in this world as a real angel now. Her memory and love continues to live on, in and around us.
“The outpouring of love and support is a true testament to the impact and lasting legacy she made. We feel so much gratitude and appreciation for all the support we have received. Our hope is for the world to continue to share stories, laughs and celebrate love in her honor.”
Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer), who has been relatively low-profile since retiring from General Hospital in 2017, released a statement about the death of his on-screen sister.
“For 40 years, I was fortunate enough to play Jackie Zeman’s big brother on General Hospital. In all those years, I never heard her utter one disparaging word about any actor, crew member, or co-worker. In fact, I never heard Jackie express an unkind word about anyone, ever.”
Geary said in the statement. “In a highly competitive profession where ego, feelings, and emotions are bread and butter, I’ve found this quality to be extremely rare. I expect it will be even more rare now that dear Jackie is gone. She was quite simply one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever known. I will miss her laugh, and the deep, soulful look in her eyes whenever she expressed the love and pride she had in her two lovely daughters. Tonight, l already miss her, and feel a powerful ache where Jackie’s smile used to be.”
“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,” Kathleen Gati (Liesl Obrecht) wrote.
“An absolute legend. I loved hearing her stories about the show in the 70s & 80s,” Parry Shen (Brad Cooper) shared. “Always so kind & down to earth. You will be so missed, Jackie. Condelences to her daughters, family & legions of fans who have loved Bobbie Spencer for decades.”
“I just heard of Jackie Zeman’s passing late tonight. This is going to take me a minute to process. I can’t believe such a life force as hers has left. Her family and close friends must be absolutely devastated. Please hold them in your hearts,” Jon Lindstrom (Kevin Collins) posted.
Rick Springfield, who played Zeman’s on-screen love interest Noah Drake, released a statement on her death, stating that he was “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.”
Other General Hospital cast mates struggled to find the words to express their grief.
Zeman’s acting family extended beyond the city limits of Port Charles, New York. The Bay, a streaming series that earned Zeman an Emmy nomination, also mourns her death.
“The Bay Family mourns the loss of our beloved @JackieZeman. A bright light who will be loved and remembered fondly. An icon who brought the role of Southern Belle Sofia Madison and all of the roles she portrayed to life with such grace. Rest in Peace beautiful Friend,” the Emmy-winning series The Bay shared on its social media feeds.
The Bay creator Gregori J. Martin added, “My dear sweet beautiful friend. I can’t put in words how terribly saddened I am by the devastating news of your loss. I adored working with you and even after a decade of wonderful work together it still always felt like we were only scratching the surface. We had so many great conversations and exciting plans for our beloved Sofia who you brought to life so perfectly, so beautifully. Thank you for always being such a shimmering light and true joy to write for and work with. Thank you for being so loyal to The Bay and bringing such a pleasant vibe to set and every function we gathered at. It will never be the same with out you my beautiful Jackie. Will miss your heart, your talents, and will forever hold on to all the sweet memories. You are loved by all of us and will be incredibly missed. Sending my deepest condolences to your beautiful daughters and grandchildren. Sleep in Peace my dear friend.”
The Young and the Restless also extended condolences on the show’s Twitter account.
“Everyone at Y&R sends our condolences to Jackie’s daughters, fans and to her GH Family. Both Jackie and Bobbie’ will be sorely missed,” the CBS soap shared.
Former GH head writer Michele Val Jean remarked, “So hard to believe I’ll never see this spirit again. You rest well, my friend. Heaven shines a little brighter now. I miss you already.”
Long-time soap journalist Michael Logan recalled Zeman’s giggle and loving heart. “RIP Jackie Zeman, a vivacious, magical actress who was sunshine personified and always a kick in the pants as General Hospital’s Nurse Bobbie Spencer. I will miss her fabulous giggle, her loving heart, her ability to make every single moment MATTER. Farewell, dear one.”
Soap Central GH Two Scoops Tamilu columnist added, “I am crushed to learn that Jackie Zeman passed away. It took my breath away. I have watched her for decades. My heart hurts. Rest in Peace beautiful lady.” You can read her tribute to Zeman in this week’s column