General Hospital Star Jackie Zeman Celebrates Incredible Milestone

Soap fans have loved Jacklyn Zeman ever since she debuted on General Hospital back in 1978. Last year, she celebrated four decades in Port Charles. Now, she has something special to celebrate once more!

It’s Zeman’s birthday today, as she was born on March 6, 1953.

Zeman was fresh off a stint as sympathetic Lana on One Life to Live when she landed the Douglas Marland-created role of Barbara Jean Spencer. Before she was a nurse, Bobbie had had a stint in Florida working for her Aunt Ruby (the late, great Norma Connolly) as a prostitute.

Bobbie came back to Port Charles to study nursing. Her passion for law student Scotty Baldwin (Kin Shriner) pitted her against Laura (Genie Francis) and GH’s ratings soared!

Zeman brought humanity to scheming Bobbie — no matter how many times she wanted Laura shipped off to reform school, viewers still loved her (or loved to hate her) because she was fighting to better herself.

Over the years, the character grew, marrying many times. Her most memorable storylines include the death of her stepdaughter B.J. (Brighton Hertford), the dissolution of her marriage to Tony (Brad Maule), and finding her long-lost daughter Carly (Laura Wright).

Zeman, a native of Englewood, New Jersey studies dance at New York University. She also worked as a Playboy Bunny at the Playboy Club!

Married three times, Zeman has two daughters, Cassidy and Lacey Rose.

The actress has been nominated for four Daytime Emmys (1980, 1995, 1997, and 1998.) In addition to her role as Bobbie, Zeman plays Sofia in the Emmy-winning web series The Bay and as Mo in the web series Misguided.

Soap Hub joins Zeman’s family, friends, and fans in wishing her the happiest of birthdays and many happy returns!

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. Check local listings for air times.