General Hospital icon Jacklyn Zeman passed away yesterday, May 10, after a short battle with cancer, leaving the soap world shocked and devastated. While her fans are understandably shocked and grief-stricken, so too are her GH coworkers.
GH Stars Grieve Jacklyn Zeman
Within minutes of the news of her death breaking, past and present co-stars took to social media to share their love for and memories of this beloved long-time star who celebrated 45 years as Barbara Jean ‘Bobbie’ Spencer in December. Below is just a sampling of some of the outpouring of love for a soap opera icon.
Sarah Joy Brown, who originated the role of Bobbie’s daughter Carly and played her from 1996-2001, sent out condolences to Zeman’s loved ones, saying, “My earliest memories of my time on General Hospital involve [Jackie Zeman] loving on & mothering me, gently guiding me toward success, where she felt so at home. Beautiful Queen, inside & out. I know everyone who loved her is devastated. My love to her girls, fam, work fam & fans.”
Marc Anthony Samuel (Felix) recently shared Nurses Ball scenes with Zeman, sharing a photo of himself and other GH nurses at the event, and said: “So stunned to just learn of Jackie’s passing. She was such a talented and lovely person and legend who never ceased to make us laugh, and smile. We will miss you!”
Longtime GH star Tristan Rogers remembered Zeman as one of his first real-life Port Charles friends when he first started playing Robert Scorpio in 1981 and remembered their time on both GH and The Bay.
“Jackie Z was the first person I really got to know back on GH in ‘81. We did many pa’s together, and they were always great. She was always the perfect partner. Much later, we worked on The Bay. And now I’ll never be able to work with her again. Her spark has gone. By babe,” Rogers tweeted.
John J. York (Mac) was stunned to hear the news and tweeted how shocked and heartbroken he was with these words: “OH MY, I AM SHOCKED AND SOOO VERY SAD! Jackie Zeman is a LEGEND!!! So many wonderful memories, both personal and professional. Her SPARKLE will be present o General Hospital FOREVER…”
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A saddened Jon Lindstrom (Kevin) could barely make sense of the news of Zeman’s death when the entertainment world started learning what happened. He tweeted: “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.”
Kathleen Gati (Liesl) also sent her sympathies to Zeman’s loved ones, saying: “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.”
Lydia Look is a relative newcomer to GH as Selina Wu, but shared a piece of advice Jacklyn Zeman had given her: “‘Don’t give away your days, they are yours.’ Thank you [Jackie Zeman], I will always remember that.”
There was a time when Zeman and Rick Springfield were an on-screen pair as Bobbie and Noah Drake. Springfield took to Twitter and shared some old photos of them during his GH days, saying, “Incredibly stunned to hear of [Jackie Zeman] Jackie’s passing. Such a truly kind soul with no touch of the diva and only sweet things to say about everyone. Love to your spirit as it ascends, sweet girl. You left your mark on many of us, and you will not be forgotten. Xo.”
Yvette Nicole Brown is a longtime GH fan who also recently appeared on the soap as the woman Epiphany saved just before she died. She was thrilled to meet Zeman that day and tweeted: “I am stunned. We just met when I did [General Hospital] to honor [Sonya Eddy]. She saw me in the hallways marveling at the #GH sign — I couldn’t believe I was actually there. I turned, saw her & immediately fan-girled. I’ve loved her all my life. She was lovely.”
Greg Vaughan played Bobbie’s nephew Lucky Spencer from 2003-2009, and paid tribute to his on-screen aunt, saying, “Such a light of love has been lost, but I know has gained her wings as the Angel that she was! Incredible woman with a smile that made you smile & so honored to have worked with her! GBYA. Aunt Jackie.”
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