Jackie Zeman was one of a bunch of actors brought into the ABC soap opera “General Hospital” around 1977 to liven things up. They were all so popular they stayed, coming and going but always returning. Most of them are still on the show now.
Zeman passed away Wednesday at age 70 after a short battle with cancer, accordingto ABC.. She played nurse Bobbi Spencer, who was a major part of the show for four decades. Unlike a lot of scene chewers on daytime TV, Zeman had a light touch that endeared her to fans. She started out as a bad girl but became a heroine in the 1990s. Along the way she picked up four Daytime Emmy nominations.
Zeman was married three times, and had two daughters with her third husband. But I always thought it was cool that her first husband, from 1979 to 1981, was Murray the K aka Murray Kaufman, one of the most famous radio disc jockeys of the early rock and roll era. He was 31 years her senior. I’m sorry she didn’t get to write a book about that, the best of all her soap opera plots, no doubt.
Zeman’s real life death is in stark contrast to a soap opera death. On those shows characters often “die” only to return via science fiction like stories. A real death of an actor and a character is harder to take. Reality sucks.
Condolences to Zeman’s leagues of fans, her friends, and family.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the talented and beloved actress, @JackieZeman I recall the wonderful times we spent working together on General Hospital. Her warm personality and infectious energy always brightened my day. Jackie will forever hold a special… pic.twitter.com/MdV65RC6xT
— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) May 11, 2023
On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman. 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. pic.twitter.com/DxGdjYavab
— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) May 11, 2023
