Jacklyn Zeman dead aged 70: General Hospital legend passes away as cause of death remains

The soap opera world is in mourning with the news that longtime General Hospital star Jacklyn Zeman has passed away.

Her passing was first announced by General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini Wednesday evening on Twitter.

‘On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman,’ Valentini began. 

‘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,’ he added.

Valentini continued in another tweet, ‘Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew.’

R.I.P.: The soap opera world is in mourning with the news that longtime General Hospital star Jacklyn Zeman has passed away

Passing: Valentini continued in another tweet, ‘Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew’

‘We send our heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones, friends, and family, especially her daughters Cassidy and Lacey,’ Valentini concluded.

ABC Entertainment and General Hospital also released a separate statement following Zeman’s passing.

‘Jacklyn Zeman has been a beloved member of the General Hospital and ABC family since she originated the iconic role of Bobbie Spencer over 45 years ago,’ the statement began.

‘She leaves behind a lasting legacy for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of the bad girl turned heroine and will always be remembered for her kind heart and radiant spirit,’ the statement continued. 

‘We are devastated by the news of her passing, and send our deepest condolences to Jackie’s family, friends and loved ones,’ the statement concluded.

Jacklyn Zeman was born March 6, 1953 in Englewood, New Jersey to Rita Zeman-Rohlman, a magazine supervisor, and Richard S. Zeman, a systems engineer.

She began training for classical ballet at just 5 years of age, completing her high school education at just 15 and attended New York University on scholarship to study dance.

Zeman also briefly served as a Playboy Bunny in a Playboy Club in 1972 before starting her acting career in earnest.

Statement: ABC Entertainment and General Hospital also released a separate statement following Zeman’s passing

Beloved: ‘Jacklyn Zeman has been a beloved member of the General Hospital and ABC family since she originated the iconic role of Bobbie Spencer over 45 years ago,’ the statement began

Early years: Jacklyn Zeman was born March 6, 1953 in Englewood, New Jersey to Rita Zeman-Rohlman, a magazine supervisor, and Richard S. Zeman, a systems engineer

General Hospital: She played Lana McLain for 49 episodes before landing the Bobbie Spencer role on General Hospital in 1977

She had small roles in The Edge of the Night and The Day That Music Died before landing her first soap opera role on One Life to Live in 1976.

She played Lana McLain for 49 episodes before landing the Bobbie Spencer role on General Hospital in 1977.

Zeman appeared in 880 episodes of the soap opera and appeared on a regular basis until 2010.

She received four Daytime Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Bobbie Spencer (three supporting nominations, one lead actress role).

She also appeared in shows like Sledge Hammer, Chicago Hope and most recently played Sofia Madison in The Bay.

Zeman is survived by daughters Cassidy Zee Gorden and Lacey Rose Gorden.