The entertainment world is currently mourning the loss of actress Jacklyn Zeman, who played Bobbie Spencer for 45 years on ABC’s “General Hospital.”
The star sadly passed away after a short battle with cancer, her family confirmed Wednesday. The news of her death was first announced by the show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini. She was 70 years old.
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“I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Jackie Zeman,” he wrote on Twitter. “Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and a true professional that brought so much positive energy with her work. 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,” he added in a follow-up tweet.
Speaking on her passing, ABC Entertainment and “General Hospital” also released a statement stating, “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. 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. We are devastated by the news of her passing, and send our deepest condolences to Jackie’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
More On Jacklyn Zeman
Born in New Jersey on March 6, 1953, Zeman attended New York University to study dance, but switched to acting with her first gig coming on “The Edge of Night” in 1976. That same year, she received a lengthy spot on “One Life to Live,” appearing in more than 40 episodes.
She joined “General Hospital” in 1977 as Barbara Jean, who went by Bobbie, — the sassy younger sister of Anthony Geary’s Luke Spencer. She appeared in more than 800 episodes over nearly 50 years.
Beloved Zeman is survived by her two daughters, Cassidy and Lacey.
This news comes just a month after news about Lance Reddick, a veteran actor known for his performance as Cedric Daniels on “The Wire” and for his work in the “John Wick” franchise, elwho also passed away.
The beloved actor’s immediate cause of death was listed as ischemic heart disease as well as atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Per the death certificate, it also says Reddick was cremated.
He had been promoting the John Wick 4 release, in which he reprised his role as Charon, a role he had played since the franchise started in 2014 around that time. However, LAPD told outlets that they “responded to a medical emergency call” in the Valley Village-North Hollywood.
His rep later confirmed the news in a statement, “He is survived by his wife Stephanie Reddick and children Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick. Donations in his memory can be made to momcares.org in Baltimore, his hometown. Lance will be greatly missed. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time.”