In the wake of the tragic news of the passing of GH’s Jacklyn Zeman (ex-Bobbie) from cancer, colleagues past and present paid tribute to her on social media. Zeman’s daughters, Cassidy and Lacey Rose, posted the following on their mother’s social media accounts: “There are few words that will do justice to the incredible life our mama lived. Her positive, happy, warm and loving spirit touched all those that were lucky enough to know her, watch her and love her. She was a loving mother and gramie, a talented actress, and a fiercely loyal friend – all of which brought joy to her life. She gets to continue to create beauty in this world as a real angel now. Her memory and love continues to live on, in and around us. The outpouring of love and support is a true testament to the impact and lasting legacy she made. We feel so much gratitude and appreciation for all the support we have received. Our hope is for the world to continue to share stories, laughs and celebrate love in her honor. In her own words: ‘Girls, I have lived a wonderful life.’ While she had many admirable qualities, her greatest of all was to always find the good and inspire others to do the same. We are heartbroken but will keep smiling and continue on to make her proud and honor her memory. We always have and always will be together forever mama. We have such immense and deep love for you.”
Réal Andrews (Taggert): “We lost an absolute legend…My heart is broken 😞 Jackie is such a light and a powerful force always had the time to make time and I will never forget her smile 😊 Till we see each other again Jackie…I love ❤️ ❤️❤️ #abc #generalhospital #generalhospitalabc”
Maurice Benard (Sonny): “This hit me really hard, a gut punch.I think because Jackie was such a sweet, delicate soul. And I got to know her really well in the later years, I just loved her spirit I keep telling people life is not fair, we just have to except what is. I will miss you, Jackie we all will✝️”
Tamara Braun (ex-Carly): “I don’t have the words. This shocks and hurts too much for words. I want to hug you. Laugh with you. Share stories. Talk real talk because that’s what we did. I can not believe this is true. How is this true? I don’t have the words right now. I’m heartbroken. My love is with you and your beautiful Cassidy and Lacey, your beautiful grand babies, your fur babies and everyone who was lucky enough to know your heart and love. No words to do you justice. This really hurts. I love you. I cannot believe this. #love”
Sarah Brown (ex-Carly): “My earliest memories of my time on General Hospital involve @JackieZeman 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💔”
Yvette Nicole Brown (ex-Visitor): “I am stunned. We just met when I did @GeneralHospital to honor @SonyaEddy[ex-Epiphany]. She saw me in the hallway 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. #RIPJackieZeman”
Ian Buchanan (ex-Duke): “Dearest Jackie. Always a Joy.💔💔💔”
Steve Burton (ex-Jason): “Well, hate to even be posting about this. 💔Another reminder of how precious life is and to hug the ones you love and stay present.
Jackie Z. What an awesome lady. So sweet. She was one of the veterans that when I came on, welcomed me with open arms. For that I’ll always be grateful..I never saw her in a bad mood despite life’s challenges. Her energy was incredible. She always asked how I was and what was happening in my life. Always made time. We had Malibu in common.. anytime someone mentioned Malibu I would think of her..she lived out there and I would surf there a lot so we would talk about that… ❤️ thank you Jackie for your example. Legend. So sweet and kind. My prayers are with your family.
RIP Jackie Zeman 🙏🏻🕊️❤️”
Tyler Christopher (ex-Nikolas): “What a beautiful soul that will be missed here on earth. Jackie was one of my first mentors in General Hospital. She was a warm woman with a witty sense of humor. She embraced life. Sad day.”
William deVry (ex-Julian): “Devastated to hear the horrible news of #JackieZeman ‘s passing. Too much bad news coming out of #GeneralHospital these days. Very very sad & hard to believe.”
Risa Dorken (Amy): “We all loved @JackieZeman She was so special, caring & full of light. I’ll cherish our conversations about life, acting, and how to be a nurse in Port Charles. She was incredible, and had the biggest heart. Sending my love to her family, friends + gh fans.”
Genie Francis (Laura): “Beautiful, beautiful Jackie. This was way too soon.”
Kathleen Gati (Obrecht): “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. ❤️”
Anthony Geary (ex-Luke) via TVLine: “For 40 years, I was fortunate enough to play Jackie Zeman’s big brother on General Hospital. In all those years, I never heard her utter one disparaging word about any actor, crew member, or co-worker. In fact, I never heard Jackie express an unkind word about anyone, ever. In a highly competitive profession where ego, feelings, and emotions are bread and butter, I’ve found this quality to be extremely rare. I expect it will be even more rare now that dear Jackie is gone. She was quite simply one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever known. I will miss her laugh, and the deep, soulful look in her eyes whenever she expressed the love and pride she had in her two lovely daughters. Tonight, l already miss her, and feel a powerful ache where Jackie’s smile used to be.”
Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis): “As completely shocking and unexpected as the news was last night for the cast and crew of General Hospital, I would imagine it was equally shocking to those of you who grew up with or alongside Jackie as you watched her realize the iconic character, Bobbie Spencer, who so many became invested in for so long. To all of you, I send my condolences. I will only add that after having the privilege of knowing Jackie for some 40 yrs, this well lived and loved woman is well worth all of our tears, and then… nothing but upbeat thoughts. The happy place was where Jackie resided in life and I’ve no doubt wherever she is now. Thinking of Jackie Z, her sweet girls Lacey & Cassidy, & all of you. NLG”
Carolyn Hennesy (Diane): “To say that Jackie was a class act is in understatement. Flawless couture, beautiful, funny as hell, sardonic in the best possible way, PRO-fessional…just a few of her brilliances. Oh, did I mention she was one helluva actress? No? Well she was. This woman was and is a legend. She will be missed something fierce. Death, they say, comes in threes. GH has, in the last what?…six…months or so…had its full share of death. Our beloved Sonya Eddy, then our ROCK, N’neka Garland, and now this. Yes, we’re a soap…but our grief is usually scripted for your entertainment. This is something different…this is a frying pan to our collective face. This is the rack. You’ll never know, onscreen, that we’re all messed up by this wretched series of events…we are also professional. But this is something I’m not certain we, collectively, know how to process. Only time will tell. My love to Jackie Zeman, and her beautiful family. My God give you strength and may you find moments of serenity in the coming days until your days are once again serene.”
Lynn Herring (Lucy): “I do not have any words I can say that explain my respect and love for Jackie so all I seem to be able to do is read and reread and share the overwhelming outpouring for @JackieZeman ”
Finola Hughes (Anna): “💔 my deepest condolences to Cassidy & Lacey 🕊️”
Sean Kanan (ex-AJ; Deacon, B&B) “Truly saddened to have learned that Jackie Zeman passed. She was always so kind to me. She will be missed by so many people. My deepest condolences for her family, friends and legions of fans. RIP Jackie. #JackieZeman #GH“
Wally Kurth (Ned): “I am so sad to hear of the sudden passing of @JackieZeman. She was so generous and kind. I adored her. My heart goes out to her family, especially her beautiful daughters. The GH studio will miss her radiant smile ❤️🙏🏼❤️”
Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle): “@jacklyn.zeman was a rockstar. A total legend. I remember… Laura invited Jackie, Hayley and I out to Long Island for a fan event and we were lucky enough to hear some of the most incredible stories of her early days in the business, even before the soaps. And my god, working with her was such a joy. She was fearless. I’ll treasure those memories forever. Jackie’s spirit was unlike anyone I’ve ever met. She was ferociously kind, always upbeat, and her laugh was so delightfully infectious. I can’t believe this. What a terrific human being who took so many of us under her wing. I’ll never forget my time spent with her. How lucky we all were to have been given time with her. My heart breaks. Sending my deepest love to her daughters, Cassidy and Lacey.”
Jon Lindstrom: (Kevin): “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. @JackieZeman #RIP @GeneralHospital”
William Lipton (Cameron): I’m heartbroken…my deepest condolences to Jackie’s family ❤️”
Lisa LoCicero (Olivia): “We love you Jackie.. We miss you already.. 💔”
A Martinez (ex-Roy): “An icon has passed. The great Jackie Zeman, who graced Port Charles for decades as Bobbie Spencer on @GeneralHospitalABC –– has left her earthly burdens behind. I had the privilege of working beside Jackie back in the day, and her wisdom and common sense left marks on me that I’ll carry until my own time comes. Have been thinking a lot lately about the high quality of her recent work on @TheBay –– no hint of a decline in her precision and spirit as the soulfully clairvoyant Sofia. But then, this is what we would expect from someone as thoroughly devoted to the craft as this wonderful woman always was. A huge embrace going out today to Jackie’s family, and to all who’ve loved her over the course of her long and graceful journey. @jacklyn.zeman #talentclassandkindness”
Sofia Mattsson (Sasha): “RIP Just a few weeks ago Jackie was so excitingly trying to help me come up with a name for my soon to be born daughter. I will forever cherish that last moment with her. My condolences to all her friends, family and fans @JackieZeman@GeneralHospital”
Eden McCoy (Josslyn): “Jackie was the first person I spoke to when I walked on set to film my very first scene. I was so nervous, but she soothed me with hugs as she introduced herself. Thank you for all that you were to me & so many. Love you now & forever. My condolences to her beautiful family”
Kimberly McCullough (ex-Robin): “Jackie Z as we called her. Always the most professional one on set. Always with a positive attitude. Always asking about every one else’s lives, happy to share her own (how much she loved her daughters, how much she loved Malibu.) Laughed with her whole body and soul. You will be missed. RIP ❤️”
Stephen Nichols (ex-Stefan; Steve, DAYS): “Dear, sweet Jackie. It is so very sad to hear of her passing. She was a gentle, kind soul. Jackie loved her work and always brought joy and laughter to everyone around her. Sending love to all who loved her. ♥️”
Wendy Riche (Former GH Executive Producer): “I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my dear friend Jackie Zeman & filled with gratitude for loving times we had together personally & General Hospital & The Bay. Jackie always spread joy wherever she was I cherish every moment we shared .profound devastating loss.”
Tristan Rogers (Robert): “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. Bye babe.”
Emma Samms (Holly): “I’m heartbroken by the news that we have lost Jackie Zeman. She was a wonderfully skilled actress but it was her kind heart that made us love her. My heart goes out to her family whom I know was immensely proud of”
Marc Anthony Samuel (Felix): “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!”
Charles Shaughnessy (ex-Victor): “I was a fan when I watched GH from the lunch room at work in a fabric wholesaler in 1983. Then I got to work with her and again just recently. A genuinely lovely, kind, thoughtful person and a legendary daytime star. RIP sweet Jackie Z.”
Parry Shen (Brad): “An absolute legend. I loved hearing her stories about the show in the 70s & 80s. Always so kind & down to earth.You will be so missed, Jackie. Condelences to her daughters, family & legions of fans who have loved Bobbie Spencer for decades.”
Rena Sofer (ex-Lois): “I am so saddened by the loss of @jacklyn.zeman I was so fortunate to be a part of @generalhospitalabc during our golden Era of Claire Labine and Wendy Riche being at the helm. One of the greatest stories ever told was BJ’s heart. Jackie was inspirational in her role and her work was heartbreaking and breathtaking. You will be sorely missed Jackie! All my condolences to her daughters and family. 💔”
Rick Springfield (ex-Noah): “Incredibly stunned and broken hearted to hear of Jackie’s passing. Such a truly kind soul with no touch of the diva and only sweet things to say about everyone. She was the one (along with executive producer Gloria Monty) who helped launch my ‘80s acting career when after the General Hospital screen test, along with several other hopeful young men, Gloria asked Jackie who she thought would make a good Noah Drake and God bless her if Jackie didn’t say me. Love to your spirit as it ascends sweet girl. You left your mark on many of us and you will not be forgotten. Xo ❤️”
John Stamos (ex-Blackie): “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 place in my heart, and her memory will continue to inspire me. XO”
Donnell Turner (Curtis): “An Angel on and especially off-screen. Thank you Queen, you will always be loved, and never forgotten. RIP🙏🏾💐😭”
Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky; Eric, DAYS): “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 #GH #JackieZeman #BobbieSpencer”
Kristina Wagner (Felicia): “I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend, Jackie Zeman. We were pregnant at the same time. Our children played together often. There were trips to the GH studio, birthday parties, playdates, and beach days. It was magical. My heart aches for her daughters. #RIPJackieZeman“
Laura Wright (Carly): “I’m struggling to wrap my head around this -I’m so grateful to have shared so many years with this beautiful woman. Jackie told the best stories-she had an INCREDIBLE spirit and she lived such an amazing life. She loved working on GH -she adored her daughters and lit up when talking about her grandchildren – saying she will be missed is an understatement – thank you Jackie for sharing your heart and soul with all of us. Much love to Cassidy and Lacey ❤️ #nurseBobbie #BobbieCarly #Spencerwomen”
John J. York (Mac) “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…”
Martha Byrne (ex-Lily, AS THE WORLD TURNS): “Truly heartbroken about the passing of @JackieZeman@GeneralHospital was the first show I fell in love with in the 80s. I loved Jackie and @kinshriner and@GenieFrancis Legends. Period. Thank you Jackie for all the joy you brought to my life.”
Kate Linder (Esther, Y&R): “#iamheartbroken @JackieZeman #willalwaysbemissed #sokind #sotalented #howfotunateIamtohaveknownher”
Mike Manning (ex-Charlie, DAYS): “Jackie Zeman was one of the kindest people I had ever met and worked with. She was truly loved by so many, a light and a joy. Her passion was contagious and her smile was genuine. She will be missed. 🙏🏼😢@jacklyn.zeman @thebaytheseries @generalhospitalabc #RIP”
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R): “This is a great loss. I had been a fan of @jacklyn.zeman since I was a girl watching her play Lana on #OLTL she was gritty, sexy, dark and complex (Lana). I wanted to do what she was doing (Jackie). Then she of course came to #GH I was memoized by her there. Jackie was so sweet and caring but tough. Tough in the greatest way. I told her I had been a fan since Lana and she laughed and told me some stories 🙂 I don’t think she knew I was a super fan. I kept it to myself. Ha! I didn’t want to freak her out. My love goes out to her family. My love also goes out to her #GH family who I consider my family still. GH has had some significant loss in the last year. It’s hard. It takes a toll. To lose people you love so much, ya know? I care and love you guys at GH and am sending you love. Healing love. It was my pleasure to know this woman and call her a peer. Little did I know as I watched her tear it up on a daily bases on #OLTL that I would one day share a stage with her. What an honor indeed ❤️ RIP BEAUTY”
Kristos Andrews (Pete, THE BAY): “Some people in our lives are so clearly a bright shining light. They enter the room and you feel the everyday human complications fade into a back seat because she already mastered putting that aside, as she leads with light, joy, kindness and love. I am so grateful we’ve been able to be as close as we’ve been for the last 12 years. She truly kept me motivated and inspired in my work; in the beautiful scenes we’ve had together, and beyond that, finding a place of depth within one another on which to connect continually; I’m so fortunate to have had her as family through the years. Always directly uplifting, encouraging and caring. Never faltered from her beautiful essence. I am so heartbroken that we have suffered such a loss. So sudden, and so heartbreaking. I am in shock, as most all of us are I am sure. This is a very tough one to process and get through. The angels we have on Earth. Eventually they go to heaven; the next realm. We never know when this will occur. Let Jackie be our beacon of inspiration in always leading with the light force we have within us. Until reunion may be possible in another realm. You will be missed beyond what words could ever describe. I love you so much Jackie.”
Gregori J. Martin (Executive Producer of THE BAY) “My dear sweet beautiful friend. I can’t put in words how terribly saddened I am by the devastating news of your loss. I adored working with you and even after a decade of wonderful work together it still always felt like we were only scratching the surface. We had so many great conversations and exciting plans for our beloved Sofia who you brought to life so perfectly, so beautifully. Thank you for always being such a shimmering light and true joy to write for and work with. Thank you for being so loyal to The Bay and bringing such a pleasant vibe to set and every function we gathered at. It will never be the same with out you my beautiful Jackie. Will miss your heart, your talents, and will forever hold on to all the sweet memories. You are loved by all of us and will be incredibly missed. Sending my deepest condolences to your beautiful daughters and grandchildren. Sleep in Peace my dear friend 💔 @jacklyn.zeman #sofiamadison @thebaytheseries”
