Denise Alexander, a former star of the long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” is paying a heartfelt tribute to her beloved castmate, Jacklyn Zeman, who sadly passed away on May 9 after a brief battle with cancer. Zeman’s untimely death occurred just three days following her 70th birthday and less than two weeks after her final appearance on “General Hospital,” an episode that aired on April 27.
“Dear daughter, I can’t stop crying because I keep hearing your voice and laughing. I have always loved and cherished your sweetness, humor, brilliance, and lovely goodness. The finest embraces, too. I will always love you. Denise,” Alexander penned in a brief letter that was first made available by Soap Hub on May 15. Since she created the enduring character of Bobbie Spencer more than 45 years ago, Jacklyn Zeman has been a cherished member of the “General Hospital” and ABC families. She will always be remembered for her Emmy-nominated performance as the villain who became a heroine.
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… pic.twitter.com/iFQpoKb72b
— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 11, 2023
As Dr. Lesley Webber, Denise Alexander joined the General Hospital cast in 1973. Jacklyn Zeman didn’t join the cast as Nurse Bobbie Spencer until 1977. Up until Jacklyn’s untimely death on May 9, Denise and Jacklyn developed a close friendship both on and off camera. Alexander wasn’t the only former castmate to pay tribute to Zeman. Anthony Geary, who played Just a few days after the star’s passing, on May 11, Luke Spencer, who played him in the show, gave TVLine an exclusive message. For more than 40 years, Zeman’s character had Geary’s character as a big brother.
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“I never once overheard her speak ill of any actor, crew member, or colleague. In reality, Jackie never once spoke ill of someone in front of me. I’ve discovered this quality to be incredibly uncommon in a highly competitive industry where ego, feelings, and emotions are the lifeblood,” Geary wrote. Frank Valentini, a soap opera executive producer, first revealed her passing. She was “a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy to work,” he said, adding that while she would be sorely missed, her upbeat attitude will never be forgotten. The Rest of Her ‘General Hospital’ Family Pays Tribute to Jacklyn Zeman As word of the late actor’s passing spread online, condolences to Jacklyn Zeman began to pour in large numbers. Her General Hospital TV family mourned the 70-year-old with praise for her generosity and upbeat outlook, even on her worst days. For all time, her legacy will be cherished. “I’m very happy that I got to spend so much time with this lovely woman. Jackie had the best stories to tell, a contagious spirit, and such a remarkable life. In the soap serial “General Hospital,” Laura Wright, who played Carly Spencer, Zeman’s daughter, commented on Instagram that she “loved working on [General Hospital].” Wright took over Carly’s role before Tamara Braun, who played Carly, joined Tamara Braun in praising Zeman. “I am at a loss for words. This hurts and disturbs me beyond words. I wish to embrace you. Join us in our laughter. Tell stories. Talk authentically because that’s what we did, Braun urged in her own Instagram eulogy. Remembering Sarah Joy Brown, the first actress to play Zeman’s daughter on General Hospital, is important. Beautiful both inside and out, queen. Everyone who cared for her is saddened, I know that. Love to her girls, family, coworkers, and admirers,” she wrote in a Twitter tribute, attributing her success to Zeman.
Jacklyn Zeman’s life and career were marked by her remarkable talent, her boundless kindness, and her unwavering positivity. Her legacy, both on and off the screen, will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know her. In the world of entertainment, she leaves behind a shining example of professionalism and grace, and in the hearts of her colleagues and fans, she leaves an enduring legacy of love and kindness.