Jacklyn Zeman, who performed Bobbie Spencer for 45 years on ABC’s “Basic Hospital,” has died at 70.
Zeman died after a brief battle with most cancers, her household confirmed Wednesday.
Information of her demise was first introduced by the present’s government producer, Frank Valentini.
“I’m heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Jackie Zeman,” he wrote on Twitter. “Similar to her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a vibrant mild and a real skilled that introduced a lot optimistic vitality together with her work.”
ABC Leisure and “Basic Hospital” additionally launched an announcement stating, “Jacklyn Zeman has been a beloved member of the Basic Hospital and ABC household since she originated the long-lasting function of Bobbie Spencer over 45 years in the past. She leaves behind an enduring legacy for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of the dangerous woman turned heroine and can at all times be remembered for her type coronary heart and radiant spirit. We’re devastated by the information of her passing, and ship our deepest condolences to Jackie’s household, buddies and family members.”
Zeman first joined “Basic Hospital” in 1977 as Barbara Jean, who glided by Bobbie, and was the feisty, youthful sister of Anthony Geary’s Luke Spencer.
Zeman grew to treat Geary as household off-camera.
“I’m in all probability nearer to him than I might be a real-life brother,” she informed co-star Maurice Benard final yr on his YouTube collection “State of Thoughts.”
Bobbie had labored as a teen prostitute and given up a child for adoption however had managed to show her life round and develop into a nurse at Basic Hospital.
Zeman’s portrayal of Spencer was a spirited, upbeat lady who was as candy as pie however who additionally had a way of self. She didn’t endure fools and had no drawback revoking the niceties if she believed it was warranted.
“Bobbie has been an interesting individual for me to play,” she stated in an interview in 1982. “I get to do… all of the issues that the majority girls take into consideration however wouldn’t dare.”
One among Zeman’s most memorable scenes was in 1994 when Bobbie’s daughter BJ was in a college bus accident that left her mind useless.
Bobbie and then-husband Tony (performed by Brad Maule) made the choice to donate their daughter’s coronary heart to her cousin, Maxie, who was battling Kawasaki illness.
Kevin Winter through Getty Photos
Laura Wright, who performs Bobbie’s daughter Carly Spencer, posted a collection of damaged coronary heart emojis.
Jon Lindstrom, who performs Kevin Collins wrote, “That is going to take me a minute to course of. I can’t imagine such a life pressure as hers has left.”
Born March 6, 1953, in Englewood, New Jersey, Zeman found a love for dance as a baby and as a teen, started performing in class productions.
She labored in Venezuela as a dancer after highschool and was pre-med at New York College however dropped out when she was provided a contract on the ABC cleaning soap “One Life to Dwell” after initially being employed for simply three days of labor.
On “One Life,” she performed Lana McClain for a little bit multiple yr after which left for “Basic Hospital.” “I didn’t even audition,” she informed a blogger in 2010. Zeman was nominated for 4 Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on the present.
Outdoors of cleaning soap operas, Zeman labored as a Playboy Bunny to assist pay for school and likewise acted in commercials. She had a job in 1982’s “Nationwide Lampoon’s Class Reunion” and appeared in a string of TV motion pictures together with the ABC Afterschool particular “Montana Crossroads” in 1993. She additionally had a collection common function as Sofia Madison within the crime-drama collection “The Bay,” incomes her a fifth Emmy Award nomination.
Zeman final’s look on “Basic Hospital” earlier than her demise was in April for the marriage of her character’s grandson. The identical month she additionally celebrated the present’s sixtieth anniversary by posting a video on Instagram to the followers.
“An awesome, large heartfelt thanks to the very particular individuals who have been watching us and supporting us and maintaining us on the air all these years. We love you.”
Zeman is survived by two daughters, Cassidy and Lacey from her first marriage to Glenn Gordon. She was married and divorced two extra instances to Steve Gribbin and disc jockey Murray Kaufman who glided by “Murray the Okay.”