Jacklyn Zeman has passed away at the age of 70, it was announced on Wednesday.
She died after a short battle with cancer, her family said ABC news.
The General Hospital actress last shared a message on Instagram on April 5. She looked healthy as she styled her red hair and wore flattering makeup.
She appeared in a video talking about her daytime TV show, General Hospital, turning 60.
“To all our @generalhospitalabc friends and family ♥️ with love #gh60 @officialghfc.” she wrote in her caption.
“Happy 60th Anniversary General Hospital,” the star began.
All good a month ago: Jacklyn Zeman passed away at the age of 70, it was revealed on Wednesday. According to ABC News, the cause was cancer. The General Hospital actress last shared a message on Instagram on April 5. She looked healthy as she styled her red hair
Statement: ABC Entertainment and General Hospital also released a separate statement following Zeman’s passing; seen in 1997 in New York
“A big, big, heartfelt thank you to the very special people who have watched us, supported us and kept us going all these years, we love you,” she said in her video.
She wore a black jacket as she stood against a painted mural depicting a rainbow and a garden.
Zeman was born on March 6, 1953 in Englewood, New Jersey to Rita Zeman-Rohlman, a magazine supervisor, and Richard S. Zeman, a systems engineer.
She began training in classical ballet at just 5 years old, completed her high school education at just 15 years old, and entered New York University on a 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.
She had minor 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 role of Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital in 1977.
Zeman appeared in 880 episodes of the soap opera and appeared regularly until 2010.
Hot stuff: She was a pinup in the 1980s when she posed in high-heeled swimsuits
Bikini babe: Zeman photographed in 1983 during ‘Exclusive Photo Session’ at her home in Studio City, California
Early Years: Zeman was born on 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 role of Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital in 1977
She received four Daytime Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Bobbie Spencer (three supporting nominations, one leading actress).
She also appeared on shows like Sledge Hammer, Chicago Hope and most recently played Sofia Madison on The Bay.
Zeman is survived by daughters Cassidy Zee Gorden and Lacey Rose Gorden.
Her passing was first announced by General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini on Twitter Wednesday night.
“On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman,” Valentini began.
“Like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and a true professional who brought so much positive energy to her work,” he added.
Valentini continued in another tweet, “Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive attitude will always live on with our cast and crew.”
As pretty as a picture: Zeman at the 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards – Arrivals at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood
Beloved: “Jacklyn Zeman has been a beloved member of the General Hospital and ABC family since she began the iconic role of Bobbie Spencer more than 45 years ago,” the statement began.
RIP: The soap opera world is in mourning with the news that longtime General Hospital star Zeman has passed away; seen in December 2022
“We extend our sincere condolences 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 death.
“Jacklyn Zeman has been a beloved member of the General Hospital and ABC family since she began the iconic role of Bobbie Spencer more than 45 years ago,” the statement began.
“She leaves 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 extend our deepest condolences to Jackie’s family, friends and loved ones,” the statement concluded.