Back in 1977, actress Jacklyn Zeman made her soap opera debut on the show “General Hospital,” where she starred as Bobbie Spencer. She never retired from the show. Her most recent episode was this year, in 2023, and in total, she acted on 894 episodes of the show over the years.

On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, Frank Valentini, the executive producer of “General Hospital,” shared the sad news that Zeman has died. He wrote, “On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman. Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work.”

In a follow-up tweet, Valentini added, “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.”

Valentini did not include a cause of death, but on IMDB, her cause of death is listed as cancer.

When Zeman was a child, she did not necessarily aspire to become an actress. Instead, she was focused on ballet. She started her ballet training when she was 5 years old, and by the age of 15, New York University gave her a scholarship to major in dance. After that, she decided to try acting, and the rest is history.

In March 2023, Zeman shared a throwback photo of herself from when she first started acting on “General Hospital.” She wrote, “I was looking for a photo of years past + this one popped up from 1979. I started as Bobbie in 1978 so this is so old it’s in black + white.”

“General Hospital” tweeted a tribute to Zeman writing, “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.”

Many of Zeman’s fans have expressed shock at her unexpected death. One person wrote, “I’m so very shocked and heartbroken, this is so very sad.”

Another comment reads, “I am completely shocked and saddened by this devastating news. I have been watching GH for the last 45 years. Jackie Zeman was such a great actress and person. I really cannot believe this news.”

Zeman was 70 years old. She is survived by her daughters, Cassidy Zee Macleod and Lacey Rose Gorden, as well as her sisters Lauren Fischetti and Carol Kolb, and two grandchildren. She was married three times, but all of her marriages ended in divorce.

Rest in peace.