Denise Alexander is paying tribute to Jacklyn Zeman, a fellow cast member of General Hospital, who passed away suddenly on May 9 following a brief fight with cancer. Zeman passed away just three days after turning 70 and less than two weeks after her final episode of General Hospital, which aired on April 27.
“Oh girl, 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 wrote in a brief letter that was first made available by Soap Hub on May 15.
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.
Not all of Alexander’s old cast mates honored Zeman. On May 11, a few days after the star’s passing, Anthony Geary, who played Luke Spencer in the program, gave TVLine an exclusive message. For more than 40 years, Zeman’s character had Geary’s character as a big brother.
“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.
