Denise Alexander, one of the cast members of General Hospital, has paid tribute to her dear friend and co-star, Jacklyn Zeman, who tragically passed away on May 9 after a brief battle with cancer. Zeman, who had just turned 70 three days before her passing, had recently filmed her final episode of General Hospital, which aired on April 27.
In a heartfelt letter shared by Soap Hub on May 15, Alexander expressed her deep sadness and love for Zeman. She reminisced about their shared laughter and cherished Zeman’s sweetness, humor, brilliance, and lovely goodness. Their friendship had blossomed both on and off camera during their time together on the show.
Zeman’s passing deeply affected her former co-stars, but not everyone took the time to honor her memory. Anthony Geary, who played Luke Spencer on General Hospital, shared an exclusive message with TVLine on May 11. Geary and Zeman’s characters shared a special bond for over 40 years, with Zeman’s character, Nurse Bobbie Spencer, having Geary’s character as a big brother.
Geary spoke highly of Zeman, noting that he never once heard her speak ill of anyone in the industry. He described her as rare in an industry fueled by ego and competitiveness, where negative gossip is often the norm.
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital, publicly announced Zeman’s passing and emphasized her positive energy and professionalism. He acknowledged that her presence would be greatly missed but assured fans that her upbeat attitude would always be remembered.
As news of Zeman’s death circulated online, an outpouring of condolences flooded in. Her General Hospital TV family mourned the loss of the 70-year-old actress and praised her kind and generous spirit. Zeman’s legacy, built on her ability to maintain a positive outlook even on her toughest days, will be cherished forever.
Laura Wright, who portrayed Carly Spencer, Zeman’s on-screen daughter, expressed her gratitude for the time she spent with Zeman. Wright described her as a delightful person with captivating stories and an infectious spirit. She concluded her Instagram tribute by stating how much Zeman enjoyed working on General Hospital.
Tamara Braun, who also played the character Carly, joined Wright in honoring Zeman’s memory on Instagram. Braun expressed her deep sadness and emphasized the profound impact that Zeman had on her life. She yearned for Zeman’s presence, their laughter, and their real and honest conversations.
Sarah Joy Brown, the first actress to portray Zeman’s on-screen daughter, shared a heartfelt tribute on Twitter. Brown described Zeman as not only beautiful inside and out but also an inspiration to all who knew her. She sent her love to Zeman’s daughters, family, colleagues, and fans, acknowledging the immense sorrow they must be feeling.
Jacklyn Zeman will always hold a special place in the hearts of her colleagues and fans. Her vibrant spirit and positive energy will be cherished and remembered forever.