Jacklyn Zeman, who played Bobbie Spencer for 45 years on ABC’s General Hospital has died aged 70. As per reports, she fought cancer for a short while prior to her sudden passing.
The news of her passing was shared by the show’s executive producer Frank Valentini.
“I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Jackie Zeman,” he posted on Twitter. “Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and a true professional that brought so much positive energy with her work.”
ABC Entertainment and General Hospital released a statement as well. “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. We are devastated by the news of her passing, and send our deepest condolences to Jackie’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Zeman first joined the cast of the long-running daytime drama in 1977, according to Imdb.
Zeman’s sudden passing came three days prior to her birthday and less than two weeks after her final episode of General Hospital, which aired on April 27.
Denise Alexander, Zeman’s co-star, shared a touching tribute. “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,” she wrote in a brief letter that was first made available by Soap Hub on May 15.
“I’m very happy that I got to spend so much time with this lovely woman. Jackie had the best stories to tell, a contagious spirit, and such a remarkable life. She enjoyed working on General Hospital,” Laura Wright, who portrayed Carly Spencer, the character who was Zeman’s daughter in the serial show, stated on Instagram.
Tamara Braun was among those who pays their tribute to Zeman. “I am at a loss for words. This hurts and disturbs me beyond words. I wish to hug you. Join us in our laughter. Tell stories. Talk real talk because that’s what we did.”
Zeman is survived by two daughters, Cassidy and Lacey from her first marriage to Glenn Gordon. She was married and divorced two more times to Steve Gribbin and disc jockey Murray Kaufman who went by “Murray the K.”
Rest in peace, Jacklyn Zeman, you are missed.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have a strategy to protect Prince Louis from the so-called “Spare curse,” ensuring he avoids the challenges often faced by royal siblings not directly in line for the throne.
Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte are not likely to become king or queen, as their brother Prince George is second in line to the throne after their father, Prince William. However, they will still have important roles within the Royal Family.
Their uncle, Prince Harry, has voiced concerns that Charlotte and Louis might feel like the “spare,” much like he did growing up as William’s younger brother. However, William and Kate Middleton are said to be taking a different approach to raising their children, ensuring they don’t face the same struggles as Harry.
With the Royal Family evolving, Louis and Charlotte are being raised in a more modern way than previous generations. Prince William and Kate are reportedly planning to give them opportunities outside of royal life, helping them find their own paths while still supporting the monarchy.
Louis, who just turned six and became fourth in line to the throne after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, may follow a role similar to that of Princess Anne, contributing to royal duties without the pressure of becoming monarch. Prince Harry has expressed his concerns about his nephew’s future, fearing that Louis may face the same challenges he did as the “spare,” but William and Kate are actively working to avoid that fate for him.
Despite Harry’s remarks about William’s children in his memoir Spare, royal experts say it’s none of his business, emphasizing that Louis and Charlotte’s futures are William and Kate’s responsibility, not Harry’s. The Prince and Princess of Wales seem intent on ensuring their younger children feel valued and special, with encouragement to pursue their own interests beyond royal life.
The royal expert emphasized that Prince William and Kate Middleton are keen on helping Prince Louis find a meaningful life, suitable for the son of a future king. They aim for him to feel a sense of purpose, no matter his position in the line of succession, likely through service, as they’ve always stressed the importance of empathy and kindness.
Camilla Tominey, another royal expert, believes that William and Kate want both Charlotte and Louis to pursue their own careers if they choose to. She noted that they don’t want Louis to become a “royal hanger-on,” like some minor royals in the past, and prefer that their children have lives that aren’t solely dependent on royal duties.
Tominey mentioned that Prince William and Kate have made efforts to normalize their children’s lives, with a strong possibility that Charlotte and Louis will have their own careers alongside royal commitments. However, finding the balance between personal ambitions and royal responsibilities is key.
As for Prince Louis, he has become a favorite among royal fans but hasn’t appeared at many public events. Experts like Lizzie Robinson have explained that William and Kate are carefully managing his public exposure. They decide on a case-by-case basis which events are appropriate for Louis, who is still quite young.
Sporting events are a passion for the royal couple, and while Louis hasn’t yet attended high-profile events like Wimbledon or Euro 2024, royal reporters say it’s simply because he’s still too young. At six years old, Louis has time to grow, and the public will see more of him when the time is right. For now, his focus should be on enjoying his childhood.
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