General Hospital actor Jacklyn Zeman dies at 70

Hollywood actor Jacklyn Zeman, who portrayed Barbara Bobbie Spencer in more than 800 episodes of General Hospital, died at the age of 70. Zeman's demise was reportedly revealed on Twitter on Wednesday night by General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini.

Los Angeles: Actor Jacklyn Zeman, who played Barbara Bobbie Spencer across more than 800 episodes of General Hospital, passed away at the age of 70. According to a report, Zeman's death was announced by General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini on Twitter on Wednesday evening. No further details about her death are available at this time.

"On behalf of our 'General Hospital' family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Jackie Zeman," Valentini wrote. "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. 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 stated.

The soap's production also released a statement on Zeman's death. "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," it reads.

It further reads, "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."

Born in New Jersey on March 6, 1953, Zeman studied ballet as a child and attended New York University to study dance, but she shifted to acting with her first credit coming on The Edge of Night in 1976. In the same year, she received a lengthy arc on One Life to Live, appearing in more than 40 episodes.

She joined General Hospital in 1977 and has since appeared in more than 800 episodes over nearly 50 years. She played Bobbie Spencer, the sister to Pat Spencer (Dee Wallace) and Luke Spencer Sr. (Anthony Geary). (IANS)