Denise Alexander is paying tribute to General Hospital co-star Jacklyn Zeman, who died unexpectedly on May 9 after a brief battle with cancer. Zeman passed away less than two weeks after her final episode of General Hospital, which aired on April 27, and just three days after turning 70.
“Oh girl, I keep hearing your voice and laughing, and I just can’t stop sobbing. Your sweetness, humor, cleverness, and exquisite goodness are qualities that I have always admired and treasured. The best hugs, as well. I’ll adore you forever. Denise,” Alexander wrote in a brief letter made public for the first time on May 15 by Soap Hub.
In 1973, Denise Alexander joined the cast of General Hospital as Dr. Lesley Webber. Jacklyn Zeman didn’t join the cast as Nurse Bobbie Spencer until 1977. Denise and Jacklyn grew close on and off camera before Jacklyn’s terrible death on May 9.
Not every member of Alexander’s previous cast remembered Zeman. Anthony Geary, who played the show’s Luke Spencer, provided TVLine with an exclusive message on May 11, a few days after the celebrity’s demise. Zeman’s character had Geary’s character as a big brother for more than 40 years.
“I never once heard her criticize an actor, crew member, or fellow employee. The truth is that Jackie never once disparaged someone in front of me. In a competitive industry where ego, feelings, and emotions are essential to survival, I’ve found this quality incredibly rare,” Geary wrote.
Frank Valentini sent his regards as well. He described her as “a bright light and true professional who brought so much positive energy to work,” saying that while she will be greatly missed, her cheerful outlook will never be forgotten.
As news of the deceased actor’s demise emerged online, Jacklyn Zeman received a flood of heartfelt condolences. While mourning her loss, the 70-year-old’s General Hospital TV family paid tribute to her compassion and positive outlook, even on her hardest days. Her legacy will be honored forever.
“The fact that I spent so much time with this gorgeous woman makes me very happy. Jackie had a wonderful spirit, the best stories to tell, and a remarkable life.” Laura Wright, who played Carly Spencer, the character Zeman’s daughter in the serial show, said on Instagram that she had fun working on General Hospital.
Before Tamara Braun, who played Carly, joined Tamara Braun in applauding Zeman, Wright assumed Carly’s role. “I don’t know what to say. Beyond words, this disturbs and upsets me. I want to embrace you. Join us while we laugh together. Share stories. Talk honestly,” Braun implored in her Instagram eulogy, “because that’s what we did.”
“It’s crucial to remember Jacklyn Zeman, the first actress to portray Zeman’s daughter on General Hospital. Queen, you are lovely on the inside and out. I’m aware that the loss has saddened everyone who cared about her. She thanked Zeman on Twitter and credited her success to her. “My love to her girls, family, work fam, and admirers,” she wrote.
