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General Hospital’s Jacklyn Zeman Passes Away at 70

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

In just heartbreaking news on Monday evening, General Hospital’s beloved Jackie Zeman (Bobbie Spencer) has died at the age of 70.

Zeman’s passing was first revealed by current GH executive producer, Frank Valentini, who tweeted: “On behalf of our General Hospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Jackie Zeman.  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.”

Photo: ABC

Details of her death have not been released, although ABC7 in Los Angeles is reporting that her family revealed Jackie died following a short battle with cancer.  Recently, she celebrated her 45th anniversary with the long-running ABC soap opera.

The official General Hospital Twitter account also shared: “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.”

Before coming to General Hospital for her iconic run as Nurse Bobbie from the wrong side of the tracks who made a life for herself, Zeman played troublemaker Lana McClain on One Life to Live from 1976-1977. Later in 1977, she joined GH.

Photo: ABC

Throughout her daytime career, Jackie received four Daytime Emmy nominations, one for Lead Actress and three for Supporting Actress. She has also had a continuing role on the Daytime Emmy-winning digital series, The Bay where she played the role of Sofia Madison.

Jackie is survived by her daughters, Cassidy and Lacey, and grandchildren, Kennedy and Decker.

Michael Fairman TV will continue to share reactions and updates on the death of Jackie Zeman, GH’s Nurse Bobbie Zeman, in the hours to come.

Share your thoughts, condolences and remembrances for Jackie in the comment section below.  But first, watch Jackie’s message from last month acknowledging GH’s 60th anniversary and the ongoing support of the fans, followed by a special tribute package with a few retrospective clips honoring Nurse Bobbie for her 45-years during this year’s GH Nurses’ Ball episodes.

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shocking sad, heartbreaking, simply sad, my condolences to her family and the GH family.

So sad…
Jackie do not RIP you go onward on your blessed journey into your new forever.
There is an astounding journey for you..

They saw losses come in threes… first Sonya, then N’neeka and now the biggest gut punch.

Jackie and I came from the same town in North Jersey (albeit at different times). For that, I always felt a special connection.

When she returned back in 2013, it sunk in what we had been missing – a comforting presence. How wonderful that she got a special tribute at this year’s Nurses Ball.

Jackie often brought out the best in Tony Geary. With her, Luke cut out all the noise and was just a protective brother.

From the battered wife story with first husband, Brock to Daytime’s Finest Hour (BJ’s death) to being at Tony’s bedside when he passed, Jackie made us cry many times. She was also quite comical in long running “feud” with Lucy.

My first reaction when I heard this incredibly sad news was the same as Felicia when hearing of BJ’s accident… “Not Barbara Jean!”

RIP to a Port Charles legend. And sympathies to the cast and crew of GH. Too many losses in a short time.

It is so sad I’ve watch gh since the beginning I’m 68 now. And never go anywhere till my show goes off I adore everyone on the show I’ve lost several in the past three yrs back to back within a couple of months I’ll sure miss seeing Bobbie on there and I miss aphianie she is a angle now her and Bobbie are together in our fathers arms condolences to her family

Shocked to hear this news. The original OG Spencer has left the building. Little did they know when they brought this nurse in for a small part in 1977 that it would be the start of one of Port Charles’s most legendary families.

RIP Bunny Jackie…..

When I read this news last night on goldderby I had to google search her name because I couldn’t quite believe it was true. I will treasure all of my memories of her work as Bobbie Spencer over the past 45 years. Even though her role diminished in these later years she just had a presence at the Nurse’s Ball and at Michael and Willow’s wedding. I hope GH does yet another beautiful tribute episode for her in time. She will surely be missed by all of us GH fans.

Very sad and shocking. RIP

Totally heartbroken to read this super sad news. Every day she was on was a great one for me. I will miss her.

I’ve been watching GH for a little more than 15 years now and “Bobbie” was what I considered an anchor character; one that connected the past with the present.

My condolences to her family, both in real life and on GH.

People throw the word “iconic” around for anything now but Jackie was a true true icon of the soaps I can’t believe it I loved her so much. Very sad news.

So sad to hear. I have watched her since she was Lana on One Life to Live and of course, Bobbie on General Hospital. She was amazing during the BJ storyline. She will be missed. My condolences to her daughters and the GH family.

I’m shocked I loved Jackie!
I remember when she was nominated for Lead Actress she was wearing this enormous strapless green dress she looked like an enormous cabbage but I loved her! RIP Bobbie.

Very sorry to hear this. Been a Bobbie (Jackie) fan since I was 5 years old. Prayers to Miss Zeman’s daughters and the rest of her family and friends.

Michael, I always think of you first when I hear of as soap opera actor passing. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend, but you are one of the lucky ones. You got to not only meet and interview, but become a trusted friend. I hope those memories get you through being heartbroken.

Heartbroken & shocked beyond words. I had chills when I read this. She was so beautiful on the anniversary show, I loved the clips of Bobbie’s history. She will be so missed. I just cannot believe it! She is a mainstay of GH! This is terrible.

Awful news to wake up to today! Jackie was a pillar and icon of General Hospital, of daytime TV really. Such an iconic role as Nurse Bobbie Spencer. To have lasted for going on 46 years, what an incredible run!

Jackie was a very talented actress, she should have won an Emmy for the BJ’s death storyline in 1994. And such a lovely lady. I had the pleasure of interacting with her on Twitter a few times, and she was as lovely and kind as you would imagine.

A huge loss for GH, first Sonya Eddy and now Jackie. Just terrible. I’m really heartbroken over this news. She looked as beautiful as ever in her recent scenes at Michael and Willow’s wedding, you would have never known that she was sick.

RIP Jackie, go up there and run that Nurses station in the sky with Sonya like we know only you can. My condolences to Jackie’s family, friends and co-workers.

GH’s nursing station is now very empty with Sonya and Jackie’s passings… Hopefully everything is okay with Leslie Charleson and Monica isn’t next. She’s been absent for a while now, it would be great to see her again.

I am stunned. Jackie Zeman’s Bobbie Spencer is part of the fabric of GH. Jackie is a huge loss for everyone. I just cannot believe it. My heart is broken. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Thank you Jackie Zeman for everything you brought to GH and for sharing your talent with all of us. Rest in peace.

Wow!! I will definitely miss seeing Bobbie and Epiphany, they played their roles very well!! Praying with and for her family!!❤️

I am saddened by the death of Jacklyn Zeman. She was a delight. I have liked her ever since.

Not watched in years but she was so good and very sad for her family and the cast she was very loved obviously. I guess they caught the cancer too late very sad .

I heard this this morning on CBS Sunday Morning . I scanned back to make sure I had seen what I thought I saw. Very sad news .
Of course, she was a legend on General Hospital. I actually remember an episode where Bobbie was at the nurses station with Amy Vinning. It was one of her 1st episodes, I think.
Also, Jackie was absolutely fantastic on The Bay.
RIP Jackie Zeman.

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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