Breaking News
General Hospital’s Jacklyn Zeman Passes Away at 70
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.
On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman. 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. pic.twitter.com/DxGdjYavab
— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) May 11, 2023
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.
To all our @GeneralHospital friends and family ♥️ Thank you with love #gh60 pic.twitter.com/IqO7nMxQhp
— Jackie Zeman (@JackieZeman) April 5, 2023
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.
Rosie O’Donnell revealed that she plans to head back to a seat at the table of ABC’s morning talk show The View.
The announcement came during Monday’s episode of The Tangle Podcast where she shared she will participate in “in whatever way they want” her or “just as a guest” for its upcoming 30th season.
The View’s season 30 will kick-off this fall in September. O’Donnell explained, “They’re bringing back all the hosts, I think. And, you know, I’m pretty proud of that show, what it’s become and how it really speaks to the people and to politics.”
Photo: ABC
ROSIE ON HER PREVIOUS GO-ROUNDS ON THE VIEW
As fans of The View know, O’Donnell famously had two different one-year stints on the talk show in 2007 and again in 2014- 2015. She often feuded with then co-host Elizabeth Hasselbeck.
However, during her discussion with host, Kyle Ridley on The Tangle Podcast, O’Donnell also noted she often had tense moments with longtime moderator and anchor, Whoopi Goldberg.
O’Donnell also expressed, “Many, many people got the short end of the stick there. It was, you know, it was a factory where people were being churned in and out and their tenuous security, nobody got to be calm. It also was a show at the time that was run by a man. A show created by a woman, for women, about women, and the man was deciding what we should talk about. And that didn’t sit right with me, you know.”
Back in 2023, Brooke Shields had asked Rosie on her podcast, Now What? with Brooke Shields, about how she felt on her two stints at The View and all the controversy that surrounded it. Rosie at that time, stated, “I know this, it’s not the best use of my talent to get in a show where I have to argue and defend basic principles of humanity and kindness. It was not something I’d ever do again.”
You can check out the clip with Rosie and Kyle Ridley discussing her return to The View in some form for its upcoming 30th season below.
Then weigh-in: Would you be excited to see Rosie, even for a one-day or a week guest stint on the upcoming celebratory season of The View, or not so much? Let us know via the comment section.
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In what could prove to be a massive shake-up ahead, both the TV Academy (ATAS), who presides over the Primetime Emmys, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), who preside over the Daytime Emmys, are in exploratory reunification discussions to merge the two organizations into one.
Both sides received an overwhelming vote and support from their boards to evaluate what a unified Academy could look like. However there is no formal calendar at this juncture for the discussions. In addition, because of the ongoing unification talks that should occur, the TV Academy board has voted to extend all current sitting Governors’ terms by one year so they can see the process through.
Boards at both organizations voted overwhelmingly to evaluate what a unified Academy could make possible: a strong vision for the Academy’s future, more effective thought leadership for the industry, broader service and support for members coast-to-coast, and new momentum and opportunities across the full complement of national Emmy competitions.
Photos: ATAS/NATAS
AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS, CAN THE EMMYS BE UNDER ONE BANNER?
In a joint statement, ATAS and NATAS shared, “Television remains the most powerful medium we have to shape culture and prompt conversations that define us—no matter the size of the screen, With the business of television undergoing such a monumental transformation, this is the right moment to explore a reunification of our Academies, providing our members and our industry with a bolder voice advocating for them and a stronger partner to navigate the future with them.”
If the reunification talks continue, this would be the first time since the two Emmy organizations split back on June 30, 1977 that they have tried to come together, all of this after almost three decades of often uneasy and strained tension between the two.
The most recent joint change came in 2022 when a move of the game show categories went from NATAS to ATAS’ and now are in the Primetime Emmys.
Deadline notes that a unification of the two television academies who overall preside over nighttime and daytime programming would be similar how SAG and AFTRA used to represent performers from completely different dayparts of work.
Could the Daytime Emmys finally see some love in primetime and have their major categories televised as part of the annual kudofest every September? Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony will take place live on Monday, September 14th starting at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT and air on NBC and stream on Peacock emanating from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. While, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will take place on Friday, October 30, time to be announced, live from the Hollywood Palladium and will be streamed on watchtheemmys.tv
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy Awards for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime and Children’s & Family programming, as well as achievements in television Technology & Engineering.
The Television Academy (ATAS) strives to shape and advance the dynamic television landscape; cultivate a diverse, inclusive and accessible professional community; and advocate for the television industry while capturing the spirit of a new generation of content creators and industry professionals. Through innovative programs, publications and events, the Academy and its Foundation foster and empower storytellers. The Academy also celebrates those who excel in the industry recognizing their achievements through awards and accolades, including the renowned Emmy Award. Membership in the Academy is open to working professionals in the television industry.
So, would you like to see the Primetime Emmy and the Daytime Emmys fold into one show if the two unions reached a unification arrangement? Do you hope that after almost 50 years, the two organizations can finally make some serious headway? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 15
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 15, respectively.
General Hospital was next with 13 overall nominations, followed by Days of our Lives with 8 and The Bold and the Beautiful with 7 nods. The full reveal on Tuesday, follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony are set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California. The ceremony is currently planned to stream via watch.theemmys.tv and its associated apps. For the second year in a row, both the main Emmys and the Creative Arts will be presented together in one night.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories. Congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Photo: ABC
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Photo: ABC
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Photo: CBS
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Photo: ABC
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Photo: WBTV
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Photo: CBS
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
Outstanding Costume Design / Styling for a Daytime Program
The Jennifer Hudson Show, Episode 4140
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Young and the Restless Episode 13149
The Young and the Restless Episode 13273
Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Live Daytime Program
The Bold and the Beautiful, Episode 9658
The Jennifer Hudson Show Episode 4039
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5007
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13260
Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates Episode 104
General Hospital Episode 15624
The Jennifer Hudson Show Episode 4010
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 6169
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design for a Daytime Program
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Live with Kelly and Mark Episode 250414
The View Episode 6280
The Young and the Restless Episode 13145
The Young and the Restless Episode 13244
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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