On May 9, we were deeply saddened by the sudden passing of the beloved actress Jacklyn Zeman at the age of 70. Just days after celebrating her 70th birthday and two weeks after her final episode of General Hospital aired on April 27, we said goodbye to a dear friend and colleague.
Denise Alexander, who portrayed Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital, penned a heartfelt letter in remembrance of Zeman. She expressed her deep sorrow and shared cherished memories of their friendship. Alexander’s touching words, first shared with Soap Hub on May 15, perfectly encapsulated the admiration and love they had for each other.
Both Alexander and Zeman joined the cast of General Hospital in the 1970s and developed a close friendship both on and off camera. Their bond was a testament to the special connections formed within the show’s cast.
While not all of Alexander’s former cast mates publicly honored Zeman, one notable tribute came from Anthony Geary, who portrayed Luke Spencer. In an exclusive message shared with TVLine on May 11, Geary praised Zeman’s professionalism and the remarkable absence of negativity in her presence. He noted how uncommon it was to find someone in the industry who always spoke positively and had such a genuinely kind heart.
Frank Valentini, a soap opera executive producer, was the first to share the news of Zeman’s passing. He described her as a bright light, a true professional, and a source of positive energy on the set. While her absence will be deeply felt, her uplifting attitude will always be remembered.
As news of Zeman’s passing spread online, condolences poured in from her General Hospital family. They mourned the loss of the actress, speaking highly of her generosity and positive outlook, even during challenging times. Zeman’s legacy as an actress and a kind-hearted person will forever be cherished.
Laura Wright, who portrayed Carly Spencer, Zeman’s on-screen daughter, expressed her gratitude for the time they spent together. She described Zeman as a beautiful soul with captivating stories, an infectious spirit, and a remarkable life. Wright shared her heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
Tamara Braun, another actress who played Carly, also honored Zeman’s memory with an Instagram post. She expressed her shock and sadness, longing for the opportunity to hug Zeman again and share their laughter. Braun emphasized the genuine conversations they had and the depth of their connection.
Even former co-stars reached out to honor Zeman. Sarah Joy Brown, the first actress to portray Zeman’s daughter on General Hospital, tweeted a touching tribute. She described Zeman as beautiful both inside and out and expressed her sadness on behalf of all who cared for her. Brown acknowledged the impact Zeman had on her life and success.
Jacklyn Zeman leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and kindness. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired her. As we say farewell to this remarkable talent, we honor her memory with gratitude and love.