Denise Alexander Honors Late Co-Star Jacklyn Zeman: A Tribute from ‘General Hospital’

Denise Alexander mourns the sudden loss of her General Hospital co-star Jacklyn Zeman, who tragically passed away on May 9 after a brief battle with cancer. Zeman’s passing occurred just three days after she celebrated her 70th birthday and less than two weeks after her final appearance on General Hospital, aired on April 27.

In a heartfelt letter shared by Soap Hub on May 15, Alexander expressed her deep sorrow, reminiscing about Zeman’s infectious laughter, kindness, wit, and brilliance. She fondly recalled their cherished moments together and conveyed her everlasting love for Zeman.

Denise Alexander made her debut on General Hospital as Dr. Lesley Webber in 1973, four years before Jacklyn Zeman joined the cast as Nurse Bobbie Spencer in 1977. Over the years, their bond extended beyond the screen, blossoming into a close friendship.

Despite their shared history, not all of Alexander’s former castmates publicly paid tribute to Zeman following her untimely passing on May 9. However, on May 11, Anthony Geary, who portrayed Luke Spencer on the show, shared an exclusive message with TVLine. Geary’s character had a close relationship with Zeman’s character for over four decades, portraying a bond akin to that of siblings.

“I never once heard her say anything negative about any actor, crew member, or colleague. In fact, Jackie never uttered a negative word about anyone in my presence. In an industry as competitive as ours, where ego, feelings, and emotions often reign supreme, I found this quality to be exceptionally rare,” Geary expressed.

Frank Valentini, a soap opera executive producer, was the first to announce her passing. He described her as “a beacon of positivity and professionalism” who brought a wealth of positive energy to the set. Valentini emphasized that while her absence would be deeply felt, her vibrant spirit would always be remembered.

Following the news of Zeman’s passing, an outpouring of condolences flooded social media platforms. Her General Hospital colleagues mourned the loss of the beloved 70-year-old, praising her generosity and unwavering optimism, even during difficult times. Her legacy, they emphasized, would be forever cherished.

Laura Wright, who portrayed Carly Spencer, Zeman’s on-screen daughter, shared her heartfelt sentiments on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the time spent with Zeman and highlighting her infectious spirit and remarkable life. Wright’s tribute was echoed by Tamara Braun, who succeeded Wright in the role of Carly. Braun conveyed her deep sorrow and yearning for Zeman’s presence, urging others to cherish moments of laughter, storytelling, and genuine connection, just as they did with Zeman.