Jacklyn Zeman
Jacklyn Zeman does it all! Mother-Actress-Author-TV/Radio Host-Jewelry Designer
Now after more than 4,000 episodes as nurse ‘Bobbie Spencer’ Chief Surgical RN on ABC’s “General Hospital,” she has become one of the most visible and likeable actresses on network television. A true contemporary, a role model to millions of daytime viewers.
Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Jacklyn completed her high school studies at age 15 and studied dance at New York University on a scholarship. Within months she was dancing and modeling professionally while continuing her studies. A desire to act on daytime television led Jacklyn to her debut on ABC-TV’s “One Life to Live.” After her character’s untimely demise, she was asked to go to Los Angeles to create the role of ‘Bobbie Spencer’ on “General Hospital.”
In addition to television work, she has performed in off-Broadway and community productions. She guest starred, portraying herself, in the hit stage production of “Menopause the Musical” at the Coronet Theatre in West Hollywood, CA. The sold-out audiences had a chance to see her wearing her song and dance hat. She starred in, “Come Blow Your Horn,” “Barefoot in the Park” and “The Boyfriend.” Under her own production banner she co-produced and co-starred in an original play “Seacliff California.”
Feature film credits include, Gary Marshall’s “Young Doctors in Love,” John Hughes’ “National Lampoon’s Class Reunion,” “The Day the Music Died,” and “Deep in the Valley.”
Jacklyn received critical acclaim for her starring role in “Montana Crossroads,” and ABC After school Special, and took a break from her busy “General Hospital” schedule to co-star as a lawyer in ABC’s Comedy Movie for Television, “Jury Duty.” She has guested on “Chicago Hope,” “Mike Hammer,” “Love, American Style,” “Fantasy,” “Sledgehammer” and “Madd TV.”
Travel, a favorite pastime, has been incorporated into appearances on “Runaway” and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” Jacklyn is a frequent guest on some of television’s top talk and game shows. Her appearances include: “Good Morning America,” “Oprah,” “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee,” “The Merv Griffin Show,” “Donahue,” “Rosie O’Donnell,” “Master Chef,” “The Dog Whisperer,” “I’ve got a Secret,” “Hollywood Squares,” “Family Feud” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Jacklyn hosted a popular E! Entertainment special, profiling the “Men of Daytime” and co-hosted a series of specials for “Epcot Magazine,” at Disney World for The Disney Channel.
She was chosen by ABC television to host “ABC Daytime’s Greatest Weddings” video and was the sole representative of the network for its television advertising campaign.
Her interest and flare for interior design lead to appearances on “At Home With,” on the E! Entertainment Network, “Home and Garden,” with Rob Weller, “Treasures in Your Home,” “Great Day America” on the PAX television channel and “Soap Pads” with Kim Zimmer.
Jacklyn co-hosts ABC-TV affiliate morning shows throughout the country, and was recurring co-host for ABC’s “Home Show.” She contributed special segments on beauty, health, fitness and fashion. Her philosophy is simple. “I try to take good care of my family and myself without spending a lot of time on a beauty routine. We lead a very healthy lifestyle,” Jacklyn adds, “Beauty really does come from within.”
She was featured on Jamie Jamison’s “Home Tips,” a syndicated radio show airing in over 300 markets nationally, and hosted “Soap Talk” for The ABC Radio Network. Currently, Jackie continues to host and co-host various talk radio shows throughout the country.
Jackie began designing jewelry for friends and family as a teenager. Her jewelry collections have appeared on QVC, Home Shopping Network, and Shop at Home TV. This provides an outlet for her creativity and sense of fashion. “Jewelry is a valuable gift because it has longevity and it makes a persons heart feel happy.”
Add ‘Author’ to Jackie’s list of achievements. Her first book, Beauty on the Go, was published by Simon and Schuster in 1986. She has written beauty and fitness feature articles for major consumer and Daytime magazines. She has also contributed recipes to more cookbooks than she can count, to help raise money for various charitable organizations.
As a spokesperson, in national campaigns for major corporations in all forms of media, public relations and marketing, staffs value her on camera presence and credibility. Categories include beauty and fitness, diet and nutrition, pharmaceutical and educational campaigns. She was chosen to launch the new Excedrin Migraine campaign by Bristol-Meyers Squibb. She appeared in their television, radio, and national print as campaign. Jackie was the national spokesperson for the International Correspondence Schools. She has always valued education and strongly believes education is the key to one’s goals.
Jackie hosted the very successful and long time running infomercials for Leslie Sansone’s fitness videos “Walk Away the Pounds.” The CD’s are one of the nation’s top selling exercise programs.
She spearheaded the Beauty Logic Skincare run on Home Shopping Network and was the spokeswoman for the Metabolic Trim Plan, a healthy way to stay trim and fit. She guested with Jerry Lewis in a cooking video and has starred in the “Beauty on the Go” and “Soap Star Workout” videos.
Jackie has also given her time and energy to help support public awareness programs for organ donors and filmed a video used in hospitals nationally to promote Hepatitis B vaccines to medical workers. As an advocate of health and well being, she has appeared for the past 6 years at Rite Aide’s health and Beauty Expos in major cities.
In June, 2000 Jackie received the Gabriel Project’s Distinguished Achievement Award for her continued support for African children in critical need of life-saving heart surgery. She has personally traveled to Africa to accompany children back to the United States. She has been a board member and the Leukemia Society’s Honorary Chair for various events held in New York City. In 1998 she received the Leukemia Society’s Charlotte M. Meyers Volunteer Recognition Award. She is a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, helping to raise awareness of the women’s risk of heart disease and received their Les Etoiles de Coeur Award. Since October 1998, Jackie, with former “General Hospital” co-star Rick Springfield, has co-hosted the annual Dolphin Ball numerous times, raising money for Cystic Fibrosis.
Industry honors and awards over the years include four Daytime Emmy nominations, including one for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1998, a Soap Opera Digest Award and the Hollywood International Favorite Actress Award.
Jacklyn lives in Malibu with her two daughters—Cassidy Zee, , and Lacey Rose, Their dogs and cats Rufus and Lily round out the family. Jacklyn dedicates herself to maintaining a balance between family and work.