AMP in the post
General Hospital Spoilers: A Two Part Memorial Episode For Jackie Aired On GH In January
Months after General Hospital dedicated an episode to the late Jackie Zeman, another show is now honoring her memory. Zeman, who passed away at the age of 70 in May 2023 from cancer, was best known for her role as Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for over forty years.
The soap opera paid tribute to her in two episodes in January, with a special appearance by Brighton Hereford, who portrayed the character of BJ Jones.
GH fans will recall BJ was Bobbie’s stepdaughter and Tony Jones’ (Brad Maule) daughter whose heart was later transplanted into her cousin Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms). The iconic restaurant “Kelly’s” was also renamed “Bobbie’s” in her honor by Carly Spencer, now played by Laura Wright.
GH Spoilers: The Bay Is Honoring Jackie In September
The popular online series The Bay featured Jackie Zeman as Sofia Madison from 2010 to 2023; a tribute episode has been announced, produced by Gregori J. Martin and Wendy Riche.
AMP in the post
The episode will premiere this fall on Popstar! before being available on VOD and Peacock; and titled Sofia, will honor both the character and Zeman’s life.
It will feature appearances from her former General Hospital co-stars; Martin, the showrunner, expressed excitement for the special episode, stating that it will celebrate Jackie’s legacy with meaningful guest stars.
Dee Wallace is set to make a guest appearance as Sofia’s sister, who relocates to Bay City to introduce a new fragrance line dedicated to her sibling.
It’s worth noting that Dee previously portrayed Patricia Spencer, Bobbie’s older sister, in a special anniversary episode of General Hospital, alongside the retirement of Tony Geary.
General Hospital Spoilers: More GH Stars Make Special Appearances
AMP in the post
Additionally, Leigh McCloskey, who played one of Bobbie Spencer’s former flames, Damian Smith, on GH, will play Hank Henderson, Sofia’s first spouse and the father of her two daughters.
The exclusive episode will showcase the grand debut of the perfume collection, including a speech by McCloskey’s Henderson… with an original spin.
The speech was actually written by Zeman’s real daughters, Cassidy and Lacey Rose and Tamara Braun – who portrayed Bobbie Spencer’s daughter Carly Corinthos – will also make a special appearance.
She will take on the role of Rita ‘Elise’ Kennedy, characterized as ‘a blind woman who regains her sight after receiving Sofia’s donated corneas.’ Martin wrote the character of Elise with Tamara in mind, knowing how important she is to Jackie.”
GH Spoilers: Martin Consulted Michele Van Jean For Advice On The Character Name
He also consulted Michele Val Jean, the showrunner of the new CBS soap The Gates, for input on naming the character.
Braun’s character was suggested to be named after Zeman’s mother, Rita, and her two granddaughters. ‘I also knew that any name we chose for this character had to be really special for Jackie,’ Martin stated.
Réal Andrews, (GH’s Marcus Taggert) James Preston, and Kym Whitley will return as regular cast members, with Darnell Williams (All My Children) joining in a recurring role as psychiatrist Dr. Josef Givens.
Tristan Rogers, who plays GH’s Robert Scorpio, also appears on “The Bay” as Police Commissioner Lex Martin, married to GH’s former Katherine Bell, Mary Beth Evans.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with GH right now. Come back here often for General Hospital spoilers, news, and updates.
Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com