Port Charles bids farewell to beloved character Bobbie Spencer on the episodes of “General Hospital” airing on January 10th and 11th. In the storyline, Bobbie passes away while in Amsterdam handling her late brother Luke’s affairs. However, in real life, the cast and viewers have been mourning the loss of actress Jackie Zeman, who passed away in May 2023 after a battle with cancer.
Lynn Herring, who played the character Lucy, was one of Jackie’s closest friends during her 45-year run as Nurse Bobbie Spencer. In an interview with Michael Fairman TV, Herring shared her memories and grief over Jackie’s passing. She discussed the emotional experience of filming the memorial episodes and highlighted the strong bond between their characters on the show.
One poignant scene in particular stood out for Herring: when Lucy admits to Scott (played by Kin Shriner) that she was jealous of Bobbie all these years because Bobbie was forgiven for her misdeeds while Lucy was not. Herring found this moment relatable because it revealed the complex emotions people can have towards others. She praised the growth of Lucy’s character in admitting her envy.
During the memorial service for Bobbie, Herring described the difficult task of filming without Jackie’s presence. The cast felt the absence of someone they loved dearly, and Herring emphasized the contained emotion among the actors. They had to balance their personal grief with their professionalism to tell the story effectively.
Reflecting on the episodes after they were taped, Herring believes that the show properly honored Jackie and Bobbie. While they couldn’t capture the full scope of Jackie’s impact, the heartfelt clips and nods to the audience’s love for her provided a fitting tribute.
Jackie’s death has had a profound impact on fans, particularly those who watched her on “General Hospital” for 45 years. Herring noted that Jackie’s openness about her personal life made her relatable to the audience, and many identified with her struggles and triumphs.
As for her favorite scene with Jackie, Herring cherished the moments when they could be snarky and indifferent towards each other. Jackie would add subtle gestures that enhanced their interactions and made their characters’ relationship more nuanced and fun.
The interview addressed the Nurses’ Ball storyline where Lucy bursts onto the stage and tears the projection screen during Bobbie’s speech. Herring reminisced about a meaningful look Jackie gave her during that scene, conveying a mix of annoyance and appreciation. She highlighted Jackie’s professionalism and how proud she was to be part of the show.
Herring also shared her struggle in accepting Jackie’s passing and the challenge of separating her from the character of Bobbie. She acknowledged the impact Jackie had on her own life and the difficulty of letting go.
Looking back on their time together, Herring emphasized how amazing it was to be part of the heyday of “General Hospital.” The show had lavish sets and well-thought-out stories, and the audience’s love and support were overwhelming. Herring described the audience as partners and expressed gratitude for their dedication.
Finally, Herring expressed her hope that the memorial episodes would honor Jackie and Bobbie while also honoring the fans’ love for the character. The intention was to thank the audience for their support and allow them to remember Jackie with the characters they had grown to love.
In conclusion, the farewell to Bobbie Spencer on “General Hospital” serves as a tribute to actress Jackie Zeman and her incredible 45-year run on the show. Lynn Herring’s interview provided insights into her deep bond with Jackie and the emotional experience of filming the memorial episodes. The show aimed to properly honor Jackie and Bobbie’s legacy and express gratitude to the fans for their enduring support.