We at Soap Cities had lots to discuss with the one and only Jacklyn Zeman! General Hospital‘s Bobbie Spencer has come a long way indeed from her days as the gal from the streets-turned-nurse that had it in for Laura and was a bit of a troublemaker. Read on to see what Jackie had to say! You can read Part I of the interview here.
My, How She’s Grown!
Those of us who remember Bobbie when she first came back to Port Charles years ago know that she wasn’t the wise, refined yet quietly strong woman that she is today. Let’s just say, that as a product of rather humble beginnings she had a bit of a tough exterior. Who can forget how she schemed every which way to steal Scotty (Kin Shriner) from Laura (Genie Francis)? Zeman reflects on that time thoughtfully.
“It took a while for Bobbie to come around, but the character had room to grow and fortunately did,” she said. “You have to remember that she came from the wrong side of the tracks, had no family except for her brother, Luke (Tony Geary), and her Aunt Ruby (Norma Connolly). She was about seven years old when she had to move from New York to Florida with them after her parents died. At that age, you can barely survive.”
Even though Bobbie is light years away from the person she once was, Zeman does say that the character is still a “scrapper” deep down when she needs to be. And that was never more evident than when Bobbie went toe-to-toe with scheming Nelle (Chloe Lanier) in recent scenes!
Unforgettable Story Line
Zeman was central to one of the most emotional storylines that GH has ever shown–the death of Bobbie’s seven-year-old adopted daughter, B.J. after she was hit by a drunk driver.
“Soap storylines are a reflection of what’s going on in people’s lives–we try to keep it very current,” said Zeman. “That storyline was so real, whether or not you’ve experienced such a horrible situation in real life. As a mother myself, that whole arc was very emotional for me. Everyone in it was terrific–Brad Maule, (Tony Jones), Brighton Hertford (B.J.), Kristina Wagner (Felicia), and Jack Wagner (Frisco).”
Zeman said that the bond between her and her fellow actors was very strong to begin with, and that particular storyline only made it stronger.
“They are as much family in real life as they were on the show,” she said. “The B.J. story, as sad as it was, was incredible to act, and that feeling doesn’t fade away.”
Zeman, bringing it up to the present, said that she very much enjoyed Bobbie’s recent scenes with Felicia, as Wagner is a longtime friend in real life.
“I really love it when they write scenes for Bobbie and Felicia because they have so much history as close friends, and are really part of the fabric of the show,” the actress said.
She’s Still Got It! And a Bobbie/Scotty Surprise for Fans!
Zeman is vocal in the affirmative about Bobbie’s love life!
“I really believe that it’s important to show that, even as a mature woman, Bobbie still can be romantically active!” she mused.
Now that Scotty and Lucy (Lynn Herring) are somewhat of an item, she said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen with Scotty and Bobbie, but I can say that in real life Kin and I are rehearsing the play Love Letters and we’re taking it on tour in October.”
Fans can now look forward to seeing Bobbie and Scottie in another incarnation onstage!
Soaps: Here to Stay!
Zeman is a longtime soap fan, and believes that they are a positive force in everyday life.
“I grew up watching soaps with my mom and grandma,” she remembered. “I think it’s so important to have them. They really speak to human psychology. For example, if a character is going through a difficult time, a person watching, who might be going through something similar can say, ‘Hey, if he/she can survive this, then so can I’.”
Zeman laments that so many soaps have gone off the air. However, on a positive note, she said that she thinks there’s enough audience to go around with the ones that are still on, and that soaps are here to stay. We at Soap Cities echo her sentiment loud and clear!
A Final Word
Soap Cites couldn’t help but ask Zeman about her onscreen brother and real-life friend, the iconic Tony Geary. There has been much speculation about whether he might make a return appearance at some point, perhaps to escort his beloved onscreen ex-wife Tracy (Jane Elliot) out of Port Charles when Elliot leaves the role soon.
“I honestly don’t know if that would happen,” Zeman offered. “I can only imagine that if they [the writers]came up with some kind of story arc that made Tony happy, then perhaps. But only if it made him happy–he was on the show for a long time.”
It seems that Zeman’s guess is as good as ours. She added that Geary is enjoying life on the other side of the globe in lovely Amsterdam, and praised his multitalents. “Tony’s not only a great actor but a great writer, too,” she said. Zeman, her two daughters, and her former husband got to visit Geary at his Dutch abode many years ago.
We at Soap Cities will certainly stay tuned to General Hospital to see what’s in store for the beautiful, brainy (and on occasion brash–she is a Spencer, after all!) Bobbie!
Give us your input in the comment section below. Check back with Soap Cities for more GH spoilers, recaps, news, and fun! Follow us on Twitter at @soapcities, on Instagram at @soapcities, and come chat with us in our Facebook group. Catch “General Hospital” weekdays on ABC.
