Exploring the Marriages of Jacklyn Zeman: The Men Who Shared the Life of the ‘General Hospital’ Icon

• Jacklyn Zeman was a celebrated soap opera star, enchanting audiences as Bobbie Spencer on ‘General Hospital’ for over four decades.
• She embarked on three marriages throughout her life, becoming a mother to two daughters from her third union.
• Jacklyn passed away on May 10, 2023, at the age of 70, following a brief battle with cancer, leaving behind an indelible legacy.

Jacklyn Zeman, a name synonymous with daytime television, captivated millions with her portrayal of Bobbie Spencer on the iconic soap opera General Hospital. Her career spanned an astonishing 45 years, making her one of the longest-running and most beloved figures in the show’s history. Jacklyn appeared in an incredible 800-plus episodes, earning her well-deserved nominations for prestigious Daytime Emmy Awards, a testament to her profound talent and enduring appeal. Her character, Bobbie Spencer, evolved from a controversial young nurse to a compassionate and complex figure, becoming a cornerstone of Port Charles and a surrogate family member for countless viewers. The news of Jacklyn’s passing at 70, following a short but valiant fight with cancer on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, as reported by ABC News, sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and deeply saddened her devoted fanbase, marking the end of an era for daytime television.

Beyond her illustrious career, Jacklyn Zeman’s personal life also saw its share of significant moments, including three marriages. These relationships provided her with companionship, love, and ultimately, a family. Her third marriage brought her two beloved daughters, Cassidy and Lacey, who became a central part of her world. Jacklyn often spoke about the joy and fulfillment motherhood brought her, demonstrating that while her professional life was public and celebrated, her role as a mother was equally cherished and profoundly impactful. These personal chapters of her life offer a fuller picture of the woman behind the iconic character, revealing a journey filled with love, family, and the search for lasting connection.

Throughout her rich and varied life, Jacklyn found love and companionship in three different men. Each marriage represented a distinct period in her life, contributing to her personal growth and experiences. While her career as a soap opera legend brought her into millions of homes daily, her private life, particularly her relationships, was often a source of interest and speculation among fans. Her journey through marriage was marked by both public attention and moments of deeply personal connection, culminating in the joy of motherhood. With her third husband, Glenn Gorden, she welcomed her two cherished daughters, Cassidy and Lacey, who remained her pride and joy. Understanding these unions offers a more intimate glimpse into the life of the late star, showcasing the different facets of her emotional world and the men who were a part of her storied journey.

Murray Kaufman: The Iconic “Murray The K”

Jacklyn Zeman’s first marriage was arguably her most high-profile, connecting her to a legendary figure in music history. In 1979, she exchanged vows with Murray Kaufman, better known to the world as “Murray The K.” Murray was not just a DJ; he was a cultural phenomenon, an incredibly influential force in the music industry from the late 1950s through the 1980s. His charismatic personality and keen ear for groundbreaking music earned him immense popularity, especially in New York City, where his radio shows on WINS and later WOR-FM captivated a generation. Murray was a vocal champion of rock and roll during its nascent years, breaking new artists and shaping the soundscape of popular music. His enthusiasm and promotional prowess were instrumental in launching many careers, but none more famously than that of The Beatles.

Murray The K was one of the earliest and most fervent proponents of Beatlemania in America. He famously dubbed himself “The Fifth Beatle” during the band’s first visits to the U.S., a nickname he earned through his close association with the Fab Four. He traveled with them, interviewed them extensively, and was a constant presence around the band during their pivotal moments in the States. This close friendship and professional relationship cemented his place in music history and gave him a unique perspective on one of the greatest musical movements of all time. His ability to connect with listeners and artists alike made him a titan of radio, and his influence extended far beyond the airwaves, shaping trends and driving record sales. His marriage to Jacklyn, a rising star in her own right, created a fascinating union of two prominent figures in entertainment, bridging the worlds of music and television.

Although Murray was primarily based in the vibrant music scene of New York City, he made a significant geographical shift when he and Jacklyn decided to marry, relocating to the West Coast, as reported by MTV News. This move signaled a new chapter for both, intertwining their lives in a different setting. However, despite the initial excitement surrounding their union, the marriage proved to be short-lived. The demands of their respective careers and perhaps the challenges inherent in any celebrity relationship ultimately led to their separation. They divorced in 1981, after only two years of marriage, bringing an end to this publicly noted chapter of Jacklyn’s life. Tragically, Murray’s life was also cut short not long after their divorce; he passed away from cancer at the young age of 60 in 1982. His death marked the loss of a true pioneer in radio and a significant figure in the history of rock and roll, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with music enthusiasts and historians.

Steve Gribbin: A Private Chapter

Following her first marriage, Jacklyn Zeman entered into her second union with Steve Gribbin in 1985. This particular chapter of her personal life remains the most private and least documented among her three marriages. While her relationships with Murray Kaufman and Glenn Gorden saw varying degrees of public visibility due to their careers or the longevity of the unions, her marriage to Steve Gribbin was remarkably shielded from the public eye. Information regarding Steve and the dynamics of their relationship is scarce, reflecting a clear intention to maintain privacy. It stands as the shortest of her three marriages, with the couple divorcing just the following year, in 1986. The brevity of this union suggests that it may have been a quick decision or perhaps a period of seeking stability after her first high-profile marriage. Few other details have ever emerged about Steve Gribbin or the specific circumstances surrounding their time together, leaving this marriage as a quiet interlude in Jacklyn’s otherwise well-publicized life. This period highlights the actress’s ability to compartmentalize her personal life when she chose, contrasting sharply with the media attention that often accompanied her professional endeavors and other relationships. It underscores that even public figures cherish their privacy and not every facet of their lives is open for public consumption, allowing for personal moments to remain just that – personal.

Glenn Gorden: Love, Family, and Lasting Bonds

Jacklyn Zeman found love again and tied the knot for the third time in February 1988, choosing the romantic backdrop of Valentine’s Day to marry Glenn Gorden. This marriage would prove to be her longest and most personally fulfilling union, bringing her the profound joy of motherhood. Glenn Gorden, while not a public figure himself, became an integral part of Jacklyn’s life, offering a stable and loving partnership. Their enduring relationship was soon blessed with the arrival of their two beautiful daughters: Cassidy, born in 1990, and Lacey, who arrived in 1992. Jacklyn often expressed immense pride and love for her children, who became the center of her world and a constant source of happiness. Her role as a mother was one she cherished deeply, balancing the demands of a highly successful acting career with the responsibilities and joys of raising a family. This period saw her embrace family life with open arms, providing her daughters with a nurturing environment.

While Glenn Gorden generally preferred to remain out of the glaring spotlight, maintaining a private life away from the entertainment industry’s constant scrutiny, he did occasionally join Jacklyn for significant events. These rare public appearances were often at industry functions that were meaningful to Jacklyn’s career, such as when they attended the Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards in 2004. These moments offered a glimpse into their supportive partnership, showcasing a couple navigating the unique challenges of a public figure’s life while striving to maintain a sense of normalcy and intimacy. The longevity of their marriage, spanning 19 years, was a testament to their commitment and the strong family unit they built together. They weathered many years together, building a home and raising their daughters. However, even the most enduring relationships can face insurmountable challenges, and unfortunately, Jacklyn and Glenn decided to part ways in 2007, bringing an end to their nearly two-decade-long marriage. Despite their separation, the bond they forged as parents to Cassidy and Lacey undoubtedly remained a significant aspect of their lives, and Jacklyn continued to prioritize her daughters above all else.

Jacklyn Zeman’s Enduring Legacy: Love, Family, and a Life Well-Lived

Jacklyn Zeman’s life was a testament to passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication, both to her craft and to her family. Her journey through three marriages showcased different facets of her personal quest for love and companionship. From the high-profile union with radio legend Murray Kaufman, a relationship steeped in the vibrant cultural shifts of the music world, to the quiet and private interlude with Steve Gribbin, each marriage played a role in shaping her experiences. It was with Glenn Gorden that she found her longest-lasting partnership and, most importantly, the profound joy of motherhood, welcoming her beloved daughters Cassidy and Lacey into her life. These relationships, whether brief or long-standing, offered a glimpse into the emotional landscape of a woman who, despite her public persona, deeply valued personal connections and the warmth of family.

Her celebrated career as Bobbie Spencer on “General Hospital” cemented her status as a daytime television icon. For over four decades, she brought depth, vulnerability, and strength to a character that resonated with millions of viewers worldwide. Jacklyn’s ability to evolve Bobbie, from a young woman seeking her place to a matriarch within the fictional town of Port Charles, showcased her immense talent and dedication. Her Daytime Emmy nominations were well-deserved recognitions of her impactful performances. Beyond the awards and accolades, her true legacy lies in the indelible mark she left on the hearts of her fans, who regarded her not just as an actress but as a cherished part of their daily lives.

Jacklyn Zeman’s passing in May 2023 left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and legions of fans. Yet, her memory endures through the rich tapestry of her life’s work and the beautiful family she created. She navigated the complexities of fame and personal life with grace, always returning to the bedrock of her loved ones. Her story is one of a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and left an extraordinary legacy of entertainment and human connection. The men she married were part of her journey, but her greatest enduring triumphs were her unwavering spirit, her legendary career, and the love she nurtured within her family, particularly with her daughters.