The Insiders' Lounge is proud to celebrate the opening of the new TotallyTamara and its new feature "Celebrity Corner" with an in-depth interview with one of daytimes' most beloved actresses, Jackie Zeman. Hailed by fans and colleagues alike as one of the genre's most gifted actresses, she has delivered poignant, funny and often heart-wrenching performances for over 25 years on General Hospital. But Jackie is most admired for her creativity, honesty and integrity. We are honored to be able to bring you a glimpse of the woman behind Bobbie Spencer, one of daytimes' most realistic and multi-layered characters.

1. You are one of the most beloved veteran actresses on daytime. What year at GH do you regard as your best and by the same token what year to you regard as your worst?

Thank you for your kind words. All of my years at GH have been good. When it's no longer good I'll be gone. Having less airtime and story for Bobbie has given me the opportunity to devote more time and energy into other adventures. This a gift which I am very grateful for.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your life outside the walls of General Hospital?

I live in Malibu with my husband Glenn and two daughters, Cassidy (14) and Lacey Rose (12). We have a Brittany Spaniel, Goldie, and 3 cats, Lily, Rufus and Nelson. We have a yellow house which overlooks the ocean. Whenever I can... I love to travel. I feel blessed to have my family and so many great friends present in my life.

3. Do any of your children show an interest in acting and would you encourage them to pursue it?

My daughter Cassidy is very interested in acting and has been taking lots of classes. John Homa who coaches some of the GH actors gives a class which she particularly likes. John is excellent and experienced, and he tells me that Cassidy has talent. I would encourage anyone to pursue their dreams and desires. Heartfelt passion creates excitement and I believe these are key ingredients to the pursuit of a positive, productive, happy life.

4. What goals do you still have in regard to your acting career on or off GH? Do you see yourself always acting or are there other interests that you would like to pursue?

I like to work so I am open to all the possibilities. Leslie Charleson, Denise Alexander, Connie Towers and I did a reading of the play "The Current Mrs. Harrison" at Theatre 68 in Hollywood, February 26th. Crystal Kraft directed. I'm also continuing to work on my jewelry designs which I enjoy.

5. Your beauty and youthful appearance are an encouragement to women of all ages. Will you share some of your "secrets" with our readers? Like how do you keep that great shape?

Thank you. I like to exercise. If I'm in Malibu, I run or walk with my dog Goldie 3 miles every day. When I'm shooting, I jog around the lot with my script while I study my lines. I believe that exercise is good for the spirit and the immune system. And I love to eat, which I can do as much as I desire because I am consistent with my exercise regime.

6. Are you disturbed by the lack of story usually afforded veteran actresses on daytime while men of the same age range are still given major front burner stories? What do you feel can be done in daytime to remedy this situation?

"Disturbed" is a strong word which I feel has negative connotations. I've learned that it's a useless waste of time to make comparisons and to concentrate on what isn't. The biggest challenge for any actor is the search for good writing and interesting material. When an actor gets paid to participate in a great story it's an awesome feeling. It's been my experience that Daytime has the potential to offer this opportunity in abundance.

7. Many of your fans were disappointed that you did not have a more prominent role in the Carly Daddy Story. How do you feel?

I think that bringing Bobbie into the "Carly Daddy" story would add an interesting dimension if her presence was character driven. Obviously from a relationship stand point this would be easy to do, so I believe that it has been a conscious choice by the powers that be to deliberately not go in this direction. I am not privy to the reasons why. I feel that the history between Carly and Bobbie is an asset to the show because the audience shares so many mutual memories with the characters. And Tamara was a joy to know and work with.

8. How would you like to see Bobbie developed on GH in the coming years?

When a character has been on as long as Bobbie there are so many possibilities because she has experienced so much and because the audience has shared her journey. There is a lot of automatic resonance which is exciting for the viewer as new events unfold. Some writers are extremely talented in utilizing this advantage. Some, with less skill are not. I would like to see Bobbie involved in events and stories written by scriptwriters who have an awareness of this process.

9. Have you even considered writing your own arc for Bobbie?

The best case scenario is when the writers are inspired by the actor or character to create and write the arc.

10. The respect and admiration you are held in by your co-workers is legend. Who do you regard as your closest friends on the set?

Thank you. I feel very fortunate to have long term bonding, and friendships with so many of my TV family. Many of us have grown together as our audience watched us! Tony Geary and Kin Shriner, Kristina Wagner and Lynn Herring are my friends for life. I stay in touch with Sam Behrens, Brad Maule, Julian Stone, Logan O'Brien, Justin Cooper, Brighton Hertford and her family, Billy Warlock and John Ingle. Leslie Charleson and Stuart Damon and Rachel Ames and I have known each other all our adult lives and Tamara Braun holds a special place in my heart. And I think Connie Towers is tops! How lucky I am to have these people in my life!

11. You have a reputation for going about with your charitable work quietly without the fanfair as so many actors do. Our posters are always interested in charitable causes. Will you share some of your favorite charities with us?

One of the best things about being on TV for so many years is the opportunity it presents to make a little difference by giving something back. I work for the American Heart Association (http://www.americanheart.org). February was "Heart Month" and February 4th was the celebration of "Go Red for Women!" If you were watching GH that week you couldn't help but notice Bobbie in her red suit and red dress pin. I also "flipped the switch" on Highland and Hollywood Blvd. Thursday, February 3rd to start the public awareness campaign. A media tour followed the next week.

I also work for "The Gabriel Project." For the past 14 years the 6th grade students at Vineland Memorial Middle School in New Jersey have been raising money to bring children from Tanzania to the USA for life saving heart surgery. I had the pleasure of traveling to Tanzania last summer to learn more about it. Mark Melamed is the teacher who founded and continues to work every day on behalf of the children. He has put together a special event on March 5th in New York. For more information you can visit http://www.thegabrielproject.com.

ON TAMARA BRAUN'S EXIT:

Tamara is beautiful, inside and out.  She is kind, generous, talented and I will miss her.  But I'm sure she will continue to shine as she enters this new chapter.  I wish her the best that life has to offer personally and professionally...and I am rooting for her success and happiness.