Jill Jacobson, the acclaimed actress known for her memorable roles spanning four decades, passed away at the age of 70 on December 8, 2023. Best remembered for her work on popular television shows such as Falcon Crest, The New Gidget, and the Star Trek franchise, Jacobson's vibrant contributions to the entertainment world have left many fans and colleagues mourning her loss.
Jacobson died at Cedars-Sinai’s Culver West Health Center, situated in Culver City, California, following a long battle with health issues, including esophageal cancer. Her manager, Ben Padula, shared the news, expressing deep sorrow and affection for his client. "We are incredibly sad to say goodbye to our beautiful, soulful, hysterically funny, elegantly raunchy client, Jill Jacobson," he stated. Jacobson was fondly remembered as someone who brought joy and laughter to those around her.
Throughout her dynamic career, Jacobson took on various roles, becoming widely recognized for her part as Erin Jones on Falcon Crest, where she appeared for 22 episodes from 1985 to 1987. Another significant contribution was her role as Larue Wilson on The New Gidget, showcasing her comedic talent. Her appearances on Star Trek: The Next Generation as Vanessa in 1989 and as Chalan Aroya on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine highlight her versatility as both dramatic and comedic actress, carving out memorable moments within the iconic franchise.
Her co-star from The New Gidget, Caryn Richman, recounted her experiences working alongside Jacobson. "Jill’s comic timing was brilliant," Richman expressed, emphasizing her enthusiasm and love for life, which made their time on set joyous and memorable.
Ben Padula also highlighted Jacobson’s positive spirit, noting her beauty, energy, and humor until the very end. "Beautiful, energetic, and positive to the end, she will be deeply missed by numerous relatives, friends, and her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski," he said, reflecting the warmth she exuded throughout her life.
Jill Jacobson’s career began with her breakthrough role as Nurse Sherri—a character possessed by evil—in the horror film Nurse Sherri (1977). From there, she enjoyed various guest roles on several shows, branching out to projects like Murphy Brown, Who’s the Boss?, and Quantum Leap. Her comedic talents extended beyond acting, enabling her to flourish as a stand-up comedian at renowned venues like The Comedy Store and The Improv.
Sadly, Jacobson’s health challenges became increasingly pronounced over the years. Speaking about her fight against cancer, she shared, "What I went through was pretty intense - you can’t function, you just can’t function." With resilience and determination, she found inspiration amid her struggles, stating, "Now I’m so grateful, I just want to keep going, I want to help people. It makes you want to help people." This transformation showcased her innate desire to give back, engaging with causes close to her heart, particularly through her work with the American Cancer Society.
Born and raised in Texas, Jacobson’s formative years were split between the cities of Beaumont and Dallas. She sought formal training at the University of Texas, earning her degree in Radio, Television, and Film Performance before moving to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of acting.
Jacobson’s final project, Merrily, produced by Robert McAtee, is currently underway and anticipated to be released next year, allowing her legacy to continue inspiring audiences. It is through her body of work, her philanthropic efforts, and the hearts she touched along the way, her spirit will undoubtedly endure.
Tributes have poured out across various platforms, spotlighting her impact on the industry. Fans and colleagues alike have taken to social media to pay their respects, commemoratively recalling her roles. A poignant tweet captured the sentiment beautifully: "The passing of Jill Jacobson is a significant loss to the entertainment industry. Her contributions to both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Falcon Crest are truly memorable."
Jill Jacobson's star shone brightly during her time on screen, and her absence has created a noticeable void. The essence of her work resonates with many, leaving behind cherished memories and remarkable performances. She will be deeply missed.
