Jill Jacobson, the talented actress beloved for her appearances on television shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation and Falcon Crest, has passed away at the age of 70. Jacobson died on December 8 at Cedars-Sinai’s Culver West Health Center after battling a long illness. Her friend and publicist, Dan Harary, confirmed the news to multiple media outlets.
Jacobson’s family released a touching statement saying, “Beautiful, energetic, and positive to the end, she will be deeply missed by numerous relatives, friends, and her beloved dogs Benny and Kowalski.” Born and raised in Texas, Jacobson attended the University of Texas at Austin where she earned a degree in Radio, TV, and Film Performance. Following this, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career.
Jacobson made her film debut as the title character in the 1977 horror film Nurse Sherri. That role marked the beginning of her impressive career, which included numerous guest appearances on popular television series like Days of Our Lives, Murphy Brown, Newhart, and Who’s the Boss?. She found notable success with her portrayal of Erin Jones on Falcon Crest, where she featured prominently for 22 episodes from 1985 to 1987, and also starred as Larue Wilson on The New Gidget.
Caryn Richman, Jacobson’s co-star on The New Gidget, remembered her fondly, saying, “Jill’s comic timing was brilliant. And her enthusiasm and love of life made our time together on set joyful.” Their friendship reflected the closeness Jacobson cultivated with many colleagues, earning her lasting connections throughout the industry.
Her work on Star Trek included roles on both The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Alongside her more serious roles, Jacobson embraced comedy and became known for her stand-up performances at local venues such as The Improv and The Comedy Store. Even as she faced health challenges, her spirit remained vibrant.
Jacobson, who had previously battled esophageal cancer, opened up to the media about her struggles and recovery. "What I went through was pretty intense. You can’t function, you just can’t function. And now I’m so grateful, I just want to keep going, I want to help people. It makes you want to help people,” she explained during interviews earlier this year. This commitment to helping others extended to her role as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, where she was recognized for her contributions to cancer awareness and support.
Her agent, Ben Padula, expressed deep sadness over her passing, stating, “We are incredibly sad to say goodbye to our beautiful, soulful, hysterically funny, elegantly raunchy client, Jill Jacobson. Jill was a total spitfire of an actress with comedic timing straight out of a Marx Brothers flick and Hollywood glamour right from its golden age.” Padula highlighted the joy Jacobson brought to those around her, noting, “Jill took us on so many adventures and she was an absolute blast. Thank you, Jill. We’ll see you in our dreams.”
Reflecting on her career, Jacobson’s extensive television resume included memorable roles on Crazy Like a Fox, Quantum Leap, Arliss, and Castle. Her talent for both comedic roles and dramatic acting cemented her as a cherished figure within Hollywood’s entertainment community. Jacobson's final project, titled Merrily, was reported to be in production at the time of her death, with its release anticipated for next year.
Jacobson leaves behind not only her body of work but also fond memories for those who loved her. Friends and family are at her side as they mourn the loss of such a vibrant spirit.
“She will be deeply missed by numerous relatives, friends, and her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski,” Dan Harary reflected, embracing the essence of Jill Jacobson. Her legacy, marked by her lively spirit and dedication to both performance and philanthropy, will endure through the lives she touched and the narratives she helped tell over her career.
