Jill Jacobson, the beloved actress known for her memorable roles in the soap opera Falcon Crest and the Star Trek franchise, has died at the age of 70. Jacobson passed away on December 8, 2023, at the Cedars-Sinai's Culver West Health Center in Culver City, California, after battling a long illness, including esophageal cancer, according to her publicist, Daniel Harary.
Born and raised in Texas, Jacobson began her acting career after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. She made her debut as the titular character in the 1977 horror film Nurse Sherri, where she portrayed a nurse who becomes possessed and attempts to kill her patients. This role set the stage for her prolific career, which spanned over four decades and included appearances in numerous hit television shows and films.
Jacobson became widely recognized for her role as Erin Jones on the acclaimed CBS primetime soap opera, Falcon Crest. Between 1985 and 1987, she starred in 22 episodes of the series, where she shared the screen with Hollywood legends like Jane Wyman and Robert Foxworth. During this time, she also played Larue Wilson on The New Gidget, appearing in eight episodes alongside co-star Caryn Richman, who fondly recalled, "Jill’s comic timing was brilliant. And her enthusiasm and love of life made our time together on set joyful.”
Jacobson's talents weren't limited to soap operas. She branched out to the science fiction genre, making memorable appearances in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Her continued impact on television included appearances on popular series such as Days of Our Lives, Castle, and Hung. Acknowledging her contributions, her manager Ben Padua described her as "beautiful, soulful, hysterically funny (and) elegantly raunchy.”
Despite her success on-screen, Jacobson was also deeply involved behind the scenes. She served as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, using her platform to advocate for cancer awareness and support those battling the disease. Her dedication to volunteering was celebrated by the organization, highlighting her commitment not just to entertainment but also to meaningful causes.
Tragically, reports from friends and family revealed Jacobson had been living with the challenges posed by esophageal cancer for more than two years. Late last year, she expressed her gratitude for life during her last public appearance on The Jim Masters Show, stating, “What I went through was pretty intense... And now I’m so grateful, I just want to keep going, I want to help people. It makes you want to help people.”
Jacobson’s extensive body of work demonstrates her versatility as both a dramatic and comedic actress. She also starred alongside familiar faces from shows like Who's the Boss? and Newhart, efficiently balancing comedic roles with dramatic performances. Her film credits included well-known titles such as Splash, Forbidden Love, and Bad Georgia Road, showcasing her range across varying genres.
Her family has stated she was “beautiful, energetic, and positive to the end,” and they reminisce about her joy for life, with reports indicating she had beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski, who provided companionship throughout her life. They emphasized her dedication to feeding her friends and being involved with animal rescue, showcasing the personal side of the celebrated actress.
Jacobson's passing has left the entertainment community mourning. Tributes poured in as fans and fellow actors alike remembered her comedic talent, grace, and unwavering spirit. Paired with her distinctive laughter and style, she has undoubtedly left her mark not only on the screen but also within the hearts of those she touched throughout her life.
The legacy of Jill Jacobson lives on through her work and the people she inspired, making her loss felt deeply across the industries she graced. Her life's work is honored as one not only of success but one of warmth, dedication, and relentless positivity.
