*This article is re-posted from December 8, 2024*
Jill Jacobson, the beloved actress known for her memorable roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Falcon Crest, has passed away at the age of 70. Her death was confirmed by her longtime friend Dan Harary, who revealed that she succumbed to a long-term illness on December 8, 2024, at Cedars-Sinai’s Culver West Health Center.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, and raised in Dallas, Jacobson began her acting journey with aspirations of stardom that took her to Los Angeles. Her first major role came in the 1977 horror film Nurse Sherri, where she played the title character. Over the years, Jill solidified her place in the entertainment industry with standout performances in shows like Falcon Crest, where she portrayed Erin Jones in over 20 episodes, and Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where her roles left a lasting impression on fans of the iconic franchise.
In addition to her on-screen career, Jacobson ventured into producing, serving as an executive producer on projects like The Circle and the 2014 short film Mic Whore. Her creativity and dedication extended beyond acting, showcasing her passion for storytelling in all forms.
Jacobson’s journey was not without challenges. In September 2024, she disclosed her two-and-a-half-year battle with esophageal cancer during an interview on The Jim Masters Show. Reflecting on her health struggles, Jill described the intense toll of her treatment but expressed gratitude for the strength she found in helping others. She became a dedicated advocate for cancer awareness, volunteering with the American Cancer Society and earning recognition for her impactful work.
Despite her diagnosis, Jacobson continued to inspire those around her, channeling her experience into positivity and support for others facing similar battles. “I’m so grateful,” she shared. “It makes you want to help people.”
Her manager, Ben Padua, paid tribute to the late actress in a heartfelt statement to Entertainment Weekly: “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 glamor right from its golden age.”
Fans of Jacobson can look forward to seeing her grace the screen one final time in the upcoming TV show Merrily, set to release in 2025, ensuring that her talent and passion for her craft continue to inspire even after her passing.
Jill Jacobson’s contributions to television, her advocacy, and her resilience in the face of adversity leave a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed by friends, family, fans, and her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski.
