Jill Jacobson, the cherished actress celebrated for her roles in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and ‘Falcon Crest,’ has sadly departed at the age of 70. Her longtime friend, Dan Harary, confirmed her passing, revealing that Jill succumbed to a long-standing illness on December 8, 2024, at Cedars-Sinai’s Culver West Health Center.
Jill was originally from Beaumont, Texas, and she grew up in Dallas. Her dreams of becoming an actress took her all the way to Los Angeles. Her breakout role was the lead in the 1977 horror movie ‘Nurse Sherri.’ Over the years, she became a fixture in the entertainment industry, delivering memorable performances in series such as ‘Falcon Crest,’ where she played Erin Jones for over 20 episodes, and ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ as well as ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.’ Her roles in these iconic series left a lasting impression on their fans.
Beyond her acting career, Jill was passionate about producing as well. She served as an executive producer for projects like ‘The Circle’ and the 2014 short film ‘Mic Whore.’ Her commitment and creativity weren’t limited to acting; they extended into storytelling in all its forms.
Jill’s life was not without its hurdles. In September 2024, during an appearance on ‘The Jim Masters Show,’ she bravely shared her two-and-a-half-year battle with esophageal cancer. Reflecting on the fight she faced, Jill spoke candidly about the grueling effects of her treatments but also expressed gratitude for the strength she found through helping others. She passionately advocated for cancer awareness, volunteering with the American Cancer Society, and received recognition for her impactful contributions.
In spite of her diagnosis, Jill continued to be a beacon of hope and motivation, channeling her life’s challenges into positivity and support for those in similar situations. She once remarked, “I’m so grateful. It makes you want to help people.”
Her manager, Ben Padua, offered a heartfelt tribute to Entertainment Weekly: “We are incredibly sad to say goodbye to our beautiful, soulful, hysterically funny, elegantly raunchy client, Jill Jacobson. Jill was a spitfire with comedic timing fit for a Marx Brothers film and a Hollywood glamor from its golden era.”
Fans of Jill Jacobson can look forward to seeing her shine on the screen one last time in the upcoming TV show ‘Merrily,’ expected to release in 2025. This ensures that her talent and passion for her craft will continue to inspire even after her passing.
Jill’s contributions to television, her advocacy, and her strength in facing life’s adversities leave a lasting legacy. She will be dearly missed by her friends, family, fans, and her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski.
