On December 8, 2024, Jill Jacobson, a celebrated actress known for her roles in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Falcon Crest,” passed away. She was 70 years old and died at Cedars-Sinai’s Culver West Health Center in Los Angeles, California.
Her death was confirmed by her friend and publicist, Daniel Harary, who reported that Jacobson had been dealing with a long-term illness. In September, Jacobson publicly acknowledged her fight with esophageal cancer, mentioning that her treatment spanned over two years. Harary highlighted her ability to face her disease with a sense of humor and resilience.
Jacobson’s manager, Ben Padua, described her as a spirited actress with a knack for comedy, reminiscent of the Marx Brothers, and a glamour that echoed Hollywood’s golden age.
The Texas-born actress, raised in Beaumont and later Dallas, graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a B.S. degree in Radio, TV, and Film Performance. She then relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career.
Jacobson’s acting talent was apparent early on, as she participated in local theater productions in Texas before making her way to Hollywood. She began her career with the 1977 horror film “Nurse Sherri,” where she was noted for her vibrant on-screen performance.
On the CBS primetime soap “Falcon Crest,” Jacobson appeared in 22 episodes as the cunning private detective Erin Jones from 1985 to 1987. She was also part of “The New Gidget “from 1986 to 1987, a sequel to the 1960s ABC sitcom. Her co-star, Caryn Richman, lauded her comic timing and zest for life.
Jacobson had roles in several television shows throughout her career, including “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Days of Our Lives,” “Castle,” “Hung,” “Who’s the Boss?,” “Quantum Leap,” “Arliss,” “Murphy Brown,” and “Newhart.”
In the series “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” she portrayed a Bajoran woman named Thiana, a role that, despite its brevity, left a lasting impression on fans of the franchise. Jacobson also had a minor role in the 1984 film “Splash,” alongside Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah.
In her later years, Jacobson turned to stand-up comedy, performing regularly at Los Angeles comedy clubs like The Improv and The Comedy Store. Her performances, a blend of humor and personal stories from her career in Hollywood, were well-received by audiences.
Jacobson’s final credited role was in the 2020 series “Etheria,” where she guest-starred in an episode that showcased her characteristic strength and charm.
Jacobson leaves behind a host of relatives, friends, and her cherished dogs, Benny and Kowalski.
