Jill Jacobson has been confirmed dead at 70 by her friend and publicist Daniel Harary, who noted that the actress battled a longtime illness before her demise. She is well known for playing Vanessa, a scientist faced with compromise and dilemmas challenging her morals, in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and even reprised her role in another Star Trek movie, Deep Space Nine. Aside from Star Trek, Jill Jacobson was famous for starring in the primetime soap opera Falcon Crest, and though she appeared in only 22 episodes out of 227 across nine seasons, she gave an unforgettable delivery of her character Erin Jones.
Prior to starring in these hits, Jill Jacobson started her career playing the title role of nurse Sherri in the 1977 horror film. She landed the part after moving to Los Angeles from Austin, Texas, where she attended University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in radio, television, and film performance. The late screen star appeared in many more productions, including Days of Our Lives, The New Gidget, Harper Valley PTA, Crazy Like a Fox, Who’s the Boss?, and many more.
Jill Jacobson’s life after ‘Star Trek’
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Although hers was a small part, Star Trek opened doors to more gigs for Jill Jacobson. She was also a familiar face in films like Not Just Another Affair, Forbidden Love, Cats Dancing on Jupiter, Last Look, and Visage. Aside from acting, Jill Jacobson was an impressive comedian with multiple stage appearances at The Improv in Los Angeles and The Comedy Store. The late entertainer also executive produced The Circle and The Mic Whore in 2014. Jill Jacobson never slowed down in her career as she still starred in the series Etheria in 2020, and is set to posthumously appear in the upcoming series Merrily.
Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Jill Jacobson, noting that her humor and passion will be missed. Her New Gidget co-star, Caryn Richman, commended her comic timing and enthusiasm at work, saying she was a joy to work with on set. “The world lost a versatile star known for ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Falcon Crest.’ Rest in peace, Jill,” a post on X read. “She graced screens with elegance, charm, and ‘Falcon Crest’ level drama. May her legacy live long and prosper. Note to humanity: honor legends while they’re here, not just in the obits,’ another wrote.`
Jill Jacobson’s life beyond the camera
Aside from her show business career, Jill Jacobson was dedicated to social causes and was a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. She disclosed her cancer diagnosis in September on The Jim Masters Show, explaining that she suffered from oesophageal cancer for two and half years, hence why she was out of the game for a while.
According to the statement issued to announce her passing, Jill Jacobson was also an accomplished cook who found joy in feeding her friends, family, and loved ones. She was also a dog lover and was passionate about pet rescue during her lifetime.
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The late star was a family woman and shared three children with her ex-husband and Murphy Brown co-star Paul Dorman. In 2014, 13 years after their wedding, Jill Jacobson filed for divorce in Los Angeles, stating a dissolution without minor children. Not much is known about her kids, whom she kept private ever since their birth. Jill Jacobson also avoided social media throughout her career and kept most of her personal business private, including the state of her health. “You can’t function, you just can’t function…I just want to keep going, I want to help people. It makes you want to help people,” she said months ago after disclosing the state of her health.
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