The admired actress Jill Jacobson, recognized for her roles in some beloved TV series, has sadly left us. Known for her remarkable appearances in Star Trek: The Next Generation as well as Falcon Crest, Jill’s departure marks a somber moment for her admirers and the entertainment industry.
Her long-standing friend, Dan Harary, shared the unfortunate news. Jill succumbed to a chronic illness that she had battled bravely for several years. This has indeed been a hard farewell for those who cherished her performances in the memorable series she graced.
Jill Jacobson, hailed from Texas, carved a niche for herself with her portrayal of Erin Jones in Falcon Crest, appearing in over 20 episodes and becoming a household name among fans.
Besides this, she also made her mark in the Star Trek universe, featuring in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where her captivating performances earned her a dedicated fan base.
Paved Her Path in Acting
Jill was born and raised between Beaumont and Dallas in Texas. With dreams bigger than her hometown, Jill ventured to Los Angeles to chase an acting career full-heartedly. It was there in 1977 that she landed her first significant role as the lead character in the film Nurse Sherri.
Beyond her acting prowess, Jill showcased her talent from behind the camera as well. She took on roles as an executive producer, working on projects like The Circle and the 2014 short film Mic Whore, bringing a different aspect of storytelling to life.
This heartbreaking news was shared by her longtime friend, Dan Harary, with The Hollywood Reporter, who confirmed Jill’s passing on December 8. She took her last breath at Cedars-Sinai’s Culver West Health Center after a long battle with illness. “She will be deeply missed by her numerous relatives, friends, and her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski,” Dan reflected upon her heartfelt loss.
Brave Battle with Illness
The precise cause of Jill’s passing remains undisclosed. However, it is acknowledged that Jill succumbed to a prolonged illness. Back in September 2024, Jill had publicly disclosed undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer in a candid conversation, a journey which proved to be quite taxing.
In her appearance on The Jim Masters Show on YouTube, Jill opened up about the demanding experience. “What I went through was pretty intense. It was hard to handle even daily tasks,” she shared.
Jill described transforming this challenge into something positive, despite the initial difficulty. “It’s been a secret. It took me out of the game for a while,” she explained, referring to her battle with esophageal cancer, which stretched over two and a half long years of treatment.
Her Legacy of Compassion
After receiving her diagnosis, Jill found a meaningful new chapter as a spokesperson and volunteer for the American Cancer Society, engaging passionately in cancer advocacy which awarded her numerous accolades for her unwavering commitment.
“And now I’m so grateful. I just want to help others. It makes you want to reach out,” she expressed about her advocacy work that became dear to her heart.
Sadly, her journey concluded at 70, leaving behind loving memories and significant contributions to both her craft and community. Her manager, Ben Padua, confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly, expressing, “We are incredibly sad to say goodbye to our beautiful, soulful, hysterically funny, elegantly raunchy client, Jill Jacobson.”
He praised her as a true
