Jill Jacobson, the vibrant actress beloved for her roles in *Falcon Crest* and *Star Trek: The Next Generation,* passed away on December 8 in Los Angeles after battling a long illness. She was 70.
Known for her Texas-born charm, classic Hollywood glamour, and spitfire wit, Jacobson leaves behind a legacy of memorable roles that spanned both television and film during an era when actors still brought an enduring elegance to the screen. Her passing was confirmed by friend and publicist Daniel Harary, who praised Jacobson’s energy, positivity, and love for life—even as she faced her toughest battle.
In a heartfelt statement, her family shared, *“Beautiful, energetic, and positive to the end, she will be deeply missed by numerous relatives, friends, and her beloved dogs Benny and Kowalski.”*
Jacobson’s manager, Ben Padua, captured her essence perfectly: *“We are incredibly sad to say goodbye to our beautiful, soulful, hysterically funny, elegantly raunchy client. Jill was a total spitfire of an actress with comedic timing straight out of a Marx Brothers’ flick and Hollywood glamour right from its golden age.”*
Despite her sparkling on-screen persona, Jacobson revealed in a September interview that she had privately battled esophageal cancer for two and a half years. The illness took its toll, but Jacobson approached it with her trademark strength. *“It kind of took me out of the game for a while,”* she admitted on *The Jim Masters Show,* reflecting on her fight. *“What I went through was pretty intense… but now I’m so grateful. I just want to keep going, I want to help people.”*
It’s no surprise that Jacobson, who lived with grit and grace, carried that same attitude into her final years—focusing on gratitude and leaving an impact on those around her.
Jacobson’s journey began in her home state of Texas, where she attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned a degree in radio, TV, and film performance. She brought her Southern roots to Hollywood in the late 1970s, landing her first role in the 1977 horror film *Nurse Sherri.* From there, she carved out a successful career spanning decades.
For fans of classic television, Jacobson will always be remembered for her work on *Falcon Crest,* the iconic CBS primetime soap opera that showcased the clashes of a wealthy California wine dynasty. Jacobson played Erin Jones in 22 episodes from 1985 to 1987, alongside stars like Jane Wyman and Robert Foxworth. She often spoke fondly of her time on the series, calling it *“one of those great, great times.”*
Her versatility as an actress was evident as she seamlessly transitioned from soaps to science fiction, appearing in both *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,* where she gained a loyal following among sci-fi enthusiasts.
Jacobson also made guest appearances in beloved shows like *Quantum Leap, Murphy Brown,* and *Days of Our Lives,* as well as the sitcom *The New Gidget,* where she showcased her comedic chops.
Jacobson’s love for laughter wasn’t limited to television—she performed stand-up comedy at LA’s famous Improv and Comedy Store, cementing her reputation as a woman who could bring joy to any room. Offstage, she gave back to her community through volunteer work with the American Cancer Society.
Her combination of humor, heart, and professionalism defined her career and earned her respect across Hollywood.
Jill Jacobson embodied the golden age of Hollywood and the resilience of a generation that valued hard work, positivity, and faith in better days ahead. In a time when the entertainment industry seems to lose its luster, Jacobson remained a bright spot—a reminder of the beauty and optimism that actors once brought to the screen.
She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, iconic roles, and an indomitable spirit that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
