Actress Jill Jacobson dies after brave cancer battle
The beloved star’s life, her fight against cancer, and the cause of her passing explained.
Jill Jacobson, a talented actress celebrated for her roles in Falcon Crest and Star Trek, has died at the age of 70 after battling a long-term illness. Her passing was confirmed by her close friend Dan Harary, who described her as a cherished friend and a bright star in Hollywood.
Born in Beaumont and raised in Dallas, Texas, Jill Jacobson’s journey into acting began after completing her education. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue her passion and landed her first notable role as the title character in Nurse Sherri (1977). This marked the start of a career that would span decades and captivate audiences worldwide.
Jacobson is best remembered for her portrayal of Erin Jones in the popular 1980s drama Falcon Crest, where she appeared in over 20 episodes. Her appearances in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine further cemented her place in the hearts of science fiction fans.
Beyond acting, Jill showcased her creativity behind the camera, serving as an executive producer on projects like The Circle and the short film Mic Whore (2014).
A brave battle with illness
Jill Jacobson’s health struggles became public in September 2024 when she shared her experience with esophageal cancer on The Jim Masters Show. She candidly described her two-and-a-half-year battle, explaining, “What I went through was pretty intense. You can’t function, you just can’t function.”
Despite the challenges, Jill turned her diagnosis into a mission of advocacy. She became a volunteer and spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, earning awards for her efforts to raise awareness and support others facing similar struggles.
“And now I’m so grateful, I just want to keep going, I want to help people,” she said, reflecting on how the experience reshaped her outlook on life.
A lasting legacy
Jill Jacobson passed away on December 8, 2024, at Cedars-Sinai’s Culver West Health Center in Los Angeles. Her close friend Dan Harary confirmed her passing, calling her a beloved friend who will be deeply missed by family, friends, and her cherished dogs, Benny and Kowalski.
Her manager, Ben Padua, paid tribute to Jill’s vibrant spirit and talent in a statement: “Jill was a total spitfire of an actress with comedic timing straight out of a Marx Brothers’ flick and Hollywood glamor right from its golden age.”
Despite her passing, Jill Jacobson’s talent and passion will live on. Fans will have the opportunity to see her grace the screen one final time in the upcoming TV show Merrily, set for release in 2025.
Jill Jacobson’s contributions to television, her resilience in the face of illness, and her advocacy for cancer awareness have left a lasting impact. As fans and loved ones mourn her loss, they also celebrate a life filled with creativity, determination, and a heartfelt desire to make the world a better place.
Jill Jacobson’s journey may have come to an end, but her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
