Jill Jacobson. The Hollywood Reporter
Jill Jacobson, the talented actress known for her roles on Falcon Crest, The New Gidget, and Star Trek, has passed away at the age of 70. She died on December 8 at Cedars-Sinai’s Culver West Health Center after battling a long illness, as confirmed by her friend Dan Harary.
Jacobson was a familiar face on television, having earned recognition for her role as Erin Jones, a scheming private detective, in the popular CBS primetime soap Falcon Crest. She appeared in 22 episodes of the series from 1985 to 1987. The show, which revolved around a wealthy California wine family, became a major hit during its time. At the same time, Jacobson also played Larue Wilson in The New Gidget, a 1980s sequel to the 1960s sitcom that originally starred Sally Field. In this role, she brought a touch of humor and charm, showcasing her versatile acting abilities.
In addition to these iconic TV roles, Jacobson made several memorable appearances in the Star Trek franchise. She appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1989 and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in 1996, further cementing her place in TV history.
Jacobson’s acting career spanned many other popular TV shows. She was featured in episodes of Hung, Newhart, Castle, Who’s the Boss?, Quantum Leap, Crazy Like a Fox, Arliss, and Murphy Brown, among others. She also had a small role in Ron Howard’s 1984 film Splash. These roles allowed her to showcase her range, moving from drama to comedy with ease.
Her comedic skills were especially appreciated by those who worked with her. Caryn Richman, her co-star on The New Gidget, shared fond memories of Jacobson, saying, “Jill’s comic timing was brilliant. And her enthusiasm and love of life made our time together on set joyful.”
In her later years, Jacobson was known for performing stand-up comedy at some of Los Angeles’ most famous venues, including The Improv and The Comedy Store. She continued to entertain and bring joy to those around her, maintaining a strong presence in the entertainment world.
Jacobson’s life began in Beaumont, Texas, before moving to Dallas, where she grew up. She was the daughter of Dr. Harry Jacobson and Carol Toplitz Jacobson Hornstein. After completing her studies at the University of Texas in Austin, where she earned a B.S. in Radio, TV, and Film Performance, Jacobson moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. Her breakout role came in the cult classic film Nurse Sherri, where she was cast in the title role.
Beyond her acting career, Jacobson was also known for her volunteer work with the American Cancer Society, where she earned recognition for her dedication to the cause.
Jacobson’s passing is deeply mourned by her family, friends, and fans. She leaves behind fond memories of her warmth, humor, and love for life. Her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski, and her many loved ones will miss her dearly.
