Jill Jacobson dies at 70 after iconic career in Star Trek, Falcon Crest, and stand-up comedy

Jill Jacobson, a cherished actress best known for her roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has passed away at the age of 70. Her close friend, Dan Harary, confirmed that she died on December 8 at Cedars-Sinai’s Culver West Health Center following a battle with an undisclosed long-term illness.

Her death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades and touched countless lives in the entertainment world. Jacobson made a lasting impression on fans and audiences with her versatility and talent. In 1989, she appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation as Vanessa and later reprised her involvement in the franchise in 1996, portraying Aroya on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Beyond science fiction, Jacobson starred as private detective Erin Jones in CBS’s Falcon Crest and brought humor to the screen as Larue Wilson in The New Gidget, a sequel to the classic 1960s sitcom.

"Jill’s comic timing was brilliant, and her enthusiasm and love of life made our time together on set joyful,” said Caryn Richman, her co-star on The New Gidget.

Jacobson brought a unique energy to every role, appearing in popular TV series such as Quantum Leap, Who’s the Boss?, Murphy Brown, and Crazy Like a Fox. On the big screen, she appeared in the 2014 film Mic Whore and the 2015 short Boredom alongside Adrien Brody.

Her creativity extended beyond acting. Jacobson performed stand-up comedy at renowned venues such as The Improv and The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. She was also a dedicated advocate for the American Cancer Society, earning an award for her volunteer work.

Jill Jacobson’s work continues to inspire, leaving a legacy of talent, laughter, and compassion. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski.