Star Trek and Who’s the Boss Actress Dies at 70 After Illness and Cancer, Family Honors Her Positive Spirit

Jill Jacobson, the beloved actress known for her roles in Star Trek and Who’s the Boss, has sadly passed away at the age of 70 after a prolonged battle with illness and esophageal cancer. The news was confirmed by her close friend and publicist, Dan Harary, who expressed profound sorrow over her loss.

Jacobson was a vibrant figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her work across numerous popular television series. Her fight against cancer lasted more than two years, during which she became an advocate for cancer patients as a volunteer spokesperson for the American Cancer Society.

She spent her final moments at Culver West Health Center in Culver City, California. Remembered as “beautiful, energetic, and positive to the end,” Jacobson leaves behind a legacy cherished by her family, friends, and her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski.

A fixture on television, she gained recognition for her roles in iconic series such as Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where she portrayed Vanessa and Aroya, respectively. In addition to her Star Trek appearances, Jacobson’s career included notable performances in shows like Party Down, Quantum Leap, and My Sister Sam. Her film credits featured work in Ron Howard’s Splash and the comedy Reality Queen!

Throughout her battle with cancer, Jacobson remained determined to help others, stating that her experiences inspired her to assist fellow sufferers. She reminisced about her intense journey but also expressed immense gratitude for the support she received, saying, “What I went through was pretty intense. You can’t function, you just can’t function. And now I’m so grateful, I just want to keep going, I want to help people.”

Jacobson’s career began in the 1970s with minor roles in film, but she soared to fame with her breakthrough role in the soap opera Falcon Crest in 1985. She also appeared in the reboot of The New Gidget, showcasing her range as an actress.

In addition to her acting chops, Jacobson was an accomplished stand-up comedian, performing regularly at venues like The Comedy Store and The Improv in Los Angeles. Her final project, titled Merrily, is currently in production, with plans for a release next year.

Jill Jacobson will be deeply missed, not only for her contributions to entertainment but also for the positivity and strength she exhibited throughout her life. The impact she made on those around her is a testament to her remarkable spirit and dedication to helping others.