It has been announced that actor Jill Jacobson has died at the age of 70. Known for her roles in the Star Trek TV franchise, Jill passed away in California on Sunday 8 December due to a long-term health issue, as confirmed by her friend Dan Harary to the Hollywood Reporter. "She will be deeply missed by numerous relatives, friends and her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski," he said.
Jill's manager Ben Padua also confirmed the news of her death to Entertainment Weekly, telling the outlet: "We are incredibly sad to say goodbye to our beautiful, soulful, hysterically funny, elegantly raunchy client, Jill Jacobson." Jill's acting journey began with her portrayal of the lead in the supernatural film Nurse Sherri in 1977, where she played a hospital nurse overtaken by a spirit.
She gained recognition on the CBS soap opera Falcon Crest as the conniving Erin Jones, joining the cast in 1985 and appearing in over 20 episodes until 1987.
Her Star Trek legacy includes playing Vanessa in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1989 and later, café owner Aroya in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in 1996.