Actress Jill Jacobson died Dec. 8 in Los Angeles at Cedars-Sinai-affiliated Culver West Health Center after a long illness, her publicist confirmed. She was 70.

Jacobson graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Radio-TV-Film/Performance. She moved to Los Angeles and was cast in the title role of the cult classic “Nurse Sherri.” The role was followed by major appearances in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Hung, Newhart, Castle and Who’s the Boss?

Called “Jilly” by her close friends, she also played a recurring character on two popular shows at once: “Falcon Crest” and “The New Gidget.”

“Jill’s comic timing was brilliant,” recalls Caryn Richman, her “The New Gidget” co-star. “And her enthusiasm and love for life made our time together on set a joyful time.” The two became lifelong friends – that goes for almost everyone Jill met.

Jacobson’s other television credits include “Crazy Like a Fox,” “Quantum Leap,” “Arliss” and “Murphy Brown.” Her film roles included Ron Howard’s Splash as well as starring roles in numerous indie films. She has also had several stage appearances and in recent years has performed stand-up comedy acts at The Improv and The Comedy Store in LA.

She has been a speaker and honoree for her volunteer work with the American Cancer Society. Survivors include numerous relatives, friends and their beloved dogs Benny and Kowalski. No memorial plans have been announced.

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