Actress Jill Jacobson dies at age 70

Actress Jill Jacobson, known especially for her roles in Star Trek Next Generation and Falcon Crest, passed away "after a long illness" at age 70. The performer, who also served as spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society, revealed earlier this year that she had overcome her battle with a disease she had been fighting for two and a half years.

In a statement, saying goodbye, the family remembered her as "beautiful, energetic and positive to the end," and assured that she "will be deeply missed by numerous family, friends and her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski."

Detective Jones on 'Falcon Crest,' Vanessa on 'Star Trek'

Jacobson became known to audiences for her role as private detective Erin Jones in 22 episodes of Falcon Crest. At that time she also brought Larue Wilson to life on the American sitcom The New Gidget.

Subsequently, her role as Vanessa in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1989), opened the door to the science fiction saga. In the fourth season of the series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1996), she played Chalan Aroya.

In addition, she participated in series such as Hung, Newhart, Castle, Who's the Boss, Quantum Leap, Crazy Like a Fox, Arliss and Murphy Brown. She also had a small appearance in Splash, Ron Howard's 1984 film. In recent years, Jacobson frequently participated in The Improv and The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, where she performed as a stand-up for years.