Jacqueline Scott, a versatile actress who starred in many classic television shows and movies, passed away on July 23, 2023 at the age of 89. She died at her home in Los Angeles after a long fight with lung cancer, according to her son Andrew.
A Career Spanning Six Decades
Scott was born on June 25, 1931 in Sikeston, Missouri. She began her entertainment career at the age of three, when she won a tap-dancing contest. She later moved to New York and appeared in the Broadway show Inherit the Wind from 1955 to 1957.
She made her film debut in 1958 in Macabre, a horror movie directed by William Castle. It was on the set of this film that she met her future husband, Gene Lesser, a TV writer and press agent. They married that same year and remained together until his death on June 23, 2023 from natural causes at the age of 94.
Scott was best known for her roles in popular TV series such as The Fugitive, Gunsmoke, The Twilight Zone, Planet of the Apes, and Duel. She played a variety of characters, from a wife of an astronaut to a chimpanzee physician. She once said in an interview that she wanted to play all different characters and that she got to do that.
She also appeared in several films, such as Charley Varrick (1973), Empire of the Ants (1977), and Sugar Boxx (2009), which was her last screen role.
A Tribute to a Beloved Star
Scott is survived by her son Andrew and her granddaughters Valerie and Arianna. She was also mourned by many fans and colleagues who admired her talent and personality.
One of them was Patricia Nolan-Hall, a blogger who wrote about classic TV and movies. She posted a tribute to Scott on Twitter, saying: “R.I.P. JACQUELINE SCOTT January 1, 1932 – July 23, 2023 #ClassicTV marathons planned around her guest appearances will continue.”
Scott’s agent Arlene Thornton also expressed her condolences, saying: “Jackie was a very lovely and caring person. Always full of energy and ready for the next challenge in her career. She was still doing voiceovers and enjoying every minute of it. We will miss her dearly.”
Jacqueline Scott was a legend in the entertainment industry who left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a loving family. She will be remembered as a talented and versatile actress who brought joy to millions of viewers.
