Jessie Jones, the actress and playwright whose work spanned television and the stage, has died at the age of 75. Her death was confirmed by her writing partner Jamie Wooten; she died in Washington DC on March 20 after a long illness.

Career and notable credits

Jones enjoyed a varied career as both an actor and a writer. On television she made guest appearances across the 1980s and 1990s, with credits including Murphy Brown, Night Court, Newhart and Designing Women. In Murphy Brown she played Betty Hooley opposite Candice Bergen in season three, episode one. Other TV credits include Who’s The Boss, Perfect Strangers, Grace Under Fire and Melrose Place.

Her TV movie work included The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom, Everybody’s Baby: The Rescue of Baby Jessica and Wife, Mother, Murderer. Jones also wrote episodes of For Your Love and Teacher’s Pet.

As a playwright and screenwriter Jones was a prolific creator. She wrote Dearly Departed, co-wrote the screenplay Kingdom Come, and with writing partners Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten authored works such as The Sweet Delilah Swim Club and The Red Velvet Cake War. She has been described as the most produced female American playwright, according to Variety.

Tributes, obituary and survivors

Jamie Wooten, identified in reports as Jones’s writing partner, confirmed the news of her death. An obituary published on her behalf paid tribute to her warmth and talent: “Jessie Jones – Playwright, actress and damn fine cook, has made her final exit, stage left, leaving behind hit comedies, memorable performances, and recipes so delicious it would make your mouth jealous of your stomach.”

The obituary continued: “Jessie – witty, stylish and exceedingly kind and gracious to all – was the very definition of the word ‘vivacious’. Jessie lit up every room she ever walked into, where her sparkling conversational skills were put on dazzling display… The woman never met a stranger. This incredibly gregarious and talented lady showed us all how to live a life fully, passionately and purposefully. Jessie’s final word was ‘beautiful’.”

Born August 21, 1950, Jones is survived by her sisters Ellen and Laura, her niece and nephews, and grand-nieces. Her family has asked that donations be made in her memory to Planned Parenthood.

Image Referance: https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/16163722/jessie-jones-murphy-brown-dead/