Jill Gascoine death: The Gentle Touch actor dies aged 83
Pioneering TV star passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jill Gascoine, the British actor best known for her roles in The Gentle Touch and The Onedine Line, has died aged 83.
As Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes in ITV‘s 1980 series The Gentle Touch, Gascoine broke new ground as the first woman to take a leading role in a British police drama.
Gascoine’s son Adam confirmed the news of his mother’s death in a Facebook post, writing: “She suffered from Alzheimer’s for 10 years, so today was a thankful release. The family is all well, and relieved that she’s not suffering any more.”
He continued: “There will not be a memorial for a good while due to the current climate. The family will reach out once details have been arranged. We will likely hold 2 services – one in London for the UK friends and family, and one in Los Angeles for the US side.”
“She was a wonderful human and a spirit of truth and absolute, unconditional love. There was no other.”
Gascoine was renowned for her work in TV, which included roles in Z-Cars, General Hospital and Dixon of Dock Green. Her star turn in The Gentle Touch and its spin-off C.A.T.S Eyes has been described by the BBC as “pioneering”.
She was also a novelist, and published three books in the mid-Nineties: Addicted, Lilian and Just Like a Woman.
Her husband, actor Alfred Molina, described Alzheimer’s as “a cowardly disease”.
Gascoine is survived by Molina and her three children, Adam, Rachel and Sean.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments