JILLSON, Joyce 1945-2004

OBITUARY NOTICE— See index for CA sketch: Born December 26, 1945, in Cranston, RI; died of complications from kidney disease October 1, 2004, in Los Angeles, CA. Astrologer, actress, and author. Jillson was known as the "Hollywood Astrologer" and claimed to have given astrology advice to large corporations, sports teams, and even President Ronald Reagan's wife, Nancy. Interested in astrology since she was a child, her career was first steered toward entertainment. Winning an opera scholarship, she attended Boston University and later Harvard University. She then entered an acting career during the 1960s, landing a notable role on television's Peyton Place, but also appearing on such programs as Columbo and Police Woman. In addition, she had parts in the movies Superchick (1973) and The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington (1977). However, when she began appearing on talk shows, such as the Tonight Show and Good Morning, America, to talk about astrology, she found her greatest popularity. Giving up acting for a career as an astrologer, Jillson began advising such clients as movie studio companies, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and even, according to her, Nancy Reagan. Although the White House officially denied Jillson's claims, the first lady had, at one point, publicly admitted an interest in astrology. Jillson also published a number of popular books, including A Year of Good Luck (1978),Signs for All Seasons (1983), and The Fine Art of Flirting (1984). At the time of her death, she had completed two other books, Astrology for Cats and Dog Astrology, which were scheduled to be published posthumously.

OBITUARIES AND OTHER SOURCES:

periodicals

Chicago Tribune, October 7, 2004, Section 3, p. 11.

Los Angeles Times, October 6, 2004, p. B9.

New York Times, October 7, 2004, p. C17.

Times (London, England), October 7, 2004, p. 72.

Washington Post, October 9, 2004, p. B6.