Jessie Jones, a television actress who reinvented herself to become one of America’s most produced playwrights, has died at age 75.
Her longtime friend and writing partner Jamie Wooten confirmed that she died on March 20 in Washington, D.C., after a long illness.
Jones is survived by his sisters, a brother-in-law, a niece and nephews, as well as his close associate Wooten.
Popular Jessie Jones sitcoms:
Jones built a career in front of the camera throughout the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in popular sitcoms such as Night Court, Newhart, Conceive women, Murphy Brown (where she played Betty Hooley), Who is the boss, Complete strangers, Grace under fire And Melrose Square.
Jessie Jones TV movies:
She has also appeared in television films, including The Positively True Adventures of a Texas Cheerleader’s Alleged Murderous Mother, Everyone’s Baby: Baby Jessica’s Rescue alongside Patty Duke and Beau Bridges, and the show frequently aired Wife, mother, murderer.
Jessie Jones as Playwright:
As her acting career drew to a close, Jones turned to writing.
She co-created the Off-Broadway funeral comedy Southern Dear departedwhich has become a staple for theater companies across the country.
She later co-wrote the screenplay for Fox Searchlight. The Kingdom will come with Whoopi Goldberg and LL Cool J.
His most lasting legacy came from the Jones Hope Wooten partnership with Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten.
Together, they wrote more than two dozen Southern-flavored comedies, including Sweet Delilah Swim Club, The Red Velvet Cake Wars, Christmas Belles And The Savanna Sipping Society.
Published by Concord Theatricals, their plays have been widely produced and translated into several languages.
Wooten described Jones as “America’s most produced playwright.”
