Jessie Jones, a television actress who reinvented herself as one of America’s most produced female playwrights, has died at the age of 75.
Her longtime friend and writing partner Jamie Wooten confirmed that she died on March 20 in Washington, DC after a long illness.
Jones is survived by his sisters, a brother-in-law, a niece and nephews and his close collaborator Wooten.
Jessie Jones’ popular sitcoms:
Jones built a career in front of the camera throughout the 1980s and 90s, appearing in popular sitcoms such as The night court, Newhart, Design by women, Murphy Brown (where she played Betty Hooley), Who’s the boss, Perfect Strangers, Grace under fire and Melrose Place.
Jessie Jones’ TV Movie:
She also starred in TV films, including The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader Murder Mother, Everybody’s Baby: The Rescue of Baby Jessica along with Patty Duke and Beau Bridges, and the frequent broadcasters Wife, Mother, Murderer.
Jessie Jones as Playwright:
When her acting career ended, Jones turned to writing.
She co-created the Off-Broadway Southern funeral comedy Dear gowhich became a staple of theater companies nationwide.
She later co-wrote the script for Fox Searchlight’s Kingdom Come with Whoopi Goldberg and LL Cool J.
Her most lasting legacy came through the Jones Hope Wooten partnership with Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten.
Together they wrote more than two dozen comedies with a Southern flavor, incl Sweet Delilah Swim Club, The Red Velvet Cake War, Christmas bells and Savannah Sipping Society.
Published by Concord Theatricals, their plays have been widely produced and translated into several languages.
Wooten described Jones as “the most produced female American playwright.”
