How tall was Jill Gascoine?
Jill Gascoine was a British actress and author, best known for her trailblazing role as Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes in the groundbreaking television series "The Gentle Touch" (1980-1984) and its sequel, "C.A.T.S. Eyes" (1985-1987). Born on April 11, 1937, in Lambeth, London, she became a prominent figure in British television during the 1980s. "The Gentle Touch" was notable for featuring one of the first female police detectives as the central character in a British TV series, marking a significant moment in the representation of women in law enforcement roles on television. Gascoine's character, Maggie Forbes, was a strong, complex, and relatable woman, balancing her demanding professional life with her personal challenges as a widow and a mother. The series was both popular and influential, paving the way for more female-led police dramas. Gascoine's acting career spanned several decades and included a variety of roles in theatre, film, and television. Before her breakthrough in "The Gentle Touch," she appeared in numerous British TV series and stage productions. Her other television credits include roles in popular shows like "Z-Cars," "Dixon of Dock Green," "Rooms," and "The Onedin Line." In addition to her acting career, Jill Gascoine was also an accomplished author. She wrote three novels: "Addicted" (1994), "Lilian" (1995), and "Just Like a Woman" (1997), each of which explored complex themes and showcased her talent as a writer. Gascoine was married twice, first to Bill Keith and later to American actor Alfred Molina. Her marriage to Molina brought her into the Hollywood circle, although she remained primarily known for her work in the UK. Later in life, Gascoine suffered from Alzheimer's disease, a struggle that she and her family spoke about publicly, raising awareness of the condition. She passed away on April 28, 2020, at the age of 83.
