Jane Galloway Heitz death: Glee and Big Bang Theory actor dies, aged 78

Glee actor Jane Galloway Heitz has died, aged 78.

The TV star appeared as the character Lillian Adler on the hit Fox series twice – once in the pilot and again in 2015 when her mage appeared in a trophy case with the quote: “By its very definition, Glee is about opening yourself up to joy.”

Lillian, a former director of the glee club at fictional school McKinley High, inspired Matthew Morrison’s character Will to chase his dreams of becoming its leader.

Galloway Heitz’s cause of death is unknown, but the news was announced in an obituary posted in the Chicago Tribune.

She appeared in numerous TV shows, including The Big Bang Theory, Grey’s Anatomy and the US version of Shameless.

Galloway Heitz’s other credits include ER, Prison Break and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

She also appeared in David Lynch film The Straight Story, alongside Sissy Spacek and Richard Farnsworth, as well as Lindsay Lohan thriller I Know Who Killed Me (2007).

The actor is survived by her daughter Amie (Rod) Richardson, and three grandchildren.