Actress Jill Clayburgh dies from chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Hollywood, TV and Broadway actress Jill Clayburgh has died aged 66 from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Her husband, playwright David Rabe, told the Associated Press that she had suffered for 21 years from chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

She was most known for her role in “An Unmarried Woman” (1978), directed by Paul Mazursky. For her performance as Erica, a New Yorker who must right herself after her husband leaves her for another woman, Ms. Clayburgh was nominated for an Academy Award. (The best-actress Oscar that year went to Jane Fonda in “Coming Home.”)

In addition to playwright David Rabe, whom she married in 1978, Clayburgh is survived by a daughter, actress Lily Rabe who is currently starring in the Broadway production of The Merchant of Venice opposite Al Pacino; a son, Michael; a stepson, Jason; and a brother, James.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of four main types of leukemia. The term “chronic” in chronic lymphocytic leukemia comes from the fact that it typically progresses more slowly than other types of leukemia. About 5,330 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with ALL in 2010.

Symptoms usually develop slowly over time. Many cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are detected by blood tests done in people for other reasons or who do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia can include:

* Irregular bruising (occurs late in the disease)
* Enlarged lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
* Excessive sweating, night sweats
* Fatigue
* Fever
* Infections that keep coming back (recur)
* Loss of appetite or becoming full too quickly (early satiety)
* Unintentional weight loss