From Stage to Service: The Evolving Life of Jill Tasker

Basic Information

Early Roots and Lasting Ties

Born on September 13, 1964, in Boston, Massachusetts, Jill Tasker grew up with a blend of East Coast beginnings and Midwestern heart. Family connections drew her to Columbus, Indiana—ties that would later become the foundation of her life’s second act in service and community leadership. The family story is poignant: her father, James R. Tasker (1943–1973), died young; her mother, Sandra “Sandi” Hinshaw (1942–c. 2022), would ultimately inspire the nonprofit that bears her name.

Even as her early years remain publicly understated, the contours are clear: a strong family backbone and a confident stride onto the stage, followed by decades of creative work in New York and Los Angeles before returning to Indiana.

Screen and Stage: The 1990s Spotlight

Tasker’s acting career illuminated television sets and theater stages with a versatile range. She appeared across genres and formats—sitcoms, procedurals, soap operas, and video games—building a résumé that balanced visibility with craft.

Highlights:

• The Wayans Bros. (1995–1996): Portrayed Lou Malino in 9 episodes, a comedic cadence that introduced her to a broad audience.
• Law & Order: Multiple appearances in the city-set procedural that shaped 1990s TV culture.
• Daytime TV: Guest roles on One Life to Live and Another World.
• Voiceover: Featured in Grand Theft Auto 2 and as Grace Drysdale in Normandy: The Great Crusade.
• Stage: Broadway and off-Broadway credits complemented her screen work, evidence of a performer fluent in both the immediacy of live theater and the intimacy of camera work.

For roughly 25 years, Tasker navigated the creative corridors of New York and Los Angeles, using every tool in the performer’s kit: comedic timing, dramatic depth, dialect precision, and voice versatility.

A Scholar’s Pivot: Law and Coaching

In 2004, Tasker did what few performers dare: she earned a Juris Doctor and explored pathways beyond a traditional legal career. That academic achievement became a catalyst for a new vocation—helping others refine their craft and careers.

• Certified career and acting coach, with a special focus on British dialects and performance nuance.
• Co-founded the Professional Creative Workshop, which she managed for three years, mentoring emerging artists and professionals.
• Continued voiceover work, where the mic became a bridge between her acting past and coaching present.

This chapter reads like a carefully plotted second act: rigorous study, practical mentorship, and a sustained creative thread.

Family, Partnerships, and Private Grace

Tasker’s personal life reflects a loyal bond to family and community. She married actor Doug Stender in 1996; together they’ve become familiar faces at Columbus, Indiana events, from fundraisers to local performances. Before Stender, she married Marc Hirschfeld in 1991.

Family members who shape her story:

• Mother: Sandra “Sandi” Hinshaw (1942–c. 2022), whose life is celebrated through Sandi’s Closet.
• Father: James R. Tasker (1943–1973), whose early passing leaves a quiet imprint on family history.
• Sister: Sharon Cofield, part of a close-knit family network.
• Stepfather: Tom Hinshaw, noted in family remembrances.

No children are publicly mentioned. Across interviews and community features, Tasker projects the calm of a private individual who lets her work speak first.

Philanthropy in Focus: Sandi’s Closet and Community Impact

Tasker’s philanthropic calling crystallized in the 2020s with the creation of Sandi’s Closet, a nonprofit offering no-cost, pop-up shopping experiences for people living with dementia. The concept is simple yet profound: dignity, choice, and joy in a space designed for memory care needs.

Key notes:

• Founded to honor her mother, Sandi.
• Pop-up events provide free apparel and accessories in organized, welcoming settings.
• Volunteers are central to the experience—both in setup and personal assistance.
• Recognition: In 2025, Tasker received a community leadership award (Jurgemeyer Award) tied to this work.

Around that anchor initiative, she and Stender have participated in Alzheimer’s walks (notably in 2022), local theater fundraisers (including historical reenactments in 2023–2024), and cultural programs supporting regional arts organizations. It’s community-building as a steady drumbeat rather than a single crescendo.

Recent Years: Local Spotlight, Low Profile

From 2023 to 2025, Tasker has kept a low national profile while remaining locally visible. Public mentions tie her to Columbus-area events, historical portrayals, and nonprofit outreach. Social media hints exist but remain unverified and sparse. The throughline is consistent: less red carpet, more real-world impact.

Family at a Glance

Career Timeline

FAQ

Who is Jill Tasker?

She is a former actress turned voiceover artist, coach, and nonprofit founder known for balancing creative work with community service.

What TV role is she best known for?

She played Lou Malino in nine episodes of The Wayans Bros. during the 1995–1996 season.

Where does she live now?

She resides in Columbus, Indiana, where she is active in local cultural and charitable initiatives.

Is she still acting?

She stepped back from on-camera roles but continues voiceover work and occasional stage appearances.

What is Sandi’s Closet?

It’s a nonprofit founded by Tasker that offers free pop-up shopping experiences tailored for people living with dementia.

Did she study law?

Yes, she earned a Juris Doctor in 2004 but did not pursue a traditional legal career.

Who is her husband?

She married actor Doug Stender in 1996; the couple often collaborates on local events.

Was she married before?

Yes, she previously married Marc Hirschfeld in 1991.

Does she have children?

No children are publicly mentioned in available records.

Is she active on social media?

Her online presence appears minimal, with any accounts remaining low-profile and largely unverified.