Kirstie Alley, famous for her role as Rebecca in the classic sitcom Cheers, has died from a brief battle with colon cancer. She was 71.
The actress’ children took to her Twitter account to announce her passing.
“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce, and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered.
Alley was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.
We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care.
Our mother’s zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did.
We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.
With love always,
True and Lillie Parker.”
Alley was born in 1952 in Wichita, Kansas. The two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner starred in movies such as 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, 1984’s Blind Date and 1987’s Summer School.
In 1987, Alley first appeared as bar manager Rebecca Howe on the TV classic sitcom Cheers. Alley won an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series in 1992. She remained on the show until it ended in 1993.
Alley went on to star in many other unforgettable films such as Look Who’s Talking with John Travolta, Madhouse and Drop Dead Gorgeous.
She has appeared many times in television on Veronica’s Closet from 1997-2000, Fat Actress, which she co-wrote as well, Kirstie Alley’s Big Life in 2010, Dancing with the Stars, and most recently, The Masked Singer in 2022.
Many celebrities took to social media to mourn the late actress.
“Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again,” Travolta tweeted in honor of his late co-star.
Cheers lead Ted Danson had just watched an episode of the show before boarding a plane. Once he landed, he learned of Alley’s passing.
“She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard. As I got off the plane,
I heard that Kirstie had died. I am so sad and grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her.”
Parker Stevenson, a former castmate of Baywatch, was married to Alley from 1983-1997. Stevenson took to Instagram to pay tribute to his former love.
“Kirstie, I am so grateful for our years together, and for the two incredibly beautiful children and now grandchildren that we have. You will be missed.”
