Her family released a Monday statement that Kirstie Alley, an actress best known for her role on the sitcom “Cheers”, has died following a recent diagnosis with cancer. She was 71 years old.
Her family stated that the cancer was discovered only recently.
The statement stated that “She was surrounded with her closest family and fought with great courage, leaving us with a certainty about her never-ending joy in living and all the adventures ahead.” She was a mother and grandmother who was as iconic as she was onscreen.
Alley was Rebecca Howe’s bar manager in “Cheers,” 1987-1993.
She was also memorable in the role of Saavik in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, and she also starred with John Travolta “Look Who’s Talking” and “Look Who’s Talking Now,” as well as “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” which was released in 1999.
Her family expressed gratitude to the Moffitt Cancer Center’s “incredible team of nurses and doctors” for their care.
The type of cancer was not revealed. Monday was a day of privacy for the family.
They said that their mother’s passion and zest for life, as well as her children and grandchildren, and her many animals were unmatched and left them inspired to live life to its fullest.
Two Emmy Awards were presented to her: for Outstanding Lead in a Comedy Series in “Cheers,” 1991; and for Outstanding Lead in a Miniseries or Special for her role in “David’s Mother”, 1994.
Alley, who was born in Wichita Kansas, married actor Parker Stevenson and adopted their children William True (and Lilly Price) in 1983. They split in 1997.
Alley was also a spokesperson of Jenny Craig, and she was open about her struggle with weight. Her books “The Art of Men” was published in 2012 and “How to Lose Your Ass and regain Your Life” in 2005.
Travolta was one of the first to express his feelings after Alley’s passing was announced.
“Kirstie was one the most special relationships that I have ever had. Kirstie, I love you. “I know we will meet again,” Travolta shared to Instagram.
tweeted about Alley’s co-star in 1997 film “For Richer Or Poorer.”
“Sad, terrible news. Allen sent prayers to Allen for the family.
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