Kirstie Alley Dies: ‘Cheers’ & ‘Look Who’s Talking’ Star Was 71

Kirstie Alley
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Kirstie Alley, who broke out as Rebecca Howe on NBC‘s Cheers, has died after a brief battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.

The two-time Emmy winner’s passing was announced via a statement from her children, True and Lillie Parker, on Alley’s official social media handles.

The statement reads, “To all our friends, far and wide around the world… We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered. She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and 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,” the statement continues. “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.”

After joining Cheers in 1987, Alley went on to earn both a Golden Globe for Best Actress and an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1991. She received her second Emmy in 1994 for her portrayal of Sally Goodson in television movie David’s Mother. Alley’s other notable television roles include Veronica’s Closet, Fat Actress, Kirstie, and Scream Queens. She dipped her toe into reality TV in 2010 when cameras followed her for Kirstie Alley’s Big Life on A&E. She then competed on Dancing With the Stars in Season 12.

Ted Danson and Kirstie Alley in 'Cheers'

Ted Danson and Kirstie Alley on Cheers (Jim Shea / TV Guide / ©NBC / courtesy Everett Collection)

Alley made her mark on the big screen with roles in movies like 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, 1987’s Summer School, 1989’s Look Who’s Talking alongside John Travolta, It Takes Two with Steve Guttenberg in 1995, and 1999 cult classic Drop Dead Gorgeous.

Travolta, a longtime friend of the actress, paid tribute to her on Instagram following news of her death, writing, “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. “I know we will see each other again.”

 

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