CNN — Actress Kirstie Alley, known for her Emmy-winning role on “Cheers” and films such as “Look Who’s Talking,” has died at the age of 71 after a brief battle with cancer, according to a statement from her children True and Lillie Parker on social media. “We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” the statement read. “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.” Her representatives confirmed to CNN that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer prior to her death.
Alley was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1951 and gained recognition for her role in the film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” in 1982. She then went on to appear in movies like “Blind Date” and “Summer School” before joining the cast of “Cheers” in 1987 as strong and independent bar manager Rebecca Howe. Alley won two Primetime Emmy Awards, one for “Cheers” and another for “David’s Mother” in 1994. Additionally, she starred in a number of memorable films such as the “Look Who’s Talking” franchise and the Showtime comedy “Fat Actress.”
In her later years, Alley’s controversial social media presence often stirred up controversy. However, her talent and charisma were never in question, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and condolences from her former co-stars including John Travolta, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ted Danson. Rhea Perlman, who became friends with Alley on the set of “Cheers,” called her “a unique and wonderful person and friend.” Parker Stevenson, Alley’s ex-husband and the father of her two children, also paid tribute to her and their family in an Instagram post.
Through her work and her life, Kirstie Alley inspired those around her with her “zest and passion for life,” as her family’s statement read. Her legacy will live on through her art and the memories of those whose lives she touched.
