Kirstie Alley, the star of ‘Cheers,’ has died at the age of 71.
True and Lillie Parker, the actress’s daughters, acknowledged her death on Monday evening: “As legendary as she was on television, she was an even more great mother and grandmother,” they wrote in a statement.
Kirstie Alley, best known for her roles in “Cheers” and the “Look Who’s Talking” flicks, died at 71.
Her children stated that she died of cancer that had only recently been detected. True and Lillie confirmed to People that Alley died on Monday, surrounded by her closest family.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beautiful, feisty, and beloved mother has died after a brief battle with cancer,” the message said.
“She was surrounded by her closest relatives and fought with amazing strength, leaving us with the confidence of her never-ending pleasure of living and whatever adventures lay ahead,” they said. “As memorable as she was on television, she was an even better mother and grandma.”
They talked fondly of their mother, saying that her “zest and passion for life, her children, grandkids, and her numerous animals, not to mention her unending joy of creating, were unsurpassed and left us encouraged to live life to the fullest just as she did.”
They expressed gratitude to the “amazing team of doctors and nurses” at Moffitt Cancer Center.
True and Lillie also expressed gratitude to Alley’s admirers, saying, “We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy during this terrible time.”
Condolence messages began to come in.
Alley’s co-star and friend, John Travolta, paid tribute to the actress on social media.
“One of the most special connections I’ve ever had was with Kirstie. “I love you, Kirstie,” he captioned a snapshot of the late actress. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”
Jamie Lee Curtis wrote, “She was a great comic foil in @tvscreamqueens and a beautiful mama bear in her very real life. She assisted me in purchasing onesies for my family for Christmas that year. We agreed to disagree on some issues but maintained mutual respect and connection. “I have bad news.”
“I was on a plane today and did something unusual for me. I watched an old episode of ‘Cheers,’” Alley’s “Cheers” co-star Ted Danson, who happened to watched an episode of the series before he learned of her death, told Deadline. “It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no, even though she desperately wants to say yes. Kirstie was fantastic in it. Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny.”
The Emmy-winning actress’ last Instagram video was one announcing she would be joining Cameo and telling fans they could request “funny or sincere” messages from her using the platform.
Alley won her first Emmy for best lead actress in a comedy series for the bar manager Rebecca Howe role in 1991. She would take a second Emmy for best lead actress in a miniseries or television movie in 1993 for playing the title role in the CBS TV movie “David’s Mother.”
We are so very sorry for this devastating loss. May she rest in peace.
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