CNN — Actress Kirstie Alley, known for her roles on “Cheers” and films like “Look Who’s Talking,” has passed away at the age of 71 after a short battle with cancer. The news was announced by her children True and Lillie Parker on social media. In their statement, they described their mother as “incredible, fierce, and loving” and praised her strength and zest for life. Alley’s representative confirmed that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer prior to her death.
Born in Wichita, Kansas in 1951, Alley gained recognition for her role in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” in 1982. She went on to star in various films and TV shows, most notably “Cheers,” where she played the character Rebecca Howe from 1987 to 1993. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her work on the show. Alley also had success in series like “Veronica’s Closet” and appeared in reality TV shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “Celebrity Big Brother.”
Despite her impressive career, Alley was also known for stirring controversy, particularly through her social media presence. However, she was loved and admired by many in the entertainment industry, with fellow actors like John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis paying tribute to her. Alley’s “Cheers” co-stars Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman also expressed their sadness and shared fond memories of their time working with her.