‘Cheers’ star Kirstie Alley dies at 71
Los Angeles, Dec 5, (EFE).- American actress and “Cheers” star Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71, her children announced on Monday night.
“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” Alley’s children William “True” Stevenson and Lillie Parker Stevenson wrote in a statement shared on her Twitter account.
“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.”
The children added that Alley’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,” they concluded.
Born in Witchita, Kansas on Jan. 12, 1951, Alley shot to fame playing Rebecca Howe in the sitcom “Cheers” (1987-1993), for which she won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe.
She also played the title characters in sitcoms “Veronica’s Closet” and “Kirstie,” and star in various films such as “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “Look Who’s Talking” and “David’s Mother,” for which she won another Emmy.
Alley also took second place in the 12th season of “Dancing with the Stars” and the 22nd season of Britain’s “Celebrity Big Brother.”
She was married to her high-school sweetheart Bob Alley from 1970 to 1977, then wed “Baywatch” actor Parker Stevenson in 1983. They adopted True and Lillie, and divorced in 1997.
John Travolta, who starred alongside Alley in three “Look Who’s Talking” films in the 1990s, was one of the first to pay tribute to the actress, posting a photo of him with her to his Instagram account.
“Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had,” he wrote. “I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
Her “Star Trek” co-star William Shatner wrote on Twitter: “Saddened to hear of the passing of @kirstiealley. Condolences to her family & friends.”
Tim Allen also tweeted his condolences, saying: “A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family.” EFE
tw
