Alley’s breakthrough came in 1987 when she joined the cast of the sitcom ‘Cheers’ in 1987 as Rebecca Howe, the bar’s new manager.
Kirstie Alley, the two-time Emmy-winning star known for her roles in ‘Cheers’, ‘Veronica’s Closet’ and ‘Look Who’s Talking’, has died at the age of 71 after a short battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed by her children — True, 30, and Lily, 28 — on Monday evening on her official Twitter handle.
The family statement did not specify what cancer she had, but said it was « only recently discovered ». Tributes started pouring in from all corners moments after news of her death was announced. Leading the tributes was her co-star, friend and confidante John Travolta, who said he shared a « special » relationship with Alley.
Alley’s children took to social media on Monday evening to announce her death. « 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, » wrote her children.
In their statement, the family also praised the « incredible team » at Moffitt Cancer Center.
« We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care. »
Alley had not been spotted in public for some time. Her most recent photo was captured during a video that she posted on her Instagram page in early September to promote her Cameo profile. She appeared to be in good health with no obvious symptoms and had her signature mane of thick golden hair.
She performed on the television show ‘The Masked Singer’ in April of this year.
According to Alley’s family, « the 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.
