‘Cheers,’ ‘Star Trek’ Actress Kirstie Alley Has Died
Emmy winning actress Kirstie Alley, best known for her role as Rebecca Howe on Cheers, has passed away at the age of 71. Alley died afer a brief, private cancer battle, according to a statement released by her family.
“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” according to a statement on Alley’s official Twitter account posted by her children True and Lillie. “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.
“We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care. Our mother’s zest and passion for life, her children, her 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.”
Alley made a splash in her very first film, the 1982 classic Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, in which she played Lt. Saavik, a Vulcan cadet that Spock mentored at Starfleet Academy and was integral to the plot of the film.
She would go on to appear in the ABC miniseries North and South, and then took on the role of no-nonsense bar manager Rebecca Howe on Cheers in 1987, replacing Shelley Long as the female lead opposite Ted Danson. She would earn five Emmy nominations in the role, winning for Best Actress in a Comedy in 1991. She would earn three more Emmy nominations in her career, winning in 1994 for Best Actress in a Miniseries for David’s Mother.
Her notable film roles include the Look Who’s Talking films, Runaway, Shoot to Kill, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Summer School, and Deconstructing Harry. Her other notable TV toles include the NBC sitcom Veronica’s Closet, Showtime’s Fat Actress, TV Land’s Kirstie, ABC’s Dancing With the Stars Seasons 12 and 15, Scream Queens, and The Goldbergs.
Our condolences to Alley’s family, friends, and fans.
