Television and big-screen actress Kirstie Alley died on December 5. The 71-year-old actress was perhaps best known for her role on “Cheers.”
According to her representative, Alley suffered from colon cancer and died in the company of her children, True and Lillie Parker.
Reportedly, Alley had only “recently discovered” she had cancer.
Alley’s children posted a statement on Twitter that read:
“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. 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, 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.”
Alley won an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for her role as Rebecca Howe in the popular ’80s sitcom, “Cheers.” The sitcom starred Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Woody Harrelson and Rhea Perlman.
Danson told Fox News Digital, “I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do. I watched an old episode of ‘Cheers.’ It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no, even though she desperately wants to say yes. Kirstie was truly brilliant in it.”
Danson continued: “Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny. She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard. As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died. I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her.”
John Travolta, who starred with Alley in “Look Who’s Talking,” wrote on Instagram: “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
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