Kirstie Alley of ‘Cheers’ dies, 71
Strugged with cancer in final months
Actress Kirstie Alley, known for roles in “Cheers,” “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and “Look Who’s Talking” — along with some controversial opinions — died of cancer on Monday. She was 71.
The star’s manager, Donovan Daughtry, confirmed her death Monday evening.
“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” her children True and Lillie Parker wrote on Instagram.
“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,” the Parkers said. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
They expressed gratitude to personnel at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., and others who had stood by their mom.
“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,” the siblings said.
Alley leaped to fame when she starred in “Cheers” from 1987 to 1993, playing Rebecca Howe after original star Shelley Long left the show. In 1991, Alley earned a Golden Globe for best actress and an Emmy for outstanding lead actress, then gathered a second Emmy in 1994 for her role as Sally Goodson in “David’s Mother.” From 1997 to 2000, she starred in her own sitcom, “Veronica’s Closet.”
Her career got a boost from 1989’s “Look Who’s Talking,” in which she played the mother of a baby whose thoughts were narrated by Bruce Willis. She also appeared in the 1990 sequel, “Look Who’s Talking Too.”
Alley got jeered for supporting former President Donald Trump and his handling of the coronavirus crisis in 2020. She also had a falling-out with former best friend Leah Remini over their differing stances on Scientology, declaring that the “King of Queens” star was her “enemy.”
She often praised the controversial religion for helping her break her addiction to drugs. In 2012, she told “Entertainment Tonight” that cocaine nearly killed her when she was young.
“I thought I was going to overdose almost every time,” Alley said. “I would do so much at a time ... I would snort the coke then I would sit there and take my pulse.”
More recently, Alley slammed attempts by the Oscars to be more inclusive of diversity as “a disgrace to artists.”
Tributes immediately poured in, including from “Look Who’s Talking” co-star and close friend John Travolta. He called their friendship “one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had.”
Turns in numerous other movies and television shows over the years included her film debut in 1982, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” She was the main event on A&E’s “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” in 2010, which chronicled her 100-pound weight-loss and fitness journey as a single mother.