Kirstie Alley died suddenly Monday at 71 following a short, private battle with cancer. Her children True and Lillie announced the news on Instagram, saying, “To all our friends, far and wide around the world… 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 colleagues, and friends immediately reacted to the news.
Her “Cheers” co-star Ted Danson told People he had just watched an episode of “Cheers” before hearing of Alley’s passing. “I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do,” Danson said in a statement. “I watched an old episode of ‘Cheers.’” He said, “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. Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny.”
Praising her acting, Danson said, “She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard.”
He said, “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.”
Kelsey Grammer said, “I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her.”
Rhea Perlman said, “Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend. “Her joy of being was boundless. We became friends almost instantly when she joined ‘Cheers.’ She loved kids and my kids loved her, too. We had sleepovers at her house, with treasure hunts that she created.” Perlman added, “She had massive Halloween and Easter parties, and invited the entire crew of the show, and their families. She wanted everyone to feel included. She loved her children deeply. I’ve never met anyone remotely like her. I feel so thankful to have known her. I’m going to miss her very, very much.”
Kirstie Alley and John Travolta starred in “Look Who’s Talking.” Though they were never romantically involved, she’s made it clear in many interviews, that wasn’t how she initially wanted it. She often talked of her feelings for Travolta, whom she called the “greatest love” of her life.
On “Celebrity Big Brother” she named two co-stars she said she developed feelings for, but never fully consummated the attraction: Patrick Swayze and John Travolta.
Kirstie Alley’s ex-husband, actor Parker Stevenson, shared his thoughts on Instagram: “Dear Kirstie, I am so grateful for our years together, and for the two incredibly beautiful children and now grandchildren that we have. You will be missed. With love, Parker.”
Star Trek II, Wrath of Khan, Look Who’s Talking, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Cheers, Veronica’s Closet, Scream Queens, and more – she had an amazing body of work.
Take a look at some fun pictures of Kirstie Alley loving life!
-Carla Rea
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kklz963
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Kirstie Alley Takes in Broadway
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 13: Kirstie Alley attends “Constellations” Broadway opening night at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on January 13, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
Kirstie Alley on the red carpet
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 13: Actress Kirstie Alley attends lia sophia celebrates “Social Fashion” and debuts “boudika” Red Carpet Collection at Empire Hotel on September 12, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for lia sophia)
Kirstie Alley and Veronica's Closet co-star Kathy Najimy
HOLLYWOOD – FEBRUARY 23: Actresse Kathy Najimy (L) and Kirstie Alley attend Showtime’s Premiere of “Fat Actress” at the ArcLight Cinerama Dome on February 23, 2005 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
Kirstie Alley with John Travolta and Kelly Preston
LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 27: Actors John Travolta, Kelly Preston and Kirstie Alley talk at the afterparty for the premiere of Touchstone Picture’s “Wild Hogs” at the Annex on February 27, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Kirstie Alley and (ex) husband Parker Stevenson
UNDATED FILE PHOTO: Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson. (Photo by Diane Freed)
Rhea Perlman and Kirstie Alley
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 03: Rhea Perlman (L) and Kirstie Alley attend the “Kirstie” premiere party at Harlow on December 3, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images)
Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Dancing With the Stars) on ABC's "Good Morning America"
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 25: Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy perform on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Military Island in Times Square on May 25, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
Kirstie Alley dancing at Showtime's Premiere of "Fat Actress"
HOLLYWOOD – FEBRUARY 23: (US TABS AND HOLLYWOOD REPORTER OUT) Actress Kirstie Alley dances at the after party for Showtime’s Premiere of “Fat Actress” at the Geisha House on February 23, 2005 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
Kirstie Alley attends "Kirstie" premiere
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 03: Actress Kirstie Alley attends the “Kirstie” premiere party at Harlow on December 3, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images)
