Kirstie Alley, the Emmy Award-winning star of Cheers and Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan, died at 71 on Monday, after a battle with cancer. Her two children, True and Lillie Parker, confirmed the news late Monday night, celebrating her life as an actress and a mother.
"We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered," the family wrote in an official statement. "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."
"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 statement continued. "We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time."
After playing Spock’s protégé in Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan, Alley joined the cast of Cheers and stayed with the show for six years until its eleventh and final season. Alley won an Emmy for her role as Rebecca Howe on Cheers, and another for her 1994 miniseries David’s Mother, which depicted a single mother raising her autistic son. Alley also starred in shows such as Veronica’s Closet, Dancing with the Stars, Scream Queens, and films such as Summer School, Look Who’s Talking, and Drop Dead Gorgeous.
Following the news, Alley’s friends and former costars shared tributes to her on social media, with messages coming from John Travolta, Valerie Bertinelli, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more. "Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I've ever had," Travolta wrote on Instagram. "I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again." Below, we've rounded up more beautiful tributes to Alley and her legendary work in television.
