Kirstie Alley. Image from her Instagram account
Kirstie Alley, a two-time Emmy award-winning actress who was best known for her role as Rebecca Howe in the hit NBC sitcom “Cheers”, has died of cancer. She was 71 years old.
Alley’s death was confirmed by her children True and Lillie Parker in a statement on her social media accounts.
“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 statement read.
“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 statement continued. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
True and Lillie also thanked the “incredible team of doctors and nurses” at the Moffitt Cancer Center for taking care of Alley during her battle with cancer.
Hollywood actor John Travolta, Alley’s co-star in the 1989 film “Look Who’s Talking” and its sequels “Look Who’s Talking Too” and “Look Who’s Talking Now”, paid tribute to the actress in a throwback photo as seen on his Instagram post on December 6.
“Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again,” Travolta wrote.
Alley rose to prominence in 1987 when she starred as Rebecca Howe on “Cheers.” She received an Emmy for outstanding lead actress for her role in 1991. EDV
RELATED STORIES:
Actress Kelly Preston, wife to John Travolta, dies from breast cancer