Kirstie Alley or Rebecca Howe of the classic 80’s show Cheers, succumbed to cancer on Monday. The sad news that she passed away on Monday was relayed by her family on her official Twitter account.
“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.
Kirstie Alley came from a poor background in Wichita, Kansas, but went on to have a long and successful career on TV and in Hollywood. Her most famous role was in the sitcom Cheers as Rebecca Howe, the bar manager and one of the original working girls. She starred in the show from 1987 to 1993. This role opened many doors for the actress and landed her her first Emmy and a Golden Globe in 1991.
Aside from her role as Rebecca, Alley starred in the comedy classic “Look Who’s Talking” with another Hollywood icon, John Travolta. The actress also appeared in Star Trek as the Vulcan, Saavik, before she got her role in Cheers.
In later years, Alley continued to appear on television in reality shows like UK Celebrity Big Brother and The Masked Singer. She seemed unstoppable despite her age when she went on to win as first-runner on both Big Brother and Dancing with the Stars.
Condolences for Alley’s family and messages from her former costars rained on social media. John Travolta showed his love for Alley on Instagram. “One of the most special relationships I’ve ever had” and “I love you, Kirstie,” Travolta said in his post.
Her long-time costar from Cheers, Sam Danson, remembered Alley’s talent and great sense of humor in his statement. “Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny.”
Danson also mentioned that news of her death reached him when he got off a plane. He went on to give his condolences to her family.
“I am so sad and 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.” Danson further said.
Jamie Lee-Curtis, who starred alongside Alley in the television show Scream Queens also expressed her love for the actress. “She was a great comic foil in Scream Queens and a beautiful mama bear in her very real life,” Curtis said.
The news of the actress’ passing has devastated everyone who knew her, especially the fans of her iconic show Cheers. They had witnessed Alley and her character Rebecca and all her heartbreaks and winning moments on the show. Her fans were also there as she went on to conquer Hollywood with her two Emmys and Golden Globes and later on, reality shows like Celebrity Big Brother.
Her family, together with the world will always remember her as an actress and performer with a “zest and passion for life” and her “never-ending joy of living.”
Kirstie Alley was a force to be remembered, a woman of her time, a mother, grandmother, actress, and a one-of-a-kind performer.