Kirstie Alley, Emmy-winning ‘Cheers star’, dies at 71 after short battle with cancer

American actor Kirstie Alley, who bagged an Emmy and a Golden Globe for playing Rebecca Howe in the NBC sitcom 'Cheers', passed away at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer. Kristie’s death was announced by her children William Stevenson and Lillie Price Stevenson through a statement on their late mother's social media accounts which mentioned that she ‘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. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother. We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care.’

They remembered her ‘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 concluded by thanking everyone for their love and prayers and seeking the respect of privacy at this difficult time.

Kristie also starred in the 1989 comedy ‘Look Who’s Talking’, alongside John Travolta, which gave her a major career boost. She went on to appear in the 1990 sequel ‘Look Who’s Talking Too’.

John Travolta paid tribute to her in an Instagram post.

‘Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again,’ he wrote.

Kristie Alley’s first television appearances were as a game show contestant on ‘The Match Game’ in 1979 and ‘Password’ in 1980. She made her film debut in 1982 with ‘Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan’.

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