Television star Kirstie Alley who is best known for her role in sitcoms “Cheers”, ‘Look Who’s Talking” and “Veronicas Closet” passed away on December 6th after a year-long battle with cancer. The actress was 71 years old.
Kirstie Alley, 71, was diagnosed with cancer this year and was being treated at the Moffit Cancer Centre in Florida. Alley, 71, died after a brief fight with cancer, her daughters reported on Instagram on December 5, 2022.
2022 – A Year of Losses
From Aaron Carter and Olivia Newton-John to Shane Warne and Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, 2022 is busy claiming the lives of some of our most beloved celebrities. But as 2022 draws to a close, it doesn’t appear to be over yet.
Kirstie Alley’s children, Lillie and True Stevenson shocked the world last week when they revealed their mother’s death after a “recently discovered” fight with colon cancer.
“Nobody outside of her family and a very select few others knew [she was sick],” a source close to the situation tells New Idea.
“Kirstie lived a life of addiction, lost love, family bliss, all of it,” says a friend. “Despite it all, she maintained this sunny outlook on life and a don’t-mess-with-me attitude. For that, she will be missed.”
The actress, best known as Rebecca Howe on “Cheers,” also appeared in “Veronica’s Closet” and “Look Who’s Talking,” and was a Jenny Craig spokesman. She also played a fictionalised version of herself in “Fat Actress”.
A Zest and Passion for Life
The family of the late actress released a Twitter statement on Monday announcing the news to fans, family and friends all around the globe. The post details Alley as a mother and actress, while providing insight of her last moments on earth.
“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 ever more amazing mother and grandmother,”
Her Daughter Lillie and son True express via Twitter.
“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.”
Scientology and Sobriety
The actress, a member of the Church of Scientology, had been a part of the church since the 1970s – similar to many others within.
Hollywood Alley owed her success in drug rehabilitation to the church which assisted her in kicking a cocaine habit which she credited to her long-lasting sobriety.
Kirstie, who lived in Clearwater, Florida, the worldwide headquarters of Scientology, boasted in 2018 that she’d achieved Operating Thetan Eight in her studies. The church’s devotees think they may leave their bodies at this level.
“Aside from her kids and grandkids, Scientology was Kirstie’s whole life – especially in her later years,”
a source tells New Idea. “She would receive visits from their top brass at her home almost every day. It is safe to assume it played a huge part in how she approached her illness.”
A Long History on the Screen
Kirstie initiated her acting career in the early 80s and made her screen debut in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”. After appearing in a few other films, Kirstie’s breakout role was Rebecca Howe in the sitcom, “Cheers”. Kirstie went on to earn an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for the role.
Alley also featured in “Kirstie,” a sitcom about an actress who takes on a new role in her life: parenthood. The show ran in 2013 and 2014 and featured Michael Richards, Rhea Perlman, and Eric Peterson.
Alley’s former costar John Travolta paid tribute to the late actress expressing his condolences Via Instagram. Travolta’s wife, Kelly Preston, also died in the last two years due to cancer.
“Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie,”
he shares alongside a snap of the late star.
“I know we will see each other again.”
RIP Kirstie Alley.
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