Kirstie Alley, the Emmy-winning actress known for her roles in “Cheers” and “Look Who’s Talking,” passed away on December 5, 2022, at the age of 71. Alley’s death was caused by colon cancer, which had been recently discovered prior to her passing. The news of her death shocked fans and colleagues alike, as the actress had kept her illness private.
Alley’s family announced her passing through a statement on social media, praising her strength and zest for life. The revelation of colon cancer as the cause of death came shortly after, shedding light on the swift progression of her illness. This type of cancer, while treatable when caught early, can be particularly aggressive in its later stages.
The actress’s untimely death serves as a reminder of the importance of regular cancer screenings, especially for colorectal cancers. Alley’s legacy in entertainment, marked by her vibrant personality and memorable performances, continues to be celebrated by fans and industry peers alike.
Early Life and Career
Kirstie Alley was born on January 12, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas. She grew up in the Midwest, where she developed her vibrant personality and quick wit.
Alley’s journey into acting began in the early 1980s. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams in the entertainment industry.
Her breakthrough came in 1982 with her film debut in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” This role showcased her talent and opened doors for future opportunities.
Alley’s career gained momentum as she took on various television and film roles. She demonstrated her versatility as an actress, tackling both dramatic and comedic parts.
In 1987, Alley landed her most iconic role as Rebecca Howe on the hit sitcom “Cheers.” This character catapulted her to stardom and established her as a leading actress in Hollywood.
Her performance on “Cheers” earned her critical acclaim. Alley received an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Rebecca Howe.
Throughout her early career, Alley proved herself as a talented and adaptable performer. She continued to take on challenging roles, solidifying her place in the entertainment industry.
Rise to Stardom
Kirstie Alley’s ascent to fame was marked by her iconic role on “Cheers” and subsequent success in television and film. Her talent and charisma earned her critical acclaim and prestigious awards.
Cheers and Rebecca Howe
Kirstie Alley’s breakout role came in 1987 when she joined the cast of NBC’s hit sitcom “Cheers.” She portrayed Rebecca Howe, the new bar manager, replacing Shelley Long’s character. Alley’s quick wit and comedic timing brought a fresh dynamic to the show. Her performance as the ambitious yet neurotic Rebecca resonated with audiences, cementing her place in television history.
Golden Globe and Emmy Achievements
Alley’s portrayal of Rebecca Howe earned her critical acclaim and industry recognition. In 1991, she won both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. These accolades solidified her status as a leading comedic actress of her generation. Alley’s wins highlighted her ability to bring depth and humor to her characters.
Collaborations with John Travolta
Kirstie Alley’s on-screen chemistry with John Travolta led to successful collaborations. They first starred together in the 1989 romantic comedy “Look Who’s Talking.” The film’s success spawned two sequels: “Look Who’s Talking Too” (1990) and “Look Who’s Talking Now” (1993). These movies showcased Alley’s versatility as an actress and her ability to excel in both television and film formats.
Sitcom Success in the 1980s and 1990s
Following her triumph on “Cheers,” Alley continued to make her mark in the sitcom world. In 1997, she starred in the NBC series “Veronica’s Closet,” playing Veronica Chase, the head of a lingerie company. The show ran for three seasons and earned Alley additional Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Her consistent presence on television throughout the 1980s and 1990s established her as a beloved figure in American pop culture.
Later Projects
Kirstie Alley’s career flourished beyond her iconic roles in “Cheers” and “Look Who’s Talking.” She continued to excel in television sitcoms, reality shows, and films, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Veronica’s Closet
Alley starred in the NBC sitcom “Veronica’s Closet” from 1997 to 2000. She played Veronica Chase, the owner of a lingerie company in New York City. The show was created by the team behind “Friends” and initially garnered high ratings.
Alley’s performance as the confident and quirky businesswoman earned her critical acclaim. She received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for her role.
The series ran for three seasons, totaling 67 episodes. Despite its early success, viewership declined in later seasons, leading to its cancellation in 2000.
Reality TV Appearances
Alley ventured into reality television, participating in several popular shows. In 2011, she competed on “Dancing with the Stars” season 12, finishing in second place with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
She returned for the all-star season in 2012, partnering again with Chmerkovskiy. Alley’s charisma and determination made her a fan favorite on the show.
In 2022, Alley appeared on “The Masked Singer” as the Baby Mammoth. Her energetic performances and playful personality entertained audiences, though she was eliminated relatively early in the competition.
Continued Film Success
Following her breakout role in “Look Who’s Talking” (1989), Alley reprised her character in two sequels: “Look Who’s Talking Too” (1990) and “Look Who’s Talking Now” (1993). These films solidified her status as a leading lady in Hollywood comedies.
In 2005, Alley starred in and co-created the Showtime series “Fat Actress.” The semi-autobiographical show humorously portrayed her struggles with weight and Hollywood’s beauty standards.
Alley continued to appear in various films throughout her career, including:
- “It Takes Two” (1995)
- “Drop Dead Gorgeous” (1999)
- “Back by Midnight” (2005)
Her final film role was in the 2015 comedy “Accidental Love.”
Personal Life
Kirstie Alley’s personal life was marked by family relationships, health pursuits, and philanthropic efforts. She navigated marriages, parenthood, and professional endeavors while maintaining a public presence.
Family and Relationships
Kirstie Alley married twice. Her first marriage to Bob Alley ended in 1977. In 1983, she wed actor Parker Stevenson, and they adopted two children: William and Lillie. The couple divorced in 1997 but remained co-parents. Alley was a devoted grandmother to her son’s three children.
She maintained close ties with her siblings, including her sister Colette. Alley’s relationship with her parents, especially her mother Lillian, influenced her life choices and career path.
Health and Wellness Endeavors
Alley’s weight fluctuations were often in the public eye. She became a spokesperson for Jenny Craig in 2004, losing 75 pounds. Her journey with weight loss and gain continued throughout her life, inspiring her to create her own weight loss program.
She advocated for healthy living and openly discussed her struggles with addiction, particularly cocaine use in her early years. Alley credited Scientology for helping her overcome substance abuse issues.
Philanthropy and Business Ventures
Alley was involved in various charitable causes. She supported organizations focused on children’s welfare and animal rights. Her philanthropic efforts extended to disaster relief, including donations to victims of natural disasters.
In business, Alley launched Organic Liaison, a weight loss company, in 2010. She also invested in property, owning homes in Maine and Los Angeles. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to explore opportunities in the entertainment industry beyond acting, including producing and writing.
Health Challenges
Kirstie Alley faced significant health challenges in her final months. She battled colon cancer, a serious disease that ultimately led to her passing at age 71.
Cancer Diagnosis
Kirstie Alley received a colon cancer diagnosis shortly before her death in December 2022. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The disease often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only in later stages.
Risk factors for colon cancer include age, family history, and certain lifestyle choices. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
Treatment Journey
Alley sought treatment at the Moffitt Cancer Center, a renowned facility for cancer care. Her family revealed that she underwent chemotherapy as part of her treatment plan. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells but can cause side effects like fatigue and nausea.
Despite aggressive treatment, Alley’s cancer had progressed significantly by the time of diagnosis. The exact details of her treatment journey remain private, respecting the family’s wishes for confidentiality during this difficult time.
Cause of Death and Legacy
Kirstie Alley’s death at age 71 was attributed to colon cancer. The beloved actress‘s passing shocked fans and colleagues alike, prompting an outpouring of tributes and reflections on her career.
Public Reaction and Memorials
News of Alley’s death spread quickly on social media. Fans shared favorite scenes and quotes from her roles in “Cheers” and “Look Who’s Talking.” Many expressed surprise at her brief battle with cancer, as the diagnosis had not been made public.
Online memorials popped up, celebrating Alley’s comedic talent and vibrant personality. Health organizations used the opportunity to stress the importance of regular colonoscopies and awareness of rectal bleeding as a potential symptom.
Tributes from Friends and Co-Stars
Ted Danson, Alley’s “Cheers” co-star, praised her ability to light up any room. Rhea Perlman remembered Alley’s kindness and infectious laugh. Shelley Long expressed admiration for Alley’s fearless approach to comedy.
John Travolta, her “Look Who’s Talking” co-star, shared a touching post about their long friendship. Many highlighted Alley’s generosity and support for young actors in the industry.
Colleagues emphasized her professionalism on set and her dedication to her craft. Several noted her Emmy-winning performances and enduring impact on television comedy.