TV Star Kirstie Alley Dies After Cancer Battle
We’ve lost a legend. Kirstie Alley, the fierce and beloved actress, has passed away following a brief cancer fight, her children revealed. True and Lillie Parker shared an emotional statement on her Twitter, honouring their mother’s courage and zest for life.
“She was surrounded by her closest family and fought valiantly, leaving us with the certainty of her never-ending joy of life and whatever adventures lay ahead,” they said. “As famous as she was on screen, she was an even better mother and grandmother.”
A Life Full of Passion and Adventure
The family paid tribute to Kirstie’s boundless energy and love for her children, grandchildren, and animals. They added, “Our mother’s zest and passion for life… were unparalleled and inspire us to live life to the fullest just like she did.” They asked for privacy during this tough time and thanked fans for their love and prayers.
From Cheers to Emmy Winner
Kirstie Alley shot to TV stardom in 1987 when she joined the hit sitcom Cheers, replacing Shelley Long. Her star performance won her an Emmy in 1991 for Best Lead Actress in a comedy. She nabbed her second Emmy in 1994 for the TV drama David’s Mother, and scored a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame a year later.
In 1997, she led the sitcom Veronica’s Closet as lingerie boss Veronica “Ronnie” Chase, running for three seasons. Later, she starred in Kirstie (2013-2014), playing Maddie Banks, a Tony-winning actress reconnecting with a son she gave up at birth.
Remembering Kirstie: Dancing, Weight Loss & Legacy
- Kirstie was a Jenny Craig spokesperson from 2004-2007, famously shedding 75 pounds. She returned in 2014 after dropping 50 pounds again.
- She wowed audiences on Dancing with the Stars in 2011, finishing second with pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
- Her most recent TV gig was on The Masked Singer in 2024, performing as “Baby Mammoth” to delight her grandchildren.
Tributes poured in from Hollywood. John Travolta, her co-star from Look Who’s Talking, posted an Instagram photo and wrote, “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. Kirstie, I adore you. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”
Kirstie Alley’s sparkle on screen and off will be dearly missed, but her legacy of strength, spirit, and love lives on.
