Tributes spread across social media late Monday as family, friends, co-stars and fans from all walks off life learned of the passing of actress Kirstie Alley.
After starring in such iconic roles as her Golden Globe Award-winning performance as Rebecca Howe on “Cheers” and Mollie in the “Look Who’s Talking” film series, her family announced that at 71, Alley had passed away after a battle with cancer. Heartfelt messages from actors and actresses she had worked with in the past told the story of a truly genuine person.
John Travolta, who had starred alongside Alley in the “Look Who’s Talking” movies, took to Instagram to say, “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
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Similarly, co-stars from her days on “Cheers” spoke fondly of their friend. Rhea Perlman offered a statement to Fox News Digital speaking to the late actress’s character.
“Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend. her joy of being was boundless. We became friends almost instantly when she joined the cast of Cheers,” Perlman described. “She loved kids and my kids loved her too. We had sleepovers at her house, with treasure hunts that she created. She had massive Halloween and Easter parties, and invited the entire crew of the show, and their families. She wanted everyone to feel included. She loved her children deeply. I’ve never met anyone remotely like her. I feel so thankful to have known her. I’m going to miss her very, very much.”
John Ratzenberger also offered a brief missive as he wrote on Twitter, “It’s so sad. So very sad. God Bless you and keep you Kirstie Alley.”
It’s so sad. So very sad. God Bless you and keep you Kirstie Alley
— John Ratzenberger (@Dratzenberger) December 6, 2022
More recently, Alley had worked alongside Jamie Lee Curtis on the show “Scream Queens” and the actress echoed the sentiments about “her very real life.”
“I’ve just heard the sad news that Kirstie Alley has died. She was a great comic foil in @tvscreamqueens and a beautiful mama bear in her very real life. She helped me buy onesies for my family that year for Christmas. We agreed to disagree about some things but had a mutual respect and connection. Sad news.”
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Others who worked alongside her in film and television, like William Shatner from “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” one of Alley’s breakout roles, and Tim Allen, who co-starred in “For Richer or Poorer,” honored her as well.
Saddened to hear of the passing of @kirstiealley. Condolences to her family & friends.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 6, 2022
A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family.
— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) December 6, 2022
I just head the news about #KirstieAlley. I’ve not spoke w/ her forever, but have her to thank for launching my career. She told me I was funny every single day on Veronica’s Closet, and I believed her. She threw the best parties and gave the parakeets as our wrap gift. Godspeed.
— Ever Carradine (@EverCarradine) December 6, 2022
Others from around Hollywood added their own reflections to the memorial.
https://twitter.com/adamcarolla/status/1599941738604658691
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https://twitter.com/Wolfiesmom/status/1599941548661432320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1599941548661432320%7Ctwgr%5E713080138c93f7083b67c360a2d8d2036c73a5da%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fentertainment%2Fjohn-travolta-jamie-lee-curtis-hollywood-react-death-kirstie-alley
Media figures also joined in the remembrance of the American TV icon.
Heart breaking. I loved #Kirstie Alley. I was an extra on cheers years ago, and just fell in love with her kind and fun spirit. RIP. May i also ask, 71? really? she never aged it seemed. https://t.co/eovEUmODF8
— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) December 6, 2022
So sad about Kirstie Alley. She was so sweet.
Sending love to her family. ❤️
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) December 6, 2022
Hollywood lost one of their brightest shining stars today with the tragic passing of Kirstie Alley.
Kirstie loved her country and President Trump, and she will always be remembered for her award winning role in Cheers.
Rest in Peace. America will never be the same.
— Nick Adams (Alpha Male) (@NickAdamsinUSA) December 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/1599962574854172673
Her son and daughter posted a message with a statement marking her life and career and thanking the public for the outpouring of love and admiration they had witnessed.
“To all our friends, far and wide around the world… We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” they began. “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.”
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) December 6, 2022
“We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care. 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 just as she did,” they went on.
In conclusion, the bereaved wrote, “We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time. With love always, True and Lillie Parker.”
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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