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It’s a sad day for cheers Fans, as the beloved actress Kirstie Alley died at the age of 71. After a battle with cancer, the legendary TV and film star passed away on December 5, and the loss was immediately felt by those who knew her best.
Among them were her co-stars on the hit NBC sitcom Cheers, which included stars like Ted Danson, Rhea Perlmanand George Wendt. replaced Kristie Shelley Lang after she left the show in 1987. She appeared in 147 episodes of cheers between 1987 and 1993 as Rebecca Howe, the new bar manager. The role earned her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe in 1991 and has become part of her acting legacy alongside roles in films such as The Look who’s talking franchise and recently Dancing with the stars.
In explanations to PERSONS, Ted, who played Sam alongside Kirstie on the popular sitcom, and Rhea, who played cheeky barmaid Carla Tortelli, both spoke on December 5. “I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do,” Ted said. “I saw an old episode of cheers. It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no when she’s dying to say yes. Kirstie really was brilliant at it. Her ability to play a woman on the brink of a nervous breakdown was both moving and incredibly funny. She made me laugh 30 years ago filming that scene and she made me laugh just as much today. As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died. I’m so sad and so thankful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As you know, her mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her.”
“Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend,” Rhea told the outlet. “Her zest for life knew no bounds. We became friends almost immediately when she joined the cast of cheers. She loved children and my children loved her too. We stayed at her house with treasure hunts she started. She had huge 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 very much. I’ve never met anyone remotely like her. I’m so grateful to have known her. I will miss her very, very much.”
Kelsey grammar, who memorably featured cerebral psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane also made a brief statement to the outlet. “I have always believed that the grief of a public figure is a private matter, but I will say that I loved her,” she said. Kirstie’s children were the first to break the sad and unexpected news on Monday.
“To all our friends far and wide around the world… We are sad to announce that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer that was only recently discovered,” said Kirstie’s children in a expression on December 5, when she announced her death. “She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great vigour, leaving us reassured of her never-ending zest for life and all the adventures ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) December 6, 2022
Their children, lily and TRUE, also thanked the Moffitt Cancer Center for her mother’s help. “We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Moffitt Cancer Center for their care. The zest for life and passion of our mother, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy in creating, was unparalleled and inspires us to live life to the fullest, just as she did.” explanation further. “We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time. Love always, True and Lillie Parker”