Look’s Who’s Talking actress Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71 following a ‘private battle’ with cancer.
The news was announced via a Twitter post written by her family in the early hours of Tuesday (December 6).
The award-winning Hollywood star, best known for starring alongside John Travolta in Look Who’s Talking, as well as a debut stint in US sitcom Cheers, had only recently discovered she had cancer.
She also made a memorable film debut in Star Trek: Wrath of Khan as a pupil of Spock.
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In recent years she had been shunned from Hollywood for her support of Donald Trump both in the 2016 and the 2020 elections.
(Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
In the statement released on Twitter, her two children, Lillie and True, said she was surrounded by her closest family at her time of death.
It read: “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.
“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.
(Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
“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.
“We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Kirstie had not been seen in public for some time with her last-known picture seen during a video in September as she promoted her profile on Cameo on her Instagram page.
(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
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Her Look Who’s Talking co-star, John Travolta, was quick to pay tribute to her following the sad news.
Posting an image of her on his social media, the star penned: “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
Film director John Carpenter described Alley as a “delightful actress”, saying: “Kirstie Alley was a delightful actress I had the pleasure to work with on VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED. She will be missed”.
Fans also took to social media to comment on the star’s death, paying tribute to her, with one writing: “I’m so unbelievably heartbroken. Kirstie Alley was such an amazing person. Blessing and love to her family and friends.”
A second commented: “I’m so very sorry for your loss. And what a loss for the world, too. Kirstie will be missed but she is far too bright a light to ever burn out. Have a blessed journey, beautiful.”
(Image: Snap/REX/Shutterstock)
A third said: “I don’t pay much attention to celebrities but Kirstie was so funny, sincere, & refreshingly not-woke. I’m so sad to hear this & sorry for her family’s loss.”
Kirstie rose to fame in 1987 when she took on the role of Rebecca Howe on Cheers, with her performances leading to a Golden Globe win for Best Actress as well as an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1991.
She earned her second Emmy in 1994 for her portrayal of Sally Goodson in David’s Mother.
Kirstie also appeared on the big screen throughout the peak of her career in the 1980s and 1990s.
(Image: Showtime/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
These included the Look Who’s Talking film series, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) which was her film debut, Summer School (1987) Sibling Rivalry (1990), It Takes Two (1995), For Richer or Poorer (1997), and Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999).
She also took part in reality TV programmes, most notably on UK Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 where she finished as runner-up.
In recent years her conservative political views put her at odds with most stars in Hollywood, after she revealed she voted for Donald Trump twice.
Alley – who had not starred in a movie since 2015 – claimed that her Hollywood peers can behave in illegal or unethical ways and still not receive the same type of ostracization that she had to deal with.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
