Hollywood celebrities have been issuing heartfelt tributes after news broke on Monday that Kirstie Alley passed away at 71.
The two-time Emmy-winning actor, who shot to fame playing Rebecca Howe on the NBC comedy series “Cheers,” died after a short battle with cancer.
Ted Danson, who starred with Alley in “Cheers,” said: “I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do.
“I watched an old episode of Cheers.
“It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying ‘no,’ even though she desperately wants to say ‘yes.’
“Kirstie was truly brilliant in it.
“Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny.
“She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard.
“As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died.
“I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children.
“As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her.”
John Travolta, who starred in the 1989 film “Look Who’s Talking” with Alley, said, “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had.
“I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
Tim Allen said:
“A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley.
“Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family.”
A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family.
— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) December 6, 2022
Rhea Perlman, who also starred with Alley in “Cheers.” said:
“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.
“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.”
Alley’s “Cheers” costar Kelsey Grammer said: “I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her.”
Her children issued a statement that said:
“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.
“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 Alley (@kirstiealley) December 6, 2022
