Kirstie Alley dead at 71

Star of Cheers and Look Who's Talking had cancer

Cheers star Kirstie Alley has died of cancer at 71, her family have said.

The actress played bar manager Rebecca Howe in 148 episodes of the sitcom in the 1980s and 1990s before going on to appear in the Look Who's Talking film comedies and the TV sitcom Veronica's Closet.

In a statement posted online her children William, also known as ‘True’, and Lillie, wrote: ‘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.

‘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.’

Her Cheers co-star Ted Danson said Alley was ‘hysterically funny’,

In a statement to Deadline, the actor – who played libidinous bar owner Sam Malone – said: ‘Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny. 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 co-starred with Alley in Look Who's Talking, wrote on Instagram: ‘Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I've ever had. I love you Kirstie, I know we will see each other again.’

Alley – who made her film debut in 1982 in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan – was also known for her belief in Scientology, which she credited for helping her shake her cocaine addiction.

In later life she attracted controversy by promoting weight loss products, and for coming out in support of Donald Trump.

And in 2018, she was a contestant on the 22nd series of the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother.