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Hollywood actress Kirstie Alley passed away at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.
She is best known for her roles in the television shows “Cheers” and “Veronica’s Closet.”
A number of celebrities have spoken out in reaction to news of her passing.
Comedian Adam Carolla said, “I felt lucky to know you.”
“Rest in peace, my friend,” he said alongside a heartbroken emoji.
I felt lucky to know you @kirstiealley. Rest in peace, my friend. 💔 pic.twitter.com/2kNk7YUdM3
— Adam Carolla (@adamcarolla) December 6, 2022
Hollywood A-lister John Travolta 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.”
Co-star Jamie Lee Curtis said Alley was “a great comic foil” on their show and “a beautiful mama bear in her very real life.”
“Cheers” co-star Kelsey Grammer said, “I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her.”
“Cheers” co-star Rhea Pearlman said, “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.”
Alley also wasn’t afraid to voice her political views. She was a supporter of President Donald Trump and openly criticized President Joe Biden.
Alley said she voted for Trump in 2016 and voted for him again in 2020.
I’m voting for @realDonaldTrump because he’s NOT a politician. I voted for him 4 years ago for this reason and shall vote for him again for this reason. He gets things done quickly and he will turn the economy around quickly. There you have it folks there you have it🙄
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) October 17, 2020
During an interview on Fox News, Alley slammed Biden’s past use of “racial slurs” and “racist overtones.”
Biden once told Americans, “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.”
Born in Wichita, Kansas in 1951, Alley began her acting career in the late 1970s with small roles in television and film.
In 1982, she landed the role of Rebecca Howe on the hit sitcom “Cheers,” which earned her critical acclaim and two Emmy Awards.
After “Cheers” ended in 1993, Alley starred in her own sitcom, “Veronica’s Closet,” which ran for four seasons. She has also appeared in a number of films, including “Look Who’s Talking” and its sequels, as well as “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” and “Drop Dead Gorgeous.”
Alley is known for her distinctive voice and larger-than-life personality, and has been a popular guest on talk shows and reality television programs. She is also an accomplished author, having published two books, “The Art of Men” and “The Fat Actress.”
She recently appeared on the eighth season of “Dancing with the Stars” and has several upcoming projects in the works.
Kirstie Alley’s family released a statement that reads, “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 felt with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of our never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead,” the statement continued.
“As iconic as she was on the 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, are unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did,” the statement concluded.
