Kirstie Alley: Emmy-winning Cheers actress dies aged 71

American actress Kirstie Alley, popular for her role in the comedy series Cheers and Veronica's 

Closet, has died of cancer at 71, according to a family statement.

Alley’s children William True Stevenson and Lillie Price Stevenson confirmed her death on 

Monday night. Alley’s manager also confirmed her death. Her children reportedly wrote, “We 

are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away.” Alley’s ex-

husband, actor Parker Stevenson, also wrote, “I am so grateful for our years together.”

She was diagnosed with cancer. Her treatment was underway at the Moffitt Cancer Center in 

Florida. Her family reportedly said the cancer was "only recently discovered.”

Kelsey Grammer, who played Frasier Crane on Cheers, also expressed sadness over her death. 

John Travolta, Alley’s co-star in Look Who’s Talking, also paid tribute to her. 

Alley was famous for playing the role of Rebecca Howe in the NBC sitcom Cheers. She 

appeared in 147 episodes of the iconic show. Her show continued from 1987 to 1993. She was 

one of the most successful actresses in the 1990s. 

She also received an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe in 1991 for her series Cheers. Her other 

sitcom Veronica's Closet earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She also starred in 

various films such as Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Summer School, Shoot to Kill, Look 

Who's Talking, Madhouse, Sibling Rivalry, It Takes Two and Deconstructing Harry. She also 

won an Emmy Award for her television film David's Mother. She was also a contestant on the 

12th season of Dancing with the Stars. In 2018, she participated in the 22nd season of the British 

reality show Celebrity Big Brother. This year, the actress appeared in The Masked Singer.

She married her high-school sweetheart Bob Alley in 1970. Their marriage ended in 1977. Later 

on, she married actor Parker Stevenson in 1983. Their marriage ended in 1997.