Beloved actress Kirstie Alley, known for her roles in the sitcom Cheers and her success on Dancing With The Stars, passed away at the age of 71 in 2022. Her family recently shared the heartbreaking news of her battle with cancer and her final hours. Let’s take a look back at Alley’s life and career, filled with triumphs and challenges.
Kirstie Alley’s Early Life and Struggles
Alley was born on January 12, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas. Her early life was marked by adversity, as she battled with drugs and the limitations of her small town. In an interview, she shared, “To extricate myself from Wichita, Kansas really took some doing.” Alley left her hometown and headed to California to pursue her acting dreams.
From Tragedy to Stardom
In 1981, a tragic accident took the life of Alley’s mother and deeply affected her. She made the decision to turn her life around, leaving behind drugs and embracing rehabilitation. Alley also found solace in The Church of Scientology. Her breakthrough role came in 1982 when she starred as Saavik in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. She later appeared in various TV movies and miniseries, gaining recognition and paving the way for her big break.
Cheers to Success!
In 1987, Alley found her breakout role as Rebecca Howe in the popular sitcom Cheers. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award. Alley became a household name and captivated audiences with her comedic timing and charm.
A Versatile Career
After departing from Cheers, Alley continued to shine in both television and film. She won another Emmy Award for her role in the television movie David’s Mother and appeared in sitcoms like Veronica’s Closet and drama miniseries like The Last Don. Audiences also enjoyed her performances in movies such as the Look Who’s Talking series and Drop Dead Gorgeous.
A Personal Journey: Overcoming Weight Struggles
Alley’s personal struggles with weight became an inspiration for her comedic series Fat Actress, where she tackled the topic head-on. She embarked on a weight-loss journey with the help of the Jenny Craig program, shedding 75 pounds and becoming a spokesperson for the brand. Alley’s resilience and determination were evident as she faced criticism and persevered to improve her health.
Kirstie Alley: An Inspiration On and Off Screen
In her later years, Alley remained committed to her beliefs and chose a more private life in Clearwater, Florida. Despite stepping away from Hollywood, her legacy lives on. Fellow actors like John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute to Alley, recognizing her talent and the impact she had on their lives.
Kirstie Alley was not just an iconic actress but also a devoted mother and grandmother. Her passion for life, her unwavering joy, and her creative spirit will continue to inspire us all. As we bid farewell to Kirstie Alley, may her memory serve as a reminder to live life to the fullest, just as she did.
Rest in peace, Kirstie Alley.
