Actor Kirstie Alley Dies at 71
Actor Kirstie Alley, known for her roles on “Cheers” and “Veronica’s Closet,” died on December 5, 2022. She was 71.
Alley was born in Wichita, Kansas, on January 12, 1951. She briefly attended Kansas State University but soon headed to Los Angeles. That move took some bravery, as she later recalled: “With reality shows, and things like that on TV now, people probably feel a little more hopeful that they could make something of themselves. But at that time, 30 years ago, it was just like, ‘How could I possibly dare to think that I could go be a star? How could I possibly think that?’”
She first appeared on television as herself, on the game shows “The Match Game” and “Password,” in 1979 and 1980 respectively.
Her first movie role was in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” in 1982. Later feature film appearances include “Blind Date” and the “Look Who’s Talking” movies.
Alley famously joined the cast of the TV sitcom “Cheers” in 1987, playing Rebecca Howe, the love interest of Ted Danson’s character, Sam Malone.
From 1997 to 2000, she starred as Veronica Chase on “Veronica’s Closet.” Other television appearances include “Fat Actress,” “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life,” “Scream Queens,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Celebrity Big Brother,” and “The Masked Singer.”
Alley was married twice. Her first husband, Bob Alley, coincidentally had the same last name. They were married from 1970 to 1977. She and “Baywatch” actor Parker Stevenson were married from 1983 to 1997. They adopted two children.
Alley earned many accolades, including an Emmy for “Cheers” and another for the CBS movie “David’s Mother.” She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Known for her candor, she once said, “I’ve always felt like if someone asks me something, they want the real answer. I think there’s also something about being from Kansas. Usually people think I’m from New York. The only similarity between New Yorkers and Midwesterners is that what you see is what you get.”
Kirstie Alley passed away from recently diagnosed cancer on December 5, 2022. She is survived by her children William “True” and Lillie Parker.
Learn more about Kirstie Alley in her own words.
*
SOURCES
The Associated Press. “Kirstie Alley, star of ‘Cheers’ and ‘Look Who’s Talking,’ dies at 71.” NPR, December 5, 2022, https://www.npr.org/2022/12/05/1140881752/kirstie-alley-death-71
Giang-Paunon, Stephanie. “Kirstie Alley’s career: What to know about the iconic actress.” Fox News, December 6, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/kirstie-alleys-career-what-to-know-iconic-actress
Heching, Dan, et al. “Kirstie Alley, ‘Cheers’ and ‘Veronica’s Closet’ star, dead at 71.” CNN, December 6, 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/05/entertainment/kirstie-alley-obit/index.html
Keller, Joel. “Kirstie Alley on ‘The Middle’, Losing Weight, and How She Started Her Career.” Parade, January 7, 2015, https://parade.com/364257/joelkeller/kirstie-alley-on-the-middle-losing-weight-and-how-she-started-her-career/
Rock, Audrey. “Kirstie Alley’s Husband: Everything To Know About Her 2 Marriages To Parker Stevenson & Bob Alley.” Hollywood Life, December 5, 2022, https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/kirstie-alley-husband-4952705/
*
Enjoy daily quotes and inspiration wherever you are! Download our Brilliant Quotes app for Apple or Android. Browse by author or category, read our quote of the day, vote for your favorite quotes, and share inspirational quotes on social media.
