Read 'Cheers' Star Ted Danson's Emotional Tribute to Kirstie Alley Following Her Death
On Monday, news broke that actress Kirstie Alley had died at the age of 71. While she was famous for roles in 1990s films like It Takes Two and being a season 12 contestant on Dancing With the Stars, many know her for portraying Rebecca Howe on the iconic '80s sitcom Cheers.
Kirstie’s children True and Lillie Parker released an official statement on Instagram, confirming the actress’s death after a short battle with cancer. "We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered," they wrote. "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."
They continued: "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. We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time. With love always, True and Lillie Parker."
After the news broke, several celebrities who worked with the Veronica’s Closet actress posted tributes on social media. Among the many messages, Cheers actor Ted Danson, who co-starred alongside Kirstie as Sam Malone on the NBC sitcom, shared his own words.
"I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do. I watched an old episode of Cheers," he told Deadline. "It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no, even though she desperately wants to say yes. Kirstie was truly brilliant in it. Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny. She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard."
"As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died," he concluded. "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."
Ted and Kirstie worked together on Cheers from 1987 (her character debuted in the show's sixth season premiere) to 1993. The duo's characters would later get together in season six before breaking up in season 10.
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