Death certificate reveals Kirstie Alley was cremated after 'Cheers' actress died of colon cancer at 71
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA: Reports confirmed that Hollywood icon Kirstie Alley's body was cremated after she died on Monday, December 5. The Emmy-winning actress, 71, died at her Clearwater home, in Florida, as per her death certificate, which was obtained on Thursday, December 29.
The 'It Takes Two' actress was being treated in Tampa, Florida's Moffitt Cancer Center after receiving a colon cancer diagnosis. Alley's children, William True Stevenson and Lillie Stevenson—whom she had with her ex-husband Parker Stevenson—announced her death on the actress' Instagram page.
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When Alley played Rebecca Howe on NBC's 'Cheers', she first gained notoriety. She received two awards for her performance in the Boston-based series in 1991, a Golden Globe for best actress and an Emmy for outstanding lead actress.
"We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” her children shared via the 'Cheers' actress' Instagram. "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," the post further added.
After the 'Cheers' actress died, there were speculations about her cremation as per Scientology rites. The Daily Mail at the time reported that a memorial service for Alley who was a longtime Church of Scientology member was expected to take place at the organization's Flag Building in Clearwater, Florida.
It is uncommon for religion to play a significant role in the death of a celebrity. Off-screen, however, Alley's reputation was largely based on her role as an ardent representative and defender of Scientology, the religion established by sci-fi author L Ron Hubbard. Alley, who died on Monday at the age of 71 from colon cancer, was a devout Scientologist for more than 40 years. Alley in her memoir 'The Art of Men (I Prefer Mine Al Dente)' penned, "Scientology has been cloaked in mystery fabricated by the press, mostly." It further stated, "It’s actually analytical and easy to understand. It does not include aliens, although I’d love to meet a few and believe we are not alone in the vastness of the universe," as per LA Times.