How did Kirstie Alley die? 'Cheers' and 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' star dead at 71

The news of her death was confirmed by her children True and Lilly Parker
Actress Kirstie Alley attends the "Kirstie" premiere party at Harlow on December 3, 2013 in New York City. (Robin Marchant/Getty Images)
Actress Kirstie Alley attends the "Kirstie" premiere party at Harlow on December 3, 2013 in New York City. (Robin Marchant/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In one of the most devastating news coming out from the entertainment industry, Kirstie Alley, the star of 'Cheers' and 'Drop Dead Gorgeous', has died at the age of 71. The news of her death was confirmed by Alley's children, True and Lilly Parker.

In a statement shared on the actress's official Twitter account, Alley's children said they are sad to announce that their fierce and loving mother has passed away after a long battle with cancer and was surrounded by family as she 'fought' the life-threatening disease with a lot of strength. The statement also noted she was an 'icon' on the screen, but she was even more amazing as a mother and grandmother.

RELATED ARTICLES

Kirstie Alley finally opens up about the "love of her life" John Travolta and why she never married him

Kirstie Alley slams left-leaning 'Hollywood a**hats' for blacklisting Trump supporters: "We are the same species"

Kirstie Alley and John Travolta attend the premiere of Quiver Distribution's
Kirstie Alley and John Travolta attend the premiere of Quiver Distribution's "The Fanatic" at the Egyptian Theatre on August 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

"We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce, and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered. 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," the statement read.

The family also thanked the "incredible team of doctors and nurses" at the Moffitt Cancer Center.



 

The siblings concluded by remembering their mother and saying that her "zest for life" has "inspired" them to live their life to the fullest as she did. The statement added,. "We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time."

Kirstie Alley enters the Celebrity Big Brother house at Elstree Studios on August 16, 2018 in Borehamwood, England.
Kirstie Alley enters the Celebrity Big Brother house at Elstree Studios on August 16, 2018 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

The statement was shared on Alley's other social media accounts as well.

Alley began her film career with 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,' which she soon followed with 'Blind Date' and the 1985 series 'North and South'. Later, she joined the NBC series 'Cheers' and became part of TV's blockbuster comedy. In 1991, she won the Outstanding Lead Actress at the Primetime Emmy for her role in the series.

We will update the story as this is a developing story.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'What If Christmas' follows Erin as she revisits her long-held dream of becoming a fashion designer
2026-10-26T08:44:49.000Z
An individual was arrested from the set after a crew member reported a verbal dispute, resulting in the display of a knife.
2026-10-26T08:02:42.000Z
Co-director Lance Oppenheim recalls how a car ride after a gym session led to the film’s much-discussed shower scene
2026-10-26T07:49:46.000Z
Lori Loughlin and Hallmark strengthen their collaboration with the movie ‘What if Christmas’
2026-10-26T06:39:18.000Z
'Avengers: Doomsday’ brings back Steve Rogers in a new teaser featuring Mjolnir, a reunion with Thor, and a callback to ‘Endgame’
2026-10-26T04:30:57.000Z
A fan-favorite actor is set to join Christopher Abbott, Sadie Sink, Kit Connor, and others for the ‘X-MEN’ reboot
2026-10-26T03:02:33.000Z
The singer reportedly has a cameo in the psychological drama, which follows an American couple’s adoption trip to Europe.
2026-10-24T19:15:55.000Z
Scott is attached as producer, while the studio has yet to name a director for the project
2026-10-24T10:13:58.000Z
Michael Keaton starrer ‘Rode to Ruin’ welcomes ‘Baby Reindeer’ actor as an outlaw with a personal vendetta
2026-10-24T09:50:20.000Z
The Club Vesuvius sequence in the Tom Rhys Harries film borrows a face that fans have been asking about
2026-10-24T07:42:05.000Z