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

‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ begins streaming on Disney+ on September 2, 2026.
2 hours ago
The Russo brothers explain why ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ started filming without a finished script and how actors shape scenes through rehearsals
8 hours ago
Netflix’s 'Facing El Chapo' dramatizes the events behind Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán’s 2016 recapture by two federal police officers.
17 hours ago
Danny Boyle’s 'Ink' starring a Guy Pierce reveals its first teaser trailer that tells the story of the rise of Britain's The Sun newspaper.
22 hours ago
The Apple TV drama follows Judith Heumann and hundreds of activists during a 26-day federal building occupation in 1977.
22 hours ago
Michael Keaton and Morgan Freeman will share the screen again after the 1988 drama 'Clean and Sober'
1 day ago
Marvel's 'Avengers: Secret Wars' is scheduled to release on December 17, 2027
1 day ago
Disney’s live-action 'Moana' is heading to digital platforms before its physical release, but its Disney+ future remains unclear.
1 day ago
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg form an uneasy alliance in Paramount's 1960s-set crime thriller.
1 day ago
The live-action ‘Gargoyles’ reboot, which was in early development at Disney+, is no longer moving forward
2 days ago