Two-time Emmy-winning actor and Wichita native Kirstie Alley has died after a battle with cancer. She was 71.
Alley’s children announced her death Monday in a post on her Twitter account:
“To all our friends, far and wide around the world… 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. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
“We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care. 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
Alley was born in Wichita in 1951 and moved to Los Angeles in 1980. She made her film debut in 1982 with “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” and continued to act in films until 1987, when she replaced Shelley Long in the TV series “Cheers.” She won a lead actress Emmy for her role in the series and won another Emmy in 1994 with the TV movie “David’s Mother.”
[ photo credit: Reuters ]
