Kirstie Alley (who is Kirstie Alley?)
Kirstie Alley was an American actress best known for her role as Rebecca Howe on the NBC sitcom "Cheers," for which she received an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She was born on January 12, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, USA.
Alley's early acting career began with appearances on game shows and minor film roles in the 1970s and 1980s. Her breakout role came in 1982 when she played Vulcan Starfleet officer Lieutenant Saavik in the film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." However, it was her role in "Cheers" that dominated her career from 1987 to 1993, and became her most enduring legacy.
After "Cheers," Alley led the cast of the sitcom "Veronica’s Closet" from 1997 to 2000 and had a notable role in the "Look Who’s Talking" movie series alongside John Travolta. She also appeared in several other television movies and series, gaining acclaim for both comedic and dramatic roles. In 1994, she won her second Emmy Award for her portrayal of the title character in the television film "David’s Mother."
Throughout her career, Alley was open about her struggles with weight and dieting, which she addressed through her reality television ventures like "Kirstie Alley's Big Life" and when she served as a spokesperson for Jenny Craig, a weight loss program.
Alley was also a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2011, finishing in second place. Her transient weight loss during the show was widely publicized, and she continued to be a prominent media figure due to her outgoing personality and candidness about her personal life.
In terms of her personal life, Alley was married twice. Her first marriage was to Bob Alley, her high school sweetheart, and her second was to actor Parker Stevenson, with whom she adopted two children.
Alley was a longtime member of the Church of Scientology, having joined in 1979. Her affiliation with the church brought both support and criticism over the years, particularly due to the church's controversial reputation and her advocacy of its programs.
Her other work included writing a couple of memoirs. "How to Lose Your Ass and Regain Your Life" chronicled her weight loss journey, and "The Art of Men" detailed her experiences in Hollywood and her relationships with men.
Kirstie Alley passed away from cancer on December 5, 2022, at the age of 71. Her children confirmed her passing in statements to the media. Her death was met with tributes from fans, friends, and colleagues who remembered her talent, humor, and contributions to television and film.
For more detailed information about Kirstie Alley’s life and work, you can visit profiles and obituaries from reputable sources such as:
Additionally, her memoirs provide personal insights into her experiences:
- "How to Lose Your Ass and Regain Your Life"
- "The Art of Men (I Prefer Mine al Dente)"