Actress Kirstie Alley dies of cancer at age 71

Actress Kirstie Alley, whose roles in “Cheers,” “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and “Look Who’s Talking” made her a household name, died of cancer on Monday. She was 71.

The star’s manager Donovan Daughtry confirmed her death Monday evening, while her children posted the news on their mother’s social media accounts.

“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” wrote her children, True and Lillie Parker.

“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 Parkers said. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”

They expressed gratitude to personnel at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., and others who had stood by their mom.

“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,” the siblings said. “We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

Alley leaped to fame when she starred in “Cheers” from 1987 to 1993, playing Rebecca Howe after original star Shelley Long left the show. In 1991, Alley earned a Golden Globe for best actress and an Emmy for outstanding lead actress, then gathered a second Emmy in 1994 for her role as Sally Goodson in “David’s Mother.” From 1997 to 2000, she starred in her own sitcom, “Veronica’s Closet,” and was the subject of an A&E documentary.

Turns in numerous other movies and television shows over the years included “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” and making it to second place in season 12 of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2011. That was not her only foray into reality TV. She was the main event on A&E’s “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” in 2010, which marked her weight-loss and fitness journey as a single mother.

Tributes immediately poured in, including from “Look Who’s Talking” co-star and close friend John Travolta. He called their friendship “one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had.”