In the wake of the untimely death of acclaimed actress Kirstie Alley, the film industry is swathed in grief. Noted for her roles in many iconic series, notably Cheers, Alley succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 71, as disclosed by her family.
Co-stars Reflect on Kirstie’s Legacy
Her co-stars from Cheers, Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and Kelsey Grammer, poured out heartfelt sentiments following the news of Alley’s demise. Grammer conveyed his deep affection for Alley, stating his belief that mourning the loss of a public figure is an intensely personal experience.
Danson revealed that he was revisiting an episode of Cheers, in which Alley’s character notably rebuffs the proposal of Don Santry (played by Tom Berenger), despite her affection for him. In this scene, Alley’s performance was “stellar,” he asserts.
One critic commended her acting prowess, saying, “Her depiction of a woman teetering on the brink of a breakdown was both heartrending and brilliantly comedic.” Danson echoed this sentiment, saying, “She had me in stitches 30 years ago when we shot that scene, and she still makes me laugh today.”
Perlman reminisces about her unique relationship with Alley, saying, “Kirstie was a one-of-a-kind person and a terrific friend. She had boundless joy in her. We bonded immediately when she joined the cast of Cheers.”
She fondly remembers Alley’s unique ways of spreading joy, from organizing treasure hunts to hosting lavish holiday celebrations. Perlman adds, “She loved my children as if they were her own. I feel incredibly lucky to have known her. I’ll truly miss her presence.”
Hollywood Pays Tribute to Alley
Post Alley’s demise, social media was flooded with condolences and shared memories from her peers. Steve Guttenberg, her co-star from the movie “It Takes Two,” appreciated the actress’ amicability. Meanwhile, Tim Allen, who starred with Alley in the 1997 film For Richer or Poorer, prayed for the actress and her family, recalling Alley’s “beautiful gentle spirit.”
Guttenberg laments, “The world seems a bit less full without Kirstie. Every day she impressed me with her tangible offerings and her soulfulness.”
John Travolta, who shared screen space with Alley in the 1989 movie Look Who’s Talking, reminisced their bond as “one of the most profound friendships I’ve ever had.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Alley’s co-star from Scream Queens, lauded Alley as a “terrific comic foil” and a “loving mother bear” off-screen. Curtis mentions how Alley aided her during the holidays, shopping for onesies for Curtis’s family.
Curtis laments, “Despite our many differences, we respected each other. It’s truly a loss.”
Finally, Jackeé Harry shared a heartfelt message for Alley’s legacy. “Kirstie Alley was an extraordinary talent who brought joy to many, both on-screen and with her charming and witty spirit,” says Harry. “Rest in peace, Luv. You were truly unique in every way.”
In the end, Kirstie Alley’s memory lingers as a beacon of talent, humor, and love, immortalized through the characters she breathed life into and the people she touched with her vivacious spirit.
