Actress Kirstie Alley dies at 71 after a short bout with cancer
Actress Kirstie Alley, best known for her role as Rebecca Howe on the NBC sitcom ``Cheers,'' has died at age 71 after a short bout with cancer, her family has announced.
The announcement was made on social media by William True and Lillie Parker, Alley's adoptive children with ex-husband Parker Stevenson.
A Kansas native, Alley first gained fame with her appearance as Lt. Saavik in 1982's ``Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,'' then later starred with Mark Harmon in "Summer School'' and opposite John Travolta in the "Look Who's Talking'' trio of films.
But she got a major break in 1987 when she replaced Shelley Long on "Cheers,'' becoming the new boss and love interest of Ted Danson's bartender character Sam Malone. Alley remained on the series until it ended in 1993 as one of television's most popular shows. The role earned Alley five Emmy nominations, winning once, in 1991. She won another Emmy in 1994 for her work in the TV movie "David's Mother."
She later earned another Emmy nod for her leading role in "Veronica's Closet."
Her other film credits include "Deconstructing Harry," "It Takes Two'' and "Drop Dead Gorgeous."
Alley was also well-known for her public battles with weight, serving twice as a spokeswoman for Jenny Craig
