Kirstie Alley passed away on December 5, 2022, after a sudden and unexpected battle with colon cancer. The Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winning actress was beloved by many in the industry, known for her roles as Rebecca Howe on Cheers and Veronica Chase on Veronica’s Closet in the 1980s and 1990s.
Her death was announced by her two children, Lillie and Truth, in a touching and heartfelt Instagram post. “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,” the caption read.
“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,” her children continued in the Instagram caption.
As news of her passing settled in, friends and colleagues paid their respects by sharing words of kindness in her honor – including some of her Cheers co-stars. Rhea Perlman, who played waitress Carla Tortelli on the hit TV show, called Kirstie Alley a ‘unique and wonderful person and friend’ in a recent statement.
She wanted everyone to feel included. She loved her children deeply. I’ve never met anyone remotely like her. I feel so thankful to have known her. I’m going to miss her very, very much,” Perlman continued, adding that the two co-stars became friends almost immediately. “Her joy of being was boundless.”
Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, spoke to Vanity Fair about how he recently watched an episode of Cheers – something he rarely does. “It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no, even though she desperately wants to say yes. Kirstie was truly brilliant in it,” he said.
“Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny. She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard. As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died,” he continued, adding that she will be missed.
Kirstie Alley Was Blindsided By Her Cancer Diagnosis – Here’s What You Can Do to Prevent the Same
Kirstie Alley was diagnosed with colon cancer prior to her death – something that came as a surprise to her and her family. Alley was 71 years old at the time of her death, having just appeared on The Masked Singer in April. Unfortunately, her cancer diagnosis brought an end to what was an incredible life lived.
Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States, with more than 150,000 people being diagnosed with colon cancer this year alone – more than 90% of whom are over the age of 50, like Alley. Also like Alley, thousands upon thousands of other colon cancer patients will die from the disease.
One of the best things individuals can do to prevent cancer is to remain dedicated to regular checkups with their primary care physician. We should also be engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, and getting enough quality sleep.
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With cases of colorectal cancer among people under the age of 50 rising in recent years, the US Preventive Services Task Force decreased the recommended age for screening for colon cancer – it used to be 50 but is now 45. Whether or not you have symptoms, it won’t hurt to get screened for cancer.