Kirstie Alley Dead at 71

Kirstie Alley Dead at 71

Kirstie Alley , Dead at 71.

NBC News reports that Alley's family announced her death on Dec.

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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, Kirstie Alley's family, via statement.

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, Kirstie Alley's family, via statement.

According to 'People,' Alley was battling colon cancer, which she was only recently diagnosed with.

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The Emmy-winning actor was best known for her roles in 'Cheers,' the 'Look Who's Talking' movies and dozens of other film and TV productions.

Many of Alley's previous co-stars, such as John Travolta, took to social media to pay their respects.

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Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had.

I love you Kirstie.

I know we will see each other again, John Travolta, via Instagram.

Ted Danson revealed that he was just on a plane that aired an episode of 'Cheers.'.

Kirstie was truly brilliant in it.

Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny, Ted Danson, via statement.

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, Ted Danson, via statement.

I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh.

I send my love to her children.

As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold.

I will miss her, Ted Danson, via statement