Hollywood responded with an outpouring of love in response to Monday’s tragic news that actress Kirstie Alley, who starred in “Cheers,” “Veronica’s Closet,” and “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” had died at 71.
Alley’s children released the news of her death, saying that she died after a battle with cancer and that she was surrounded by her family during her final moments.
Actor John Travolta posted about Alley’s death on Instagram, writing: “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
“I’ve just heard the sad news that Kirstie Alley has died,” actress Jamie Lee Curtis said on Instagram. “She was a great comic foil in @tvscreamqueens and a beautiful mama bear in her very real life. She helped me buy onesies for my family that year for Christmas. We agreed to disagree about some things but had a mutual respect and connection. Sad news.”
Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth responded, “I love you, Kirstie. I will see you again someday. I can’t believe you’re gone.”
“#Rip to this kind, beautifully talented soul,” model and actress Carmen Electra posted. “We love you Kirstie.”
Actor Tim Allen tweeted, “A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family.”
A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family.
— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) December 6, 2022
“What a talented sweet person,” actor Scott Baio tweeted. “You will be missed. Sending my heartfelt condolences to your children and other loved ones.”
What a talented sweet person. You will be missed. Sending my heartfelt condolences to your children and other loved ones. 🙏 https://t.co/tobEaBVqwk
— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) December 6, 2022
Comedian Larry The Cable Guy tweeted, “Kirstie was a sweetheart.”
“My heart breaks for Kirstie and her family,” actor Josh Gad tweeted. “Whether it was her brilliance in ‘Cheers’ or her magnetic performance in the ‘Look Who’s Talking’ franchise, her smile was always infectious, her laugh was always contagious and her charisma was always iconic.”
Journalist Megyn Kelly tweeted, “This is such sad news. A beautiful, brave, funny and beloved woman. Rest in Peace, Kirstie Alley.”
Actress Gina Carano tweeted, “Rest in sweet peace Kirstie Alley.”
Rest in sweet peace Kirstie Alley. 🤍🌹🤍 https://t.co/uOd212MY3Q
— Gina Carano 🕯 (@ginacarano) December 6, 2022
“I felt lucky to know you @kirstiealley,” comedian Adam Carolla tweeted. “Rest in peace, my friend.”
Singer Travis Tritt posted, “Shocked and saddened by the news of Kirstie Alley.”
Fellow “Cheers” stars Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman responded to Alley’s death in a statement to People Magazine.
“I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do. I watched an old episode of “Cheers.” 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,” Danson 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. 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.”
“Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend,” Perlman said. “Her joy of being was boundless. We became friends almost instantly when she joined the cast of “Cheers.” She loved kids and my kids loved her too. We had sleepovers at her house, with treasure hunts that she created. She had massive Halloween and Easter parties, and invited the entire crew of the show, and their families. 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.”