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In Memoriam: Kirstie Alley

(January 12, 1951 – December 5, 2022)

A year ago on December 5, 2022, Rebecca Howe took her last seat at the bar of life, when it was announced with a shock that Kirstie Alley had died at her home in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 71. Alley was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in May 2022 following a doctor’s visit for a sore back. She had kept her struggle with cancer private despite her fight through chemotherapy treatments at the Houston Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, she would pass away eight months later shocking a generation of fans who adored her throughout her career in television and film. 

Kirstie Alley, born Kirstie Louise Alley on January 12, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, began her journey in the spotlight as an American actress and spokesmodel. Growing up in a modest household, Alley‘s early life was marked by a passion for performance, foreshadowing her future in the entertainment industry.

In her formative years, Kirstie showed a natural inclination towards the arts. She attended Wichita Southeast High School, where she actively participated in school plays and developed her acting skills, graduating in 1969. Following high school, Alley enrolled at Kansas State University to study drama, solidifying her commitment to a career in the performing arts. Alley left her sophomore year to move to Los Angeles to pursue Scientology in hopes of recovering from her drug addiction.

After appearing on a couple of game shows, Kirstie Alley’s breakthrough came in 1982 when she secured a prominent role as Saavik in the science fiction film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. This marked the beginning of Alley’s rise to fame, as her performance garnered attention and acclaim. The success of the film opened doors for her in the entertainment industry, leading to opportunities in both television and film.

One of Kirstie Alley’s most notable contributions to television came with the iconic sitcom Cheers, where she joined the cast in 1987, replacing Shelley Long. Her portrayal of the character Rebecca Howe earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Alley‘s comedic timing and on-screen charisma made her a beloved figure in the show, and she received several accolades, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Alley remained with the series for six years until its eleventh and final season.

Despite her professional success, Alley faced personal struggles during this period. The pressures of fame and the demanding nature of the entertainment industry took a toll on her mental health. Coping with these challenges became a defining aspect of her journey, shaping her resilience and determination.

As her career continued to flourish, Kirstie Alley ventured into film, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She starred in movies such as Look Who’s Talking (1989) alongside John Travolta, a film that became a box office hit and established her as a bankable star. The success of the movie led to the sequels Look Who’s Talking Too (1990) and Look Who’s Talking Now (1993), further solidifying Alley‘s status in Hollywood. Alley and Travolta would bond over the making of the first film, as well as their religion Scientology, and would become close endearing friends until the day Kirstie died, he would even support her in the days that she was battling with her personal struggles and often appeared as a guest star on her television shows, but in the friendship Travolta would remain as a lead until the end.

Travolta paid tribute to Kirstie Alley after it was announced she had died in an Instagram post:

However, the entertainment industry’s spotlight also magnified those personal struggles for Alley. She openly battled with weight-related issues, becoming a vocal advocate for body positivity and weight loss. In the early 2000s, Alley became a spokesperson for Jenny Craig, sharing her journey to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Her openness about her struggles endeared her to many, inspiring others to embrace their imperfections and work toward personal well-being.

Beyond her acting career, Kirstie Alley delved into reality television, participating in shows like appearing in the 12^thseason of Dancing with the Stars. Her appearances on such programs as Celebrity Big Brother and The Masked Singer showcased a different side of her personality and allowed audiences to witness her resilience and determination in a new light.

Despite the highs and lows, Kirstie Alley’s career continued to evolve. Her contributions to the entertainment industry earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995, recognizing her lasting impact on Hollywood.

On a personal level, Alley‘s life has been marked by relationships and family. She was married to actor Parker Stevenson from 1983 to 1997, and the couple has two children together. After a miscarriage, the couple adopted their first child, a son, in October 1992, and in 1995, they adopted their second child, a girl. Navigating the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in the entertainment industry added complexity to Alley‘s journey.

Due to her commitment to the Church of Scientology, Alley decided not to reprise her role as Rebecca Howe on any episode of the Cheers spinoff Frasier, because the series was centered on the field of medical psychiatry, with different ideas than those of the Church; she was the only former Cheers regular not to do so. Alley was raised as a Methodist; she became a member of the Church of Scientology in 1979. Kirstie said that until she became a Scientologist she had been addicted to cocaine but then went through Narconon, a Scientology-affiliated drug treatment program, to end her addiction. By 2007, she had attained the level of OT VII (Operating Thetan Level 7), and by 2018, she was New OT VIII. Alley gave $5 million to the church in 2007. 

Alley said of her commitment to Scientology: 

“Scientology made me a lot stronger and tougher … It’s made me more honest and more willing to take responsibility for other people.” 

In recent years, Kirstie Alley remained active in the public eye, using her platform to share insights into her experiences and engage with fans. Her candid approach to life’s challenges continued to resonate with many, making her a figure not only admired for her talent but also respected for her authenticity.

Kirstie Alley‘s life is a testament to the multifaceted nature of fame and the challenges that come with it. From her humble beginnings in Kansas to becoming a celebrated actress and advocate for personal well-being, Alley’s journey is marked by resilience, talent, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. As she continued to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, Kirstie Alley remained an enduring figure, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and admirers alike. Movies to History honors the authenticity of such an adored actress and pays tribute through this in memoriam to Kirsti Alley toasts the career of an enduring spirit taken too soon and gives cheers to Rebecca Howe.

Rest in Peace Kirstie Alley and may your memory be a blessing along with a toast at the local bar, or that one in Boston.