Kirstie Alley’s colleagues and coworkers, many of whom she worked with throughout her distinguished career, have begun to share their recollections of the late actress as the film industry mourns her loss. According to her family, the former Cheers star died on Monday at the age of 71 after a battle with colon cancer.
Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and Kelsey Grammer, who co-starred in Alley’s Cheers, each spoke on Monday about Alley. Despite his belief that lamenting the passing of a famous person is a “private problem,” Grammer says in his statement that he “loved her.”
Danson states that he learned about Alley’s passing while rewatching a Cheers episode in which she continually refused to marry Don Santry (Tom Berenger), despite having her heart set on it.
Danson plays the role of Don Santry in this scene. Danson says Alley performs “excellently.”
When she captured the scene on video 30 years ago, Danson says, “She made me laugh, and she made me laugh just as hard today.” A critic commended one of her performances, saying, “Her ability to represent a woman on the verge of a mental collapse was both heartbreaking and brilliantly amusing.”
“I didn’t find out about Kirstie’s passing until I was about to exit the plane. Although I am heartbroken over her departure, I will always be grateful for the numerous occasions when she made me laugh. I love her children wholeheartedly. They recognize the vast heart and chastity of their mother. She will be sorely missed when she departs.
Perlman remembers Kirstie as “a one-of-a-kind person who was also a terrific friend.” She exuded limitless joy. We grew close almost immediately after she began working at Cheers. She was equally as devoted to my children as she was to them.
“She made treasure hunts for us to take part in during sleepovers at her house. She lavishly hosted Halloween and Easter events for the whole cast and crew of the show, as well as their families. She wished for everyone to sense a sense of belonging. She had a deep affection for her children. She is unlike anyone I’ve ever met in the slightest. I consider myself tremendously fortunate to have met her. I will genuinely miss her company.
As Alley died away, several of her mourners sent condolences and memories on social media. In an Instagram message, Kirstie Alley’s “It Takes Two” co-star Steve Guttenberg thanked the actress for her friendliness. Tim Allen tweeted his “prayers” to Kirstie Alley and her family after the actor and he co-starred in the 1997 movie For Richer or Poorer. He remembered Alley bringing him a tuna fish sandwich on rye to set as she was aware of his fondness for that cuisine. Alley was regarded as having a “wonderful gentle spirit.”
According to Guttenberg, “Kirstie impressed me every day with her offering of the tangible and with her soulfulness,” and the world “looks a little less full without her.”
In an Instagram post, John Travolta, who costarred with Alley in the 1989 film Look Who’s Talking, paid respect to the late actor. One of the deepest friendships Travolta has ever had, he said of their relationship in the piece.
Travolta says, “I do not doubt that we will cross paths again. I do not doubt that I love you so much, Kirstie.” Sharon Stone offered her condolences for Alley’s demise and called her “very hilarious and amazing.”
In the slasher movie Scream Queens, Alley, and Jamie Lee Curtis shared leading roles. Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute to Alley on Instagram, calling her a “lovely parent bear” in the background and a “wonderful comic foil” when she was in front of the camera. Alley allegedly helped Curtis during one of the holidays when she went onesie shopping for her entire family.
Curtis concludes that even though they had many disputes, they respected one another. It’s unfortunate.
Jackeé Harry also demonstrated her admiration for Alley’s legacy by releasing a note next to a tweet Alley had previously posted expressing her unshakable love for Jackeé Harry.
Harry says of Kirstie Alley, “She was an incredible talent who made many people happy, both on screen and with her lovely and witty spirit.” Whether or not you shared her opinions, Kirstie Alley was a tremendous talent who made many people happy. Love, have peace. Without a doubt, you were exceptional in every way.