By Megan Riedlinger
6:45pm PST, Dec 6, 2022
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Kirstie Alley tragically passed away on Dec. 5, 2022. The Emmy-winning actress best known for her starring roles on TV shows including "Cheers" and "Veronica's Closet" and in movies like "Look Who's Talking" had privately been battling colon cancer, her rep confirmed, so news of her death came as a shock to Hollywood as well as her legions of fans. Her children took to Instagram to announce the sad news, writing in part, "We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered. 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." Hollywood stars, friends and colleagues also spoke out as they mourned the actress…
"Dear Kirstie, I am so grateful for our years together, and for the two incredibly beautiful children and now grandchildren that we have. You will be missed. With love, Parker" –Kirstie Alley's ex-husband Parker Stevenson
Keep reading to see what more in Hollywood are saying about the shocking loss…
MORE: Stunning photos of Kirstie Alley from early in her career
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"I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do," "Cheers" co-star Ted Danson told People magazine in a statement. "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. 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."
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"Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend. Her joy of being was boundless. We became friends almost instantly when she joined the cast of 'Cheers,'" co-star Rhea Perlman told People magazine in a statement. "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."
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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." –"Look Who's Talking" co-star John Travolta
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"I've just heard the sad news that Kirstie Alley has died. 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." –Jamie Lee Curtis
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"I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her." –Kelsey Grammer
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"Oh Kirstie [broken heart emoji] Rest in Peace [prayer hands]" –Valerie Bertinelli
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"My heart breaks for Kirstie and her family. 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. RIP" –Josh Gad
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"I just head the news about #KirstieAlley. I've not spoke w/ her forever, but have her to thank for launching my career. She told me I was funny every single day on Veronica's Closet, and I believed her. She threw the best parties and gave the parakeets as our wrap gift. Godspeed." –Ever Carradine
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"A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family." –Tim Allen
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"I love you, Kirstie. I will see you again someday. I can't believe you're gone." –Kristin Chenoweth
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"Kirstie was beautiful in so many ways. I loved working with her. There was no one like her on earth. My condolences to her family. @kirstiealley" –Clancy Brown
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"#rip to this kind, beautifully talented soul. we love you Kirstie" –Carmen Electra
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"Shocked and saddened by the news of Kirstie Alley." –Travis Tritt
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"This is such sad news. A beautiful, brave, funny and beloved woman. Rest in Peace, Kirstie Alley." –Megyn Kelly
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"Absolutely heartbreaking. I worked with Kirstie on the pilot episode of Veronica's closet….. she was an amazing person and I was shocked to hear the news. So sad. All my love and prayers to her family and loved ones" –Ingo Rademacher
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"Whether you agreed with her or not, Kirstie Alley was an undeniable talent who brought joy to many – through the screen and with her warm, hilarious spirit. RIP, luv. You were one of a kind." –Jackee Harry
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"I felt lucky to know you @kirstiealley. Rest in peace, my friend." –Adam Carolla
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"So sad about Kirstie Alley. She was so sweet. Sending love to her family." –Candace Owens
