As the film industry mourns Kirstie Alley’s death, her coworkers and friends, many of whom she worked with during her distinguished career, have begun to share their recollections of the late actress. Her family has disclosed that the former Cheers star died on Monday, aged 71, after a battle with colon cancer.
Alley’s Cheers co-stars Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and Kelsey Grammer each spoke on Monday about Alley. Despite his belief that grieving the loss of a public figure is a “private problem,” Grammer admits in his statement that he “loved her.”
Danson states in his statement that he was on a plane hours before learning of Alley’s passing, rewatching an episode of Cheers in which she continually refuses to marry Don Santry (Tom Berenger), despite her heart’s desire.
Danson plays the character Don Santry in this scene. Alley, according to Danson, gives a “excellent” performance.
“Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a mental breakdown was both sad and delightfully funny,” a critic said of one of her performances. “She made me laugh 30 years ago when she filmed that moment, and she made me laugh just as hard today,” Danson adds.
“I found out Kirstie had died just as I was getting off the plane. I am heartbroken, but I will always be grateful for all of the times she made me laugh. I’m sending all of my love to her children. They are aware that their mother has a great and pure heart. I’m going to miss her terribly.”
Perlman says of her, “Kirstie was a one-of-a-kind individual who was also a fantastic friend. Her capacity for joy was limitless. We became friends almost immediately after she started working at Cheers. My kids adored her, and she adored them as well.”
“We stayed at her house for sleepovers, and she devised treasure hunts for us to partake in. She threw huge Halloween and Easter parties, and she invited the whole cast and staff of the show, as well as their families. She desired that everyone have a sense of belonging. She cared deeply for her children. I’ve never encountered somebody remotely similar to her. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have known her. I’m going to miss having her around a lot.”
Many of Alley’s mourners rushed to social media to express their condolences and thoughts upon her death. Tim Allen, who co-starred with Kirstie Alley in the 1997 film For Richer or Poorer, took to Twitter to express his “prayers” to the actor and her family, describing Alley as having a “wonderful gentle spirit.” Steve Guttenberg, who played Alley’s co-star in the film “It Takes Two,” lauded her friendliness in an Instagram comment. He remembered Alley bringing him a tuna fish sandwich on rye to set because she knew that was his favorite cuisine.
Guttenberg stated that “every day she amazed me with her giving of the tangible and with her soulfulness.” “The world seems a little less full without Kirstie.”
In an Instagram post, John Travolta, who co-starred with Alley in the 1989 film Look Who’s Talking, paid respect to the late actor. Travolta described their friendship as “one of the most profound partnerships I’ve ever had” in the article.
“I love you so much, Kirstie.” “I have no doubt that we will cross paths again,” Travolta concludes his statement. Sharon Stone expressed her condolences for Alley’s death in the comments section, calling her “extremely humorous and wonderful.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, who co-starred in Scream Queens with Alley, paid tribute to her co-star on Instagram, calling Alley a “great comic foil” in front of the camera and a “beautiful mom bear” behind the scenes. Alley, according to Curtis, helped her shop for onesies for her entire family during one of the holidays.
Curtis concludes that, despite their different disagreements, they had a mutual regard for one another. “It’s unfortunate.”
Jackeé Harry also acknowledged her respect for Alley’s legacy by posting a statement alongside a tweet Alley had previously written expressing her eternal adoration for Jackeé Harry.
According to Harry, “Kirstie Alley was an amazing talent who brought joy to many people, both on screen and with her kind and funny spirit. Whether you agreed or disagreed with her, Kirstie Alley was an outstanding talent who provided delight to many. Rest in peace, luv. You were definitely one-of-a-kind in every aspect.”
