Pictured: (top) Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Frasier Crane, Ted Danson as Sam Malone, Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd, (bottom) John Ratzenberger as Cliff Clavin, Rhea Perlman as Carla Lozupone Tortelli LeBec, Kirstie Alley as Rebecca Howe, George Wendt as Norm Peterson in Cheers
Her family announced in a statement on Monday that the star – who was best known for playing Rebecca Howe in the US sitcom Cheers from 1987 to 1993 – had died shortly after being diagnosed with the disease.
Following the news, tributes poured in from across the entertainment world, with her fellow Cheers stars among the first to share their sadness at her death.
In a statement provided to the PA news agency, Kelsey – who played psychiatrist Frasier Crane – said: “I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her.”
Open Image Modal
Kelsey Grammer and Kirstie Alley in Cheers
NBC via Getty Images
In a separate statement provided to PA, Carla Tortelli actor Perlman said she had “never met anyone remotely like” Kirstie, adding that she would miss her “very, very much”.
“Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend. Her joy of being was boundless,” she said.
“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.”
John Travolta, who appeared alongside Kirstie in the 1989 romantic comedy film Look Who’s Talking and its two subsequent sequels, also shared a tribute to Kirstie on Instagram.
Open Image Modal
John Travolta and Kirstie Alley in a scene from the film Look Who's Talking in 1989
Archive Photos via Getty Images
Posting a photo of her, he wrote: “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had.
“I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
Jamie Lee Curtis said the pair had a “mutual respect and connection” when they worked together in more recent years on the comedy horror series Scream Queens.
“I’ve just heard the sad news that Kirstie Alley has died,” she wrote, sharing a picture of them together.
“She was a great comic foil in Scream Queens 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.”
Kirstie’s children Lillie and True posted a statement announcing their mother’s death on her social media pages on Monday.
“Our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” they said.
“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.”
RIP: Celebrities We Lost In 2022
APRIL(01 of20)
Open Image Modal
Gilbert Gottfried (1955)
The comedian and actor known for his crude humor died "after a long illness" at age 67, his family said. (credit:Kevin Winter via Getty Images)
MARCH(02 of20)
Open Image Modal
Taylor Hawkins (1972)
The legendary drummer of the Foo Fighters died at age 50 while on tour with his band in South America. (credit:Taylor Hill via Getty Images)
MARCH(03 of20)
Open Image Modal
William Hurt (1950)
Hurt, who died at age 71 after a battle with prostate cancer, won a Best Actor Oscar in for his role in 1985's "Kiss of the Spider Woman." (credit:Earl Gibson III via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY(04 of20)
Open Image Modal
Ivan Reitman (1946)
The filmmaker behind "Animal House," "Ghostbusters" and more died at age 75. (credit:Paul Harris via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY(05 of20)
Open Image Modal
Jamal Edwards (1990)
As founder of SB.TV, Jamal is credited with helping launch the careers of Stormzy, Ed Sheeran and Dave among countless other artists. He died following a short illness at the age of 31. (credit:Joseph Okpako via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY(06 of20)
Open Image Modal
Bamber Gascoigne (1935 – 2022)
The original University Challenge host was 87 when he died in February. Fellow quizmasters Stephen Fry and Victoria Coren Mitchell were among those to pay tribute. (credit:Ian Gavan via Getty Images)
JANUARY(07 of20)
Open Image Modal
Moses J Moseley (1990 – 2022)
The U.S. actor's credits included "Watchmen" and, most notably, "The Walking Dead," which he appeared in multiple times between 2012 and 2015. (credit:Paul Archuleta via Getty Images)
JANUARY(08 of20)
Open Image Modal
Leonard Fenton (1926 – 2022)
The late actor was best known to soap fans for playing Dr Harold Legg in EastEnders, making his final appearance in the soap in 2019. (credit:William Conran via PA Wire/PA Images)
JANUARY(09 of20)
Open Image Modal
Cheslie Kryst (1991 – 2022)
Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst was also a correspondent for the entertainment news show Extra, an attorney and activist. (credit:Dia Dipasupil via Getty Images)
JANUARY(10 of20)
Open Image Modal
Barry Cryer (1935 – 2022)
As well as being known as a comedy legend in his own right, Barry Cryer wrote for the likes of The Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise and Bruce Forsyth over the course of his career. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
JANUARY(11 of20)
Open Image Modal
Thierry Mugler (1948 – 2022)
A true icon of the fashion world, Mugler launched his fashion house in the 1970s and was a favourite of everyone from David Bowie, Lady Gaga and Cardi B to Grace Jones, Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé. (credit:via Associated Press)
JANUARY(12 of20)
Open Image Modal
Louie Andeson (1953 – 2022)
The Emmy-winning stand-up comic and actor appeared in Coming To America, Baskets and Life With Louie. (credit:Joe Scarnici via Getty Images)
JANUARY(13 of20)
Open Image Modal
Meat Loaf (1947 – 2022)
The US rocker and music legend was known for hits including I'd Do Anything For Love, Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad and Bat Out Of Hell, as well as playing Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. (credit:Bruce Glikas via Getty Images)
JANUARY(14 of20)
Open Image Modal
André Leon Talley (1948 – 2022)
The fashion icon worked as a journalist for numerous publications, most notably serving as Vogue's editor-at-large. (credit:Cindy Ord via Getty Images)
JANUARY(15 of20)
Open Image Modal
Nicholas Donnelly (1938 – 2022)
Nicholas' most famous role was as teacher Craig McKenzie in the children's series Grange Hill. He also appeared in the police drama Dixon Of Dock Green as Sergeant Johnny Wills. (credit:PA)
JANUARY(16 of20)
Open Image Modal
Sean Rice (1972 – 2022)
The Canadian ice skater was introduced to a whole new audience when he became a professional skater on Dancing On Ice in 2011. During his two-year stint on the show he performed with TV legend Angela Rippon and Olympian Chemmy Alcott. (credit:Steve Meddle/Shutterstock)
JANUARY(17 of20)
Open Image Modal
Ronnie Spector (1943 – 2022)
An icon of pop music and 1960s culture in general, Ronnie Spector made her name as the lead singer of The Ronettes, whose hits included Be My Baby, Baby I Love You and Walking In The Rain. (credit:Jordi Vidal via Getty Images)
JANUARY(18 of20)
Open Image Modal
Gary Waldhorn (1943 – 2022)
Most well-known for playing councillor David Horton in the comedy The Vicar Of Dibley, Gary's other on-screen credits included Brush Strokes and Escape To Victory. (credit:Yui Mok via PA Wire/PA Images)
JANUARY(19 of20)
Open Image Modal
Bob Saget (1956 – 2022)
The US comedy actor stand-up comic is best remembered for his role as Danny Tanner in the family sitcom Full House. He also lent his voice to How I Met Your Mother and presented America's Funniest Home Videos. (credit:David Livingston via Getty Images)
JANUARY(20 of20)
Open Image Modal
Sidney Poitier (1927 – 2022)
The groundbreaking star of films like Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, To Sir With Love and The Defiant Ones died in January 2022. He made history in 1963 when he became the first Black performer to be awarded Best Actor at the Oscars, an accolade he received for his role in Lillies Of The Field. (credit:Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images)