The American actress Kirstie Alley has died from cancer at the age of 71, her family has announced.
A statement posted on social media through her official accounts described her as an "incredible, fierce and loving mother".
Alley was surrounded by her closest family, the statement said.
She was best known for her breakout role as Rebecca Howe in the NBC sitcom Cheers from 1987 to 1993, receiving both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for the role in 1991.
In 2018, she participated in the 22nd series of Celebrity Big Brother in the UK, in which she finished as runner-up.
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) December 6, 2022
"As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother," the statement read.
"To all our friends, far and wide around the world... We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered," the statement read.
"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."
The family statement went on to thank the "incredible" team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center, in Florida, for their care.
"Our mother's zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did," it continued.
"We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time."
Born in Wichita, Kansas, Alley's screen career spanned over four decades.
On the big screen, her credits included Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Champions, Village of the Damned and the Look Who's Talking films opposite John Travolta and Bruce Willis.
Along with her iconic TV role in Cheers, she also starred in the series Veronica's Closet, Kirstie and Scream Queens.
She received a second Emmy Award for her role in the television film David's Mother in 1994.
There have been many tributes from friends and co-stars to the late actress.
Source: Press Association, AFP
