5 Shocking Facts About Kirstie Alley's Private Life And Sudden Death From Colon Cancer

The answer to the question "Did Kirstie Alley Die?" is yes. As of today, December 12, 2025, the beloved actress and two-time Emmy winner passed away on December 5, 2022, at the age of 71. Her death sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the entertainment world, primarily because her battle with a recently discovered form of cancer had been kept intensely private, even from many close friends and colleagues. The news was confirmed by her children, True and Lillie Parker, via a statement on social media, revealing that she had died from colon cancer. This sudden and private passing has cemented her legacy as one of television's most memorable comedic forces, while also highlighting the importance of early detection for the disease that claimed her life.

Kirstie Alley: Complete Biography and Profile

Kirstie Louise Alley was an American actress, comedian, and producer, known for her distinctive on-screen energy and outspoken personality in her private life. Her career spanned over four decades, marked by major roles in both film and television.

• Full Name: Kirstie Louise Alley
• Born: January 12, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
• Died: December 5, 2022, in Tampa Bay, Florida, U.S.
• Cause of Death: Colon Cancer (recently discovered)
• Age at Death: 71
• Parents: Robert Deal Alley (lumber company owner) and Lillian Alley (homemaker)
• Marriages:
  • Bob Alley (1970–1977)
  • Parker Stevenson (1983–1997)
• Children (Adopted with Parker Stevenson):
  • William True Alley (True Parker)
  • Lillie Price Alley (Lillie Parker)
• Religion: Church of Scientology (a member since the late 1970s)
• Breakthrough Role: Lieutenant Saavik in the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
• Iconic TV Role: Rebecca Howe in the NBC sitcom Cheers (1987–1993)
• Major Awards:
  • Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Cheers, 1991)
  • Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (Cheers, 1991)
  • Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special (David's Mother, 1994)

The Shocking Secrecy Surrounding Her Final Illness

The most surprising element of Kirstie Alley’s passing was the intense privacy with which she handled her final health battle. Her family’s statement confirmed that the cancer was only "recently discovered" before her death on December 5, 2022.

This news stunned her fans and many of her Hollywood co-stars, who were unaware she was ill. The unexpected nature of her death highlighted her strong desire for privacy in her final months.

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Kirstie Alley died from colon cancer, a disease that is highly treatable if caught early, but which can often present with few or no symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. Her passing at age 71 served as a tragic, high-profile reminder for the public about the importance of regular colon cancer screenings and check-ups.

Her children, True and Lillie, praised the medical team at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, for the care they provided during her brief illness.

A Career Defined by Iconic Roles and Unforgettable Co-Stars

Kirstie Alley's career was a series of memorable performances that showcased her versatility, moving effortlessly from sci-fi to comedy and drama. Her breakthrough came in 1982 as the Vulcan officer Lieutenant Saavik in the blockbuster film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

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However, it was her role as the ambitious and neurotic bar manager Rebecca Howe on the legendary sitcom Cheers that made her a household name. She joined the cast in 1987, replacing Shelley Long, and immediately revitalized the show, winning both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role.

On the big screen, Alley achieved massive commercial success alongside John Travolta in the 1989 comedy Look Who's Talking. The chemistry between the two actors was undeniable, leading to two popular sequels: Look Who's Talking Too (1990) and Look Who's Talking Now (1993).

Other notable film and TV credits that contributed to her topical authority include:

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• North and South (1985–1986)
• Summer School (1987)
• Sibling Rivalry (1990)
• David's Mother (1994), for which she won her second Emmy Award.
• Village of the Damned (1995)
• Veronica's Closet (1997–2000)
• Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999), where she played the hilariously ruthless Gladys Leeman.
• Fat Actress (2005)

The Enduring Legacy and Co-Star Tributes

Following her death, tributes poured in from across Hollywood, highlighting the warmth and unique spirit of the actress. Her long-time friend and Look Who's Talking co-star, John Travolta, led the emotional reactions, calling her "one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had".

The cast of Cheers also shared their grief. Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, remembered her "truly brilliant" performance, while Kelsey Grammer, who played Frasier Crane, simply stated, "I always loved her". Jamie Lee Curtis, her co-star from the series Scream Queens, remembered her as a "great comic foil".

Beyond her professional life, Alley was a devoted mother to her two adopted children, True and Lillie, and a lifelong member and outspoken defender of the Church of Scientology, which she credited with helping her overcome drug addiction in the late 1970s. Her dedication to the controversial organization remained a significant part of her public persona until her final days.

Kirstie Alley's legacy is one of a fearless, vibrant, and incredibly talented performer who brought laughter to millions. Her sudden passing was a poignant reminder of her private strength and the importance of her public contribution to film and television history.

The memory of Rebecca Howe's comedic exasperation and Mollie Jensen's maternal warmth ensures that her work remains a cherished part of the pop culture landscape for current and future generations.