Kirstie Alley, the Emmy-winning actress, will reportedly be cremated after succumbing to colon cancer, glamsquad reports.
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The 71-year-old actress and Scientologist died on Monday, December 14, at her home in Clearwater, Florida, after a battle with colon cancer that she’recently discovered.’
Alley, best known for her role in the 1980s and 1990s comedy series Cheers, had been receiving treatment at Tampa’s Moffitt Cancer Center.
Although no funeral arrangements have been made for the star, the Church of Scientology is said to be planning a memorial service at the Flag Building in Clearwater.
‘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,’ her family said in a statement on social media.
‘As memorable as she was on screen, she was an even better mother and grandmother.’
Alley led a colorful off-screen life, devoting decades to the Church of Scientology and engaging in public spats with other celebrities.
On Monday night, fellow Scientologist John Travolta led tributes to the actress on social media after her family confirmed her death.
‘My relationship with Kirstie was one of the most special I’ve ever had. Kirstie, I adore you. ‘I’m sure we’ll see each other again,’ he said.
Alley rose to prominence in 1987 as Rebecca Howe on NBC’s Cheers. In 1991, she won a Golden Globe for best actress and an Emmy for outstanding lead actress for her performance in the Boston-based series.