DECEMBER 7, 2022 - She was probably best known for her role as Rebecca Howe on the television series Cheers, which ran from 1987 – 1993. Star Trek fans know her as the Vulcan, Lieutenant Saavik, in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. As reported by Variety, Kirstie Alley has died from cancer at the age of 71.

Alley was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, and made her way to Los Angeles after her sophomore year at Kansas State University. Her television career began in 1978, and she made her film debut in The Wrath of Khan. The role brought Alley a Saturn Award nomination.

Among many other award nominations, Alley won several, including a Golden Globe and multiple People’s Choice and Primetime Emmy Awards. In 1995, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to motion pictures.

After Alley’s death, her children said in part, “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.”

For more on the life and career of Kirstie Louise Alley, head over to Variety, and please join us in offering her friends and family our condolences.