John Travolta was among the first actors to pay tribute to his “Look Who’s Talking” co-star Kirstie Alley, whose daughters announced her death at age 71 on Monday.
“Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had,” he wrote on Instagram. “I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
The two co-starred in the comedy film series, which ran from the first film in 1989 through 1993 with “Look Who’s Talking Now.” They were also both members of the Church of Scientology.
Ted Danson, who was Alley’s love interest on “Cheers,” said in a statement, “I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do. I watched an old episode of ‘Cheers.’ It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no, even though she desperately wants to say yes. Kirstie was truly brilliant in it. Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny. She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard. As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died. I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her.”
Kelsey Grammer, another one of her “Cheers” leading men, said in a statement, “I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her.”
And other “Cheers” costars also offered their condolences: “Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend. Her joy of being was boundless. We became friends almost instantly when she joined the cast of ‘Cheers,’” Rhea Perlman said. “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.”
Alley’s daughters True and Lillie Parker announced on Instagram that their mom had died after a battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
“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.”
Here are many other famous friends who mourn her passing:
Jamie Lee Curtis, who played Alley’s rival on Ryan Murphy’s “Scream Queens,” shared a photo from the series to Instagram writing, “I’ve just heard the sad news that Kirstie Alley has died.” She remembered the actress as “a great comic foil” and “a beautiful mama bear in her very real life.” Curtis added, “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.”
Valerie Bertinelli also shared her condolences on social media, tweeting, “Oh Kirstie, Rest in Peace.”
