Actress Kirstie Alley, star of the big and small screens known for her Emmy-winning role on “Cheers” and films like “Look Who’s Talking,” has died after a brief battle with cancer, her children True and Lillie Parker announced on her social media. She was 71.

The statement read, “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 family’s statement continued, “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.”

“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,” the statement said. A two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, Alley was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1951. After a standout role in 1982’s “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” she played roles in movies like 1984’s “Blind Date” and 1987’s “Summer School” opposite Mark Harmon.

That same year, Alley would follow Shelley Long to play the lead opposite Ted Danson in the latter part of the TV classic sitcom “Cheers,” which premiered in 1982. Alley first appeared in 1987, playing strong and independent bar manager Rebecca Howe, staying on the acclaimed show until it ended in 1993.

After winning the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series in 1991 for “Cheers” and another for lead actress in a miniseries or special for 1994’s “David’s Mother,” she again found TV success in the late ’90s with the series “Veronica’s Closet,” which scored her another Emmy nod.

Additionally, Alley starred in several memorable films, like the “Look Who’s Talking” movies, 1990’s “Madhouse” and 1999’s “Drop Dead Gorgeous” with Ellen Barkin. In 2005, Alley co-wrote and starred in the Showtime comedy “Fat Actress” before making a foray into reality TV. She appeared in “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” in 2010, was a contestant on Season 12 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” the next year and placed second on Season 22 of the British version of “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2018. In 2022, she competed in Season 7 of Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”

After news of Alley’s death broke, several celebrities shared their condolences. John Travolta, who costarred with Alley in 1989’s hit “Look Who’s Talking” and two sequels, wrote on Instagram on Monday, “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you, Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”

Alley’s “Cheers” co-star Ted Danson told Deadline he had just watched Alley in an episode of the show while on a plane before learning of her death. Kirstie Alley was an iconic actress whose talent is forever encapsulated in her work. She’s survived by her children, Lillian and William.