People
Kirstie Alley: A Legendary Actress, Activist, and Philanthropist
Kirstie Alley was an American actress, activist, and philanthropist best known for her roles in the television series Cheers and Veronica’s Closet, and her appearances in numerous films, including Look Who’s Talking, Its a Wonderful Life, and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
Alley was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1951, and began her acting career in 1979 with a small role in the film, The Last Word. She went on to appear in a variety of motion pictures, including the comedy Look Who’s Talking, and the drama It’s a Wonderful Life. In 1982, Alley made her breakthrough role as Rebecca Howe in the NBC sitcom Cheers, for which she was nominated for two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
In addition to her work in television and film, Alley has advocated for various causes, including animal rights and environmentalism. In 1993, she founded the Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit organization that promotes trap-neuter-return programs for feral cats. She has also been involved with the USO, and has served as a spokesperson for Jenny Craig, a weight-loss program.
In recent years, Alley has been a passionate philanthropist, donating her time and resources to a variety of charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She has also become a prominent voice in the fight against obesity, citing her own struggles with weight loss and her commitment to healthy living.
Throughout her career, Alley has earned numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award for Cheers and a Golden Globe for her performance in the television series Veronica’s Closet. She has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2019 she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
Kirstie Alley was an inspiration to many, and her contributions to Hollywood, activism, and philanthropy will live on for generations to come.