Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley is an American actress and television personality who first rose to fame for her role as Rebecca Howe on the hit TV show Cheers (1987-1993). Her performance as the bar manager’s love interest earned her both critical acclaim and popular applause, and she went on to become a top-billed movie star in the 1990s.

However, her career had its ups and downs, and Alley has become known as much for her personal life and public weight struggles as her acting chops. Nonetheless, the star has managed to reinvent herself over the years and has remained a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Born on January 12, 1951, Kirstie Louise Alley was raised in Wichita, Kansas, where she grew up with a passion for acting. She attended the Drama Workshop of Wichita, where she honed her acting skills and met actor John Travolta, who would later become a close friend and fellow Scientologist.

After moving to Los Angeles, Alley landed her first TV role in the science fiction series Quark. It was her performance as the brassy, confident Rebecca on Cheers that brought her to the attention of audiences worldwide. Her portrayal of the powerful businesswoman who tries to run the Cheers bar alongside Sam Malone (Ted Danson) was a hit with fans, and her character became a mainstay of the series until its end.

Following Cheers, Alley transitioned to movies, starring in such hits as Look Who’s Talking (1990) and It Takes Two (1995). However, her career hit a rough patch in the late 1990s, with her movies failing at the box office and her personal life making headlines for negative reasons.

Alley’s weight has been a frequent subject of media scrutiny and jokes. The actress, who has struggled with obesity throughout her adult life, became a spokesperson for the Jenny Craig weight loss program in 2005. She lost more than 75 pounds and became a Jenny Craig ambassador, but she eventually regained the weight and left the program.

Despite the setbacks, Alley remained a popular figure and continued to work in television and movies. In 2011, she joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars, where she wowed audiences with her performances and infectious personality. She finished the season in second place, solidifying her status as a beloved TV personality.

More recently, Alley has made headlines for her political views, tweeting her support for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016. She has also continued to work in Hollywood, appearing in the Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet and the comedy film Jexi (2019).

Kirstie Alley has had a long and successful career in Hollywood, but she has also had her share of personal struggles and setbacks. Through it all, she has remained a beloved figure, known for her wit, talent, and infectious personality. Whether she’s starring in a hit TV show, dancing her heart out on a reality competition, or just being herself, Kirstie Alley will always be a cherished part of American popular culture.