Her family revealed that the award-winning actress was “recently” diagnosed with cancer.
WASHINGTON — Christie Alley, best known for her role as Rebecca Ho on “Cheers,” has died at age 71 of “recently diagnosed” cancer.
Ellie’s children, Troy and Lily Parker, confirmed the “Cheers” star’s death A Twitter post on Monday night.
“We are saddened to inform you that an incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, which was recently diagnosed,” the statement said. “As famous as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
“She was surrounded by her close family and fought with great strength, giving us the never-ending joy of life and the assurance of whatever adventure lies ahead,” her children added. The children added. “We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Moffat Cancer Center for their care.”
Ellie starred as Rebecca Howe on the NBC sitcom “Cheers” from 1987 to 1993, earning an Emmy Award and Golden Globe for the role in 1991.
She had her own sitcom, “Veronica’s Closet,” on the network from 1997 to 2000. The two-time Emmy-winning actress also starred in the 1989 hit “Look Who’s Talking.”
In recent years, Ellie starred in the 2016 comedy-horror “Scream Queens” and was a contestant on “Celebrity Big Brother.”