Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan’s Kirstie Alley dead at 71

Kirstie Alley made her feature film debut playing Lt. Saavik in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Before she earned an Emmy for portraying Rebecca Howe in Cheers, Kirstie Alley landed a starring role in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan as the Vulcan officer, Lt. Saavik. Though she didn’t reprise the role in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (the role was recast), she secured her place in Star Trek history and was nominated for a Saturn Award by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. She was a bright light as the young officer.

That bright light dimmed today as Alley’s children, True and Lillie, posted on social media that the star had passed away at the age of 71 after a brief battle with cancer that had been recently diagnosed.

The news brought an outpouring of grief and support for Alley’s family and, her friend and fellow co-star, John Travolta, was one of the first celebrities to honor her on his Instagram page, according to TooFab.

"“Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had,. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”"

Along with her Cheers role, Alley was also well-known for her role as Mollie in the Look Who’s Talking franchise. Her most recent appearance was as Baby Mammoth on The Masked Singer.

We mourn the loss of this talented actress along with her friends, family, and her millions of fans around the world. Rest in peace, Kirstie Alley.