By ETonline Staff
6:10 PM PST, December 6, 2022
In the wake of Kirstie Alley's death on Dec. 5, 2022, ET is taking a look back through the celebrated actress' life through photos.
The Cheers star died after a brief battle with cancer. She was 71.
1981
![Kirstie Alley](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/640xh/public/images/2022-12/GettyImages-84789870.jpg?width=1024&quality=80)
In 1981, Alley had only just broken into Hollywood with small roles, but stunned in a photoshoot snapped a year before her big screen debut.
1982
![Kirstie Alley](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/640xh/public/images/2022-12/GettyImages-691253414.jpg?width=1024&quality=80)
Alley made her film debut as Lieutenant Saavik in the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
1987
![Kirstie Alley](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/640xh/public/images/2022-12/GettyImages-1221812658.jpg?width=1024&quality=80)
Alley had a big break in 1987 when she joined the cast of NBC's megahit sitcom, Cheers. Alley is seen here, leaving a media event hosted by the network to promote the popular show.
1991
![Kirstie Alley](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/640xh/public/images/2022-12/GettyImages-1221812743.jpg?width=1024&quality=80)
Alley took to the field as part of a Celebrity Softball Game held at Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California.
1994
![Kirstie Alley](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/640xh/public/images/2022-12/GettyImages-1221812237.jpg?width=1024&quality=80)
After winning her first Emmy Award in 1991, Alley returned for seconds three years later, taking home the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special for her performance in David's Mother.
2006
![Kirstie Alley](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/640xh/public/images/2022-12/GettyImages-106098128.jpg?width=1024&quality=80)
Alley walked the red carpet at a special fan screening of Mission: Impossible III at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, on May 4.
2011
![Kirstie Alley](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/640xh/public/images/2022-12/GettyImages-124901420.jpg?width=1024&quality=80)
Alley posed for pics in rocking all-black while attending the Richie Rich Spring 2012 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC.
2016
![Kirstie Alley](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/640xh/public/images/2022-12/GettyImages-503607446.jpg?width=1024&quality=80)
Alley posed for photos at the SiriusXM Studios in New York in January, ahead of her recurring role in Scream Queens.