Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley played Rebecca Howe on the long-running sitcom Cheers. She went on to a film career and had starring roles in the TV shows Veronica's Closet and Fat Actress, the latter in reference to her widely publicized weight fluctuation.

Fast Facts

1. Born: January 12, 1951
2. Origin: Wichita, Kansas
3. Divorced: Parker Stevenson
4. Two adopted children with ex-husband
5. Book:How To Lose Your Ass and Regain Your Life
6. Purchased a home in Clearwater, Florida
7. 2007: Donated over $5,000,000 to the Church of Scientology
8. Former spokeswoman for Jenny Craig

Early Career

Kirstie Alley first caught eyes playing Mr. Spock's protege Saavik in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. She was soon cast in high-profile TV projects such as the miniseries North and South, and declined to return for any Star Trek sequels.

Cheers

Critics were quick to proclaim the end of the sitcom Cheers when actress Shelley Long departed. Alley, playing the role of business manager Rebecca Howe, brought new vitality to the series, continuing longer than her predecessor. Alley won an Emmy Award for her work in the role. She translated her comedic celebrity into moderate success with the series Veronica's Closet, about the owner of a lingerie company, which ran for three seasons.

High-Profile Obesity Battle

Alley was known for her sexy physique through her early years, and raised eyebrows when, after the cancellation of Veronica's Closet, her weight rose to over 200 pounds. Alley first created Showtime television comedy Fat Actress out of her trials and tribulations. Then she went on a high-profile anti-obesity campaign as spokesperson for Jenny Craig diet products. After departing Jenny Craig, Alley announced in 2008 that she would develop her own line of weight-loss products.

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