Kirstie Alley's legacy: Triumphs and struggles remembered
Kirstie Alley died at the age of 71 on December 5, 2022. The star lost her battle with cancer. Over the years, she starred in many unforgettable productions that brought her worldwide recognition. In her private life, Alley faced many challenges.
Kirstie Alley began her acting career quite late, at the age of 31. She previously worked as an interior designer in Los Angeles. She appeared in many well-known and beloved productions. Her role in the series "North and South" brought her the most fame.
As she climbed the career ladder, her personal life was not without drama. Alley struggled with depression, drug, and alcohol addiction. She was deeply affected by her mother's death. She was never afraid to speak openly about what she was facing.
Personal dramas
Kirstie Alley got married for the first time at just 19 years old. Her next serious relationship ended when she developed a dangerous habit.
- I [wasn't addicted] until I was 25. I got a divorce from my husband, and I started hanging out out with this guy I was sort of madly in love with. He had already [been out of addiction], but he had a lot of [addicted] friends, - the actress said on Howard Stern's show.
As Alley admitted in interviews, at one point it became extremely difficult for her to start the day without taking substances. During that time, she partied a lot, not caring about the consequences of her actions.
Meanwhile, new problems arose - this time with being overweight. In 2011, the actress participated in the American edition of "Dancing with the Stars." The show helped her regain her former figure, but at one point she weighed too little - just 45 kilograms. An unhealthy relationship with food, subsequent yo-yo effect, and depression were said to be the aftermath of the turmoil in Kirstie Alley's love life.
The actress was engaged to James Wilder. However, in 1983, she married another actor, Parker Stevenson, with whom she adopted two children. Ultimately, the marriage did not last - the couple divorced after 14 years together.
Trauma
In 1981, Kirstie Alley's mother, Lilliane Maxine, died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. The actress was deeply affected by this tragedy and could not come to terms with the loss of someone close. Throughout her life, the star was actively involved in social campaigns condemning those who chose to drive after drinking alcohol.
In 2019, the perpetrator of the accident that killed Alley's mother wanted to meet the actress and personally apologize for what happened. Kirstie, however, did not agree to this proposal.
There was also a lot of buzz about Kirstie Alley regarding plastic surgery. The media reported that ever since she had her first procedure, she couldn't resist having more.
