Cheers star Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.
The comedian, who won an Emmy for her role as Rebecca in the much-loved sitcom, was not publicly known to be ill before her death.
In a statement, her family said: "We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered.
"She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.
"We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care. Our mother's zest and passion for life, her children, her grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did.
"We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time."
Alley's Cheers co-star Ted Danson said: "I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do. I watched an old episode of Cheers.
"It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no, even though she desperately wants to say yes. Kirstie was truly brilliant in it.
"Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny. She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard.
"As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died. I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her."
Alley is survived by her children True and Lillie. body check tags ::
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