AceShowbiz - Kirstie Alley's death also came as a shock to Hollywood and her fans. The 71-year-old Emmy-winning actress passed away on December 5 after losing her brief yet private battle with colon cancer. Announcing her passing were her kids, who posted via Instagram, "We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered."

The children added in their statement that the "Cheers" star was "surrounded by her closest family" at the time of her passing, and that she "fought with great strength." It added, "Our mother's zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and left us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did."

Following her death, "Cheers" stars like Kelsey Grammer and Ted Danson paid tribute to their late castmate. "I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter," Kelsey said, "but I will say I loved her." Ted, meanwhile, remembered Kirstie as "truly brilliant" for her performance on the series.