Actress Kirstie Alley, a star in both television and film, has died after a short battle with cancer at age 71.

Alley shot to fame in the TV comedy Cheers, set in a Boston bar, going on to have starring film roles in Look Who’s Talking and Star Trek II.

Alley’s death was confirmed by her two children, True Stevenson, 30, and Lillie Parker Stevenson, 28, who posted the sad news on her Instagram page today.

“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered.

Following the news of her death, her former co-star John Travolta – who she starred with in Look Who’s Talking - paid tribute with a post on his social media acknowledging their relationship as “one of the most special” he has ever had.

Alley rose to fame in 1987 after starring as Rebecca Howe in the NBC show Cheers and went on to win an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in 1991 and a Golden Globe for best actress.

Over the course of her career, Alley - who would have turned 72 next month - earned 76 acting credits.

The star, while mainly an icon in the 90s, continued to make an impact in pop culture in recent years after she competed on America’s Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer.