The late Kirstie Alley was a gem of talent and she entertained audiences for more than 40 years in the industry.
But she said in a recent interview before passing away from cancer that she was blackballed after she came out in support of Donald Trump in 2016.
“People go, ‘You’re so brave.’ I go, ‘No, I think I’m stupid.’ Because honestly, it is a real blackballing situation. You can be cooking meth and sleeping with hookers, but as long as, apparently, you didn’t vote for Trump. I feel like I’m in The Twilight Zone a bit, with the whole concept of it,” she told Tucker Carlson.
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Alley said when she endorsed Trump in 2016: “HELLO BOYS! this is my formal endorsement of @realDonaldTrump & I’m a woman! (last I checked) And Rudy, U R amazing!”
She said in 2020: “I’m voting for @realDonaldTrump because he’s NOT a politician. I voted for him 4 years ago for this reason and shall vote for him again for this reason.
“He gets things done quickly and he will turn the economy around quickly. There you have it folks there you have it.”
I’m voting for @realDonaldTrump because he’s NOT a politician. I voted for him 4 years ago for this reason and shall vote for him again for this reason. He gets things done quickly and he will turn the economy around quickly. There you have it folks there you have it?
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) October 17, 2020
The former president recognized and paid tribute to Alley on Tuesday, writing on Truth Social: “Kirstie was a fantastic person and a big supporter of America First & MAGA. She will be greatly missed!!!”
Ted Danson, who starred with Alley in ‘Cheers’, 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.
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) December 6, 2022
“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,” he added.
Tim Allen added: “A sweet soul passed on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family.”
Alley’s Cheers costar Kelsey Grammer added: “I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her.”
John Travolta, who starred in the films “Look Who’s Talking” and “Look Who’s Talking Too” with Alley, said, “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
Rhea Perlman who starred with Alley in ‘Cheers’ said: “Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend. Her joy of being was boundless. We became friends almost instantly when she joined the cast of Cheers.
“She loved kids and my kids loved her too. We had sleepovers at her house, with treasure hunts that she created. She had massive Halloween and Easter parties, and invited the entire crew of the show, and their families. She wanted everyone to feel included,” Perlman continued. “She loved her children deeply. I’ve never met anyone remotely like her.
“I feel so thankful to have known her. I’m going to miss her very, very much.”
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.