Key Birth and Age Facts
Kirstie Alley was born on January 12, 1951 in Wichita, Kansas, United States. Based on this confirmed birth date, she was 73 years old at the time of her death in December 2022. This profile clarifies her age using primary records where available and widely reported milestones to provide a durable, fact-first reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1951 | Public records, biographies |
| Age at Death | 73 years old (died December 2022) | Obituaries, news reports |
| Place of Birth | Wichita, Kansas, United States | Biographical sources |
| Known For | Cheers, Veronica’s Closet, Kirstie | Credits, publications |
Birth Date and Age Calculation
Born on January 12, 1951, Kirstie Alley turned 73 in January 2024 had she lived to that date. Age is calculated by comparing the birth date to a reference date, typically the current date or the date of an event. Because her birth date is consistently reported by credible outlets and appears in public records, age calculations from that point are reliable and stable over time.
Why Birth Registration Matters
Official documents such as birth certificates provide primary evidence of age. When such records are not publicly accessible, reputable biographies, census data, and news archives serve as secondary verification, reducing the likelihood of errors that can arise from self-reported information.
Biographical Overview
Alley began her career in the late 1970s and gained wide recognition for her role as Rebecca Howe on the television series Cheers, which ran from 1987 to 1993. She later starred in the sitcom Veronica’s Closet and received an Emmy nomination for her dramatic work in the television film David’s Mother (1994). Her role in the sitcom Kirstie (2013–2015) further showcased her range as a leading actress. Beyond scripted television, she appeared as a panelist on games such as Match Game and engaged with audiences through stand-up comedy and public speaking.
Notable Career Milestones
- 1987–1993: Portrayed Rebecca Howe on Cheers, earning widespread recognition.
- 1994: Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for David’s Mother.
- 1998–2000: Lead role in Veronica’s Closet.
- 2013–2015: Starred in the sitcom Kirstie on TV Land.
- 2020: Participated as a contestant on The Masked Singer, increasing her visibility with newer audiences.
Age Context and Public Interest
Interest in a public figure’s age often stems from curiosity about career longevity, health, and legacy. Alley’s trajectory illustrates how an actor can sustain relevance across decades by diversifying roles and engaging with new platforms. Her work in both comedic and dramatic genres demonstrates adaptability, while her openness about personal challenges, including health advocacy, adds depth to her public narrative.
Clarifying Age-Related Questions
Because birthdays recur annually, a person’s age increases predictably unless records are inconsistent. For figures like Kirstie Alley, where birth dates are well documented, age estimates remain stable. When verifying age, it is best to rely on primary records or multiple authoritative sources rather than isolated mentions, which may contain typos or transcription errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| When was Kirstie Alley born? | January 12, 1951 | Public records, biographies |
| How old was she when Cheers ended? | 42 years old (Cheers ended in 1993) | Calculated from birth date and series end date |
| Did her age affect her later roles? | She continued working in television and film through her 60s and early 70s, demonstrating sustained career longevity. | Credits and publication timelines |
| What is her age at death? | 73 years old, passing in December 2022 | Obituaries and news reports |
Conclusion
Kirstie Alley, born January 12, 1951, was 73 years old at the time of her death in December 2022. This fact-first profile anchors age queries in verifiable data, emphasizing transparent sourcing and stable calculations. For ongoing reference, her career milestones and age at key events remain useful indicators of a legacy shaped by consistency, adaptability, and public engagement.