Actress Kirstie Alley has passed away at the age of 71

Actress Kirstie Alley has passed away after a short battle with cancer.

She was 71.

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

Alley's death was announced by her two children, True Stevenson, 30, and Lillie Parker Stevenson, 28, who shared 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.

"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."

The pair also thanked the medical staff at Moffitt Cancer Centre for caring for their mother.

"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 leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did."

Alley shares her two children with Parker Stevenson whom she was married to from 1983 to 1997.