Here's Why We Never Hear From Kirstie Alley Anymore
Kirstie Alley started out as a no-name actress from Wichita, Kan. (per IMDb) who forged a path to Hollywood in an effort to make it big. The aspiring hopeful later made a name for herself in the popular movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan before finally landing the role of a lifetime in the late 80s starring as Rebecca Howe in the popular sitcom series Cheers. And, of course, Olsen twin fans will never forget her leading role in It Takes Two.
But since then, her career has been filled with lots of ups and downs, including incredible highs and shattering lows. To make matters worse, she has not exactly been a wallflower and has managed to alienate many colleagues and fans alike with her outspoken and controversial opinions. But why exactly haven't we heard from the talented actress in so long? And could it be that her time in the spotlight has simply run out? Keep reading after the jump to find out!
Kirstie Alley has weathered two big flops
Actress Kirstie Alley was riding high when she landed her very own sitcom, aptly titled Kirstie. Unfortunately, her good fortune proved to be short-lived as the show was canceled after only one season, as reported by Deadline. Despite a hard-hitting cast, including the likes of Seinfeld star Michael Richard and Cheers alum Rhea Perlman, the sitcom received dismal ratings. Variety even referred to the series as "a depressing sensation" and argued that the show would be better served if titled Seen Better Days. YIKES!
The premise of the show revolved around Alley's character, Maddie Banks, a Broadway star who rekindles a relationship with her estranged son, Arlo (played by Eric Petersen) after his adoptive mother tragically passed away. And while the poor ratings are most likely the reason the show was canceled, it is also possible that the loss of the show's creator and executive producer, Marco Pennette, might have had a little something to do with its premature cancelation.
Unfortunately, the hits just kept coming for Alley when Scream Queens, the horror-comedy series that was supposed to get her career back on track got axed. (See what we did there?) As reported by Deadline, Alley was invited to join the series during its second season, where she played a "brilliant and devious administrator" at a medical institution. Alas, the series was not picked up for a third season. (Hey, ya can't win 'em all, right?)
Kirstie Alley's faith has made her some enemies
Many of Hollywood's celebrities have come under fire for their affiliation with the Church of Scientology, and Kirstie Alley is no different. But make no mistake — Alley is not afraid to ruffle some feathers when it comes to her faith... including those of former Scientologist turned Scientology critic, Leah Remini.
As reported by OK! Magazine, Alley first became a member in 1979 and, since then, the actress has become one of the Church's most avid and outspoken supporters. Along with calling Remini both a "bigot" and "repulsive," Alley also accused the actress of staging a "PR stunt" when Remini filed a missing person's report on Shelly Miscaviage, the Church leader's wife. "When you're generalizing and when your goal is to malign and to say things about an entire group... when you decide to [make a] blanket statement that Scientology is evil, you are my enemy," Alley fired off during an appearance on the Howard Stern show in 2013. SHOTS FIRED. WE REPEAT: SHOTS FIRED.
Kirstie Alley has made some enemies on Twitter, too
Kirstie Alley has proved time and time again that she is very opinionated, especially on the popular social media platform, Twitter.
In 2015 the Look Who's Talking star raised many eyebrows when she tweeted her support for then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. "I like Trump.. fire at will," the controversial tweet read. Immediately, Alley was met with an onslaught of criticism from far and wide. Shortly after, however, it appears the actress had a change of heart. In yet another tweet, Alley announced she was no longer endorsing any political candidate. Hmm... that was fast.
Alley also went on to stir up even more controversy when she publicly professed her disdain for the #MeToo movement. Per TooFab, during yet another Twitter tirade, Alley had this to say regarding the movement: "What the hell is happening? We now live in a country where people lose their jobs when accused of something without proof or trial or in some cases with anonymous accusers? Can't confront your accuser? This is bulls**t. And it hurts the real victims of abuse and innocent people." As one can imagine, Alley was once again met with swift backlash.
Kirstie Alley has been focusing on her family
In 2016, actress Kirstie Alley welcomed her first grandchild, a grandson named Waylon Tripp Parker, per US Weekly. Alley wasted zero time proudly showing off her new grandchild to her fans and followers. While sharing a black and white photo of the newborn with his proud papa, Alley's son William True Stevenson, she penned the caption, "When your son has a son...bliss. Yes this is my secret happy news as promised ...Welcome Waylon Tripp Parker." She followed up the post with yet another photo of the new bundle of joy with another caption that simply read, "Just GOTTA send one more..proud Grammy."
But it has not been all rainbows and sunshine for Alley's family. During an episode of The Howard Stern Show in 2015 (via Yahoo! Entertainment), Alley opened up about her daughter's fiancé, Nick Trela, tragically being killed in a motorcycle accident the previous year. "It's the worst thing that ever happened in our lives," Alley confessed. "He was clearly one of the most awesome men I have ever met in my life."
It's quite possible that Alley's family needs her more now than her career ever did.