Kirstie Louise Alley ( born January 12 , 1951 ) is an American actress famous for her role in the TV show Cheers , where she played Rebecca Howe from 1987-1993 , winning an Emmy as the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for 1991 . Kirstie Alley ( born Kristen Louise Alley ; January 12 , 1951 ) is an American actress known for her role in the TV show Cheers , in which she played Rebecca Howe from 1987 â `` 1993 , winning an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award as the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1991 .