Lucy Devine
Scientologists reportedly believed that Kirstie Alley - who became a member of the Church of Scientology in 1979 - had reached 'superhuman status'.
Alley sadly passed away this week following a short but tough battle with cancer. The 71-year-old starred in Cheers, Veronica’s Closet and a number of popular films in the '90s.
Her children True, 30, and Lily, 28 have remembered her as 'incredible, fierce and loving mother'.
As well as being a successful actress, mother and grandmother, Alley was also a member of the Church of Scientology.
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She was introduced to Scientology by a neighbour before enrolling at Scientology's rehab centre in 1979, after struggling with a drug habit.
“I thought I was going to overdose almost every time,” she told Entertainment Tonight back in 2012. “I would snort the coke, then I would sit there. I’d take my pulse [thinking], ‘I’m dying, I’m dying, I’m dying.’ Who would keep doing it?”
Speaking about joining the church, she said it was “either the biggest scam in the universe or it would lead me out of my self-created hell.
“Miraculously, and I do mean miraculously, I had one Scientology session and never did cocaine again.”
Alley remained part of the church until her death, and apparently reached 'superhuman status'.
Back in 2018, the actress was included in an article in a magazine called Freewinds, which is named after Scientology's private cruise ship - the only place that members of the church can achieve OT VIII - aka Operating Thetan Level Eight.
Tony Ortega, who writes the Scientology blog The Underground Bunker, told The Post: “OT VIII is the highest you can go on the ‘Bridge to Total Freedom'. It can cost between $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 to go all the way up and it can take you 20 years.
“Scientologists are told that, if they can reach OT VIII, they will be ’cause over matter, energy, space, and time,’ which translates to various superhuman abilities, including being impervious to disease.”
In the article, Alley says: “Now here I stand a new OT VIII, shiny, fresh, and calm... well, as calm as a thetan like me can be.
"I am more confident than ever before. And here’s the big news. I now fully have the confront that puts me right up that damn confront scale with other Scientology Freedom Fighters!"
Alley's death was confirmed by her children this week.
"To all our friends, far and wide around the world. We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered," her children posted on her Twitter account.
"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.
"[...] 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.
"We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time."