She must have kept that private, or at least out of the Hollywood limelight. From what I understand, it was a rather quick turnaround from time she was diagnosed.
I always forget that TWOK was her very first film role. It's shame she never returned but I understand her reasons.
We lost a lot of good people this year. I'll always remember her for Cheers, TWOK and Look Who's Talking.
Aw, damn and blast it! Really sad news. The original Saavik in "Wrath of Khan", Rebecca in "Cheers", Mollie Jensen in the "Look Who's Talking" movies, her own sitcom in "Veronicas' Closet", and other movies. That sounds like a good career. Another of our heroes has left us. Condolences to her family and friends. RIP Mr Saavik.
In my personal world, Star Trek II and Cheers were enough that she'll never be forgotten. Add in Runaway for a bonus.
Yeah, going down the kooky Scientology rabbit hole aside, 71 doesn't seem super elderly these days either (when Patrick Stewart and Bill Shatner are still going strong), she had at least one more life chapter to go.