Shelley Long experienced several challenges after leaving Cheers.
For years, the star has lived a tranquil life away from Hollywood’s glare.
But recently, images of the rarely seen actress surfaced.
Shelley Long’s exit from Cheers created an undeniable vacuum in the popular sitcom. Long is most known for her work as the smart and elegant Diane Chambers, for which she received international acclaim.
She garnered five Emmy nominations during her stay on the show, winning in 1983 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. In addition, she won two Golden Globe Awards for her memorable performance, solidifying her place in television history.
Worked as a meal plan checker
Shelley stood out on her high school speaking team, which competed in the Indiana High School Forensic Association. Her talent was not limited to the local scene; in 1967, she won the National Forensic League’s National Championship in Original Oratory, demonstrating her penchant for presentation.
Shelley decided to study drama at Northwestern University after graduating from high school. She didn’t remain long enough to graduate, but her time there was not wasted. She worked as a food plan checker on campus before leaving to pursue her ambitions of acting and modeling.
She didn’t choose comedy, comedy chose her
In the late 1970s, she took over as host of a news magazine show on Chicago television, for which she received three local Emmy Awards.
“It wasn’t until I got a little oats about missing acting that I decided to take a class at Second City,” she shared with Asbury Park Press.
That choice had a transformational impact. The training led to an invitation to join The Second City, a famed comedy troupe with alumni including Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Barbara Harris, and John Belushi.
Long moved toward movies after polishing her comedic abilities. She secured roles in Caveman (featuring Ringo Starr), Losin’ It (an early Tom Cruise picture), and Night Shift (with Michael Keaton). She even appeared as Nurse Mendenhall on an episode of MASH.
The truth about her wig in Cheers
Shelley Long’s career was defined by her role as Diane Chambers in the sitcom Cheers, which she began in 1982. Diane, the flighty, pseudo-intellectual barmaid, immediately became a fan favorite.
Long’s portrayal of Diane received critical acclaim, garnering an Emmy and two Golden Globe awards.
Tensions on set
Long unexpectedly left the show after five seasons in 1987.
Rumors circulated about a possible return, her relationship with replacement Kirstie Alley, and conflicts with co-star Ted Danson. Long kept quiet at the time, but years later, Ted Danson offered some insight into the situation.
Why did Shelley Long leave Cheers?
Long revealed in a 2003 interview with Graham Norton that her decision to leave Cheers was prompted by a desire to be more present with her kid.
What happened to Shelley Long after Cheers?
Shelley Long’s first major film after leaving Cheers was the comedy Hello Again, in which she played a housewife who was magically brought back from the grave.
She followed up with Troop Beverly Hills, a humorous picture about a gorgeous Beverly Hills housewife who accepts the job of leading a troop of privileged Girl Scouts. Unfortunately, neither picture resonated with critics or performed well at the box office.
She also made a celebrated return to Cheers for the series finale in 1993, as Diane Chambers. Her performance won her another Emmy nomination, and she later reprised the role in a few episodes of the Cheers spinoff series Frasier, which starred Kelsey Grammer.
Struggled with depression
Shelley Long has endured personal obstacles in addition to professional ones. Years ago, reports arose claiming that she suffered from depression, which was allegedly prompted by the termination of her 22-year marriage to Bruce Tyson, who chose to quit the relationship.
Shelley Long married Bruce Tyson in 1981 and had a daughter, Juliana. The couple split in 2003 and di:vor:ced in 2004.
Shelley Long today: Keeping a low profile
Shelley Long has stayed away from the spotlight in recent years, maybe owing to health issues. She currently lives in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood, keeping a low profile and rarely leaving her house, according to neighbors.
Shelley Long’s journey may have taken unexpected turns, but her legacy as a great actor and beloved 1980s star endures.
