Shelley Long: Life After Cheers
After leaving Cheers, Shelley Long faced numerous challenges but has remained out of the Hollywood spotlight for years. Recently, however, photos of the rarely seen actress have surfaced.
Rising to Fame on Cheers
Shelley Long’s exit from Cheers left a noticeable gap in the popular sitcom. She became iconic as Diane Chambers, the witty and sophisticated barmaid, earning critical acclaim and five Emmy nominations. In 1983, she won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, along with two Golden Globe Awards, cementing her legacy in television.
Early Struggles and Breakthrough
From Meal Plan Checker to Actress
Born in 1949 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Long was a standout student from a young age. She excelled in speech competitions, even winning a national championship in 1967. After high school, she pursued drama at Northwestern University but left before graduating. Instead, she worked as a meal plan checker and began acting in commercials.
Comedy Chose Her
In the late 1970s, Long hosted a local news show and won three local Emmys. Despite her success, she felt something was missing. Taking a class at Second City opened the door to comedy, where she felt at home. This led to roles in films like Caveman and Night Shift. Interestingly, Long turned down the role of Mary in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to stay committed to Night Shift.
Cheers and Its Legacy
The Wig and Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Long’s role in Cheers defined her career. She wore a wig during filming to protect her hair from hot studio lights and wrapped up the third season while eight months pregnant. Tensions on set with co-star Ted Danson were rumored, but Danson later clarified they were never personal. Long left the show in 1987, citing a desire to spend more time with her daughter.
Life After Cheers
Post-Cheers Roles
After leaving Cheers, Long starred in Hello Again and Troop Beverly Hills, but neither film was a commercial success. In the 1990s, she took on diverse roles, including a guest appearance on Modern Family and a return to Cheers for its finale, earning another Emmy nomination.
Struggles and Personal Challenges
In recent years, Long’s acting career slowed. She faced personal challenges, including a reported struggle with depression following her divorce from Bruce Tyson. Long stepped behind the scenes as a producer in 2016 and took a break from acting.
Shelley Long Today
Keeping a Low Profile
Now, Long lives quietly in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, with limited public appearances. Her recent photos show her out for a walk, dressed casually in a bedazzled cap and sweatpants. She’s also a proud grandmother, as her daughter Juliana, now 39, is married with children.
Shelley Long’s Net Worth
With a net worth of $5 million, Shelley Long remains financially secure. While her salary on Cheers was less than some co-stars, she still earned a fair share of the show’s success. Ted Danson, for example, earned $450,000 per episode during the final seasons.
Legacy of Shelley Long
Shelley Long’s journey may have evolved in unexpected ways, but her impact as a talented actress and ’80s icon remains strong. Her role in Cheers continues to bring joy to fans, proving the timelessness of her legacy.
