Shelley Long

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Shelley Long
Shelley Long with Terrie Frankel 1996 Cable Ace Awards (cropped).jpg
Long in 1996
Born (1949-08-23) August 23, 1949 (age 75) [1]
Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
Alma mater Northwestern University
Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
  • comedian
Years active1971–2022
Known for
Spouses
  • Ken Solomon
    (div. 1970s)
Bruce Tyson
​
​
(m. 1981;div. 2004)​
Children1

Shelley Long (born August 23, 1949) is an American actress, singer, and comedian. For her role as Diane Chambers on the sitcom Cheers , [2] Long received five Emmy nominations, winning in 1983 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. [3] She also won two Golden Globe Awards for the role. [4] Long reprised her role as Diane Chambers in three episodes of the spin-off Frasier , for which she received an additional guest star Emmy nomination. In 2009, she began playing the recurring role of DeDe Pritchett on the ABC comedy series Modern Family .

Contents

Long has also starred in several films including Night Shift (1982), Irreconcilable Differences (1984), The Money Pit (1986), Outrageous Fortune (1987), Hello Again (1987), Troop Beverly Hills (1989), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), A Very Brady Sequel (1996), and Dr. T & the Women (2000).

Early life

Shelley Long was born on August 23, 1949, in Indian Village, Fort Wayne, Indiana. [5] She is the only child of Ivadine (née Williams), a schoolteacher, and Leland Long who worked in the rubber industry before becoming a teacher as well. [6]

Shelley was raised in the Presbyterian faith. She was active on her high school speech team, competing in the Indiana High School Forensic Association. In 1967, she won the National Forensic League's National Championship in Original Oratory. [7]

After graduating from South Side High School in Fort Wayne, she studied drama at Northwestern University [2] but left before graduating to pursue a career in acting and modeling. Her first job was at the university as a meal plan checker.

Career

Long's break as an actress occurred when she began performing in local commercials for Homemakers furniture store in the Chicago area. [8]

Early roles

In Chicago, Long joined The Second City comedy troupe. In 1975, she began writing, producing, and co-hosting the television program Sorting It Out on WMAQ-TV [9] and went on to win three Regional Emmys for her work on the show. [10] She also appeared in the 1970s in VO5 shampoo print advertisements and in commercials for Camay soap as well as more Homemakers furniture commercials. In 1978, she appeared in a vignette on The Love Boat . [11]

Long appeared in the 1979 television film The Cracker Factory as a psychiatric inmate. In the same year she guest starred on Family and Trapper John, M.D. , and played Nurse Mendenhall in an episode of M*A*S*H . [12] In 1980, she appeared in her first feature film role in A Small Circle of Friends . [13] The film about social unrest at Harvard University during the 1960s enjoyed a level of critical success. [14] [15] In 1981, she played the role of Tala in Caveman . In 1982, she starred as Belinda, the good-natured prostitute neighbor of the character portrayed by Henry Winkler in Ron Howard's comedy Night Shift (also co-starring Michael Keaton), and starred with Tom Cruise in Losin' It (1983). She was offered the role of Mary, the mother in Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial , but turned it down because she had already signed on to appear in Night Shift.

Cheers

Although she had already been in feature films, Long became famous for her role in the long-running television sitcom Cheers as the character Diane Chambers, who has a tempestuous on-and-off relationship with Sam Malone. [13] The show was slow to capture an audience but eventually became one of the more popular on the air. Amid some controversy, Long left Cheers after season five in 1987. [16]

In the Cheers biography documentary, co-star Ted Danson admitted there was tension between them but "never at a personal level and always at a work level" due to their different modes of working. He also stated that Long was much more similar to her TV character than she might have liked to admit, but also said that her performances often "carried the show." [17] [18] Long said in later interviews that it did not occur to her, when deciding to leave, that she was going to "sabotage a show" and she felt confident that the rest of the cast could continue without her. [19]

In a 2003 interview with Graham Norton , Long said she left for a variety of reasons, the most important of which was her desire to spend more time with her daughter. In a 2007 interview on Australian television, Long said Danson was "a delight to work with" and talked of her love for co-star Nicholas Colasanto ("Coach"), who was "one of my closest friends on set". She said she left the show because she "didn't want to keep doing the same episode over and over again and the same story. I didn't want it to become old and stale." She went on to say that "working at Cheers was a dream come true...it was one of the most satisfying experiences of my life. So, yes, I missed it, but I never regretted that decision." [20]

Film

President Ronald Reagan and Long in the Oval Office, February 1984 President Ronald Reagan and Shelley Long.jpg
President Ronald Reagan and Long in the Oval Office, February 1984

While appearing on Cheers, Long continued to appear in motion pictures. In 1984, she was nominated for a Best Leading Actress Golden Globe for her performance in Irreconcilable Differences . She also starred in the comedies The Money Pit and Outrageous Fortune . She was offered lead roles in Working Girl , Jumpin' Jack Flash , and My Stepmother Is an Alien but did not accept them.[ citation needed ]

On August 12, 1986, Long signed a production agreement with The Walt Disney Studios through Itsbinso Long Inc. to produce three films for the Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Films labels. [21]

Post-Cheers projects

Long's first post-Cheers project was Hello Again , a comedy about a housewife who is brought back from the dead. This was followed by Troop Beverly Hills , a comedy about another housewife who takes leadership of a 'Wilderness Girl' troop to bond with her daughter and distract herself from divorce proceedings. Neither film was successful with critics or at the box office.

In 1990, Long returned to television for the fact-based miniseries Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase . She received critical praise for the role, which required her to portray nearly 20 personalities. This introduced her to more dramatic roles in TV films, after which she starred in several more throughout the 1990s. [22]

Major feature film roles followed such as the romantic comedy Don't Tell Her It's Me with Jami Gertz and Steve Guttenberg and Frozen Assets , a comedy about a sperm bank, which reunited her with Hello Again co-star Corbin Bernsen.

In 1992, she starred in Fatal Memories: The Eileen Franklin Story, a television drama about a woman who remembers the childhood trauma of being raped by her father and his cronies, and witnessing him murder her childhood friend to prevent the child from "telling on him," based on a 1989 case. [23] The still-controversial "recovered memories" basis for the prosecution resulted in the conviction and sentencing of life imprisonment of George Franklin, [24] a conviction that was later overturned. [25]

Long starred in the 1992 film A Message from Holly with Lindsay Wagner. Long plays a workaholic who finds out that her best friend has cancer and only six months to live, then stays with her in her last months. [26]

In 1993, the actress returned to Cheers for its series finale, and picked up another Emmy nomination for her return as Diane. [27] She also starred in the sitcom Good Advice with Treat Williams and Teri Garr, a show that lasted two seasons. [28] She later resurfaced as Diane in several episodes of the Kelsey Grammer spinoff series Frasier , for which she was nominated for another Emmy Award. [29]

Both Outrageous Fortune co-star Bette Midler and Paramount studio executive Richard H. Frank, who helped develop Cheers, described Long as being difficult to work with. [30] [31]

Later work

Long appeared as Carol Brady in the 1995 film The Brady Bunch Movie which is a campy take of the popular television show. In 1996, she reprised her role in A Very Brady Sequel which had modest success, and a 2002 television film sequel— The Brady Bunch in the White House . Some ventures followed including the TV remake of Freaky Friday and the family sitcom Kelly Kelly , which only lasted for a few episodes. She played the Wicked Witch of the Beanstalk in a 1998 episode of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch . [29]

In 1999, she starred in another television film Vanished Without a Trace, about a woman who refuses to accept the kidnapping of her 13-year-old daughter and relentlessly pursues the villain's capture (not to be confused with the 1993 film of the same name about the 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping.) In 2000, she appeared as one of the women in the Richard Gere film Dr. T & the Women , directed by Robert Altman. [29]

Long guest-starred in several TV shows such as 8 Simple Rules , Yes Dear , Strong Medicine , and Boston Legal . She had a recurring role on the popular ABC sitcom Modern Family as DeDe Pritchett, the ex-wife of Jay Pritchett. [29] She starred in television films, including Falling in Love with the Girl Next Door and Holiday Engagement . In 2012, she made a guest appearance on Switched at Birth . [29] In 2016, Long produced and acted in the feature film Different Flowers. [32]

Personal life

Long's first marriage, to Ken Solomon, ended in divorce in the 1970s after only a few years. [33] In 1979 she met her second husband, Bruce Tyson, a securities broker. They married in 1981 and had a daughter, Juliana. [6] Long and Tyson separated in 2003 and divorced in 2004.[ citation needed ]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1977The KeyNarratorVoice role
1980 A Small Circle of Friends Alice
1981 Caveman Tala
1982 Night Shift Belinda Keaton
1983 Losin' It Kathy
1984 Irreconcilable Differences Lucy Van Patten BrodskyNominated – Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical
1986 The Money Pit Anna Crowley Beissart Fielding
1987 Outrageous Fortune Lauren Ames
1987 Hello Again Lucy ChadmanNominated – Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actress
1989 Troop Beverly Hills Phyllis Nefler
1990 Don't Tell Her It's Me Lizzie Potts
1992 Frozen Assets Grace Murdock
1995 The Brady Bunch Movie Carol Brady
1996 A Very Brady Sequel
1998The Adventures of RagtimeSam
2000 Dr. T & the Women Carolyn
2007A Couple of White Chicks at the HairdresserBarbara Kisner
2007 Trust Me Mitzi Robinson
2008Mr. Vinegar and the CurseMs. Persnickety
2011 Pizza Man Mrs. Burns
2011Zombie HamletShine ReynoldsAlso co-producer
2013The Wedding ChapelJeanie Robertson
2013 Best Man Down Gail
2014A Matter of TimeNona
2017Different FlowersGrandma MildredAlso producer
2021 The Cleaner Sharon Enderly
2022Give Me Pity!Baby Dog

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1975–1978Sorting it OutHost(Local Chicago show) Won 3 Regional Emmy Awards
1978That Thing on ABCPerformerVariety special
1978 The Love Boat Heather McKenzieEpisode: "Memories of You/Computerman/Parlez Vous?"
1979The Dooley BrothersLucy BennettUnaired pilot
1979Young Guy ChristianMia MishugiUnaired pilot
1979 The Cracker Factory CaraTelevision film
1979 Family Joan PhillipsEpisode: "Sleeping Over"
1979 Trapper John, M.D. LaurenEpisode: "The Shattered Image"
1980 The Promise of Love Lorraine SimpsonTelevision film
1980 M*A*S*H Lt. MendenhallEpisode: "Bottle Fatigue"
1981 The Princess and the Cabbie CarolTelevision film
1981Ghost of a ChanceJenny CliffordUnaired pilot
1982–1987, 1993 Cheers Diane Chambers Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (1983)
Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (1985)
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (1983)
TV Land Awards (2006–2007)
Viewers for Quality Television Award (1985–1986)
Nominated – American Comedy Award for Funniest Female Performer in a Television Series (1987)
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (1984–1986)
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (1993)
Nominated – Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (1984)
Nominated – People's Choice Award for Favorite Female TV Performer (1984–1985)
1990 Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase Truddi Chase Television film
1991The Real Story of...The DameVoice, episode: "Baa Baa Black Sheep"
1991 Memories of M*A*S*H HostDocumentary
1992Fatal MemoriesEileen Franklin LipskerTelevision film
1992A Message from HollyKateTelevision film
1993–1994 Good Advice Susan DeRuzza19 episodes
1993Basic Values: Sex, Shock & Censorship in the 90's[ sic ]Fay SommerfieldTelevision film
1995 Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Lucille Newtrich/Ultra LucilleEpisode: "Ultra Woman"
1995Welcome to ParadiseAnneTelevision film
1995 Freaky Friday Ellen AndrewsTelevision film
1996A Different Kind of ChristmasElizabeth GatesTelevision film
1996 Susie Q Penny SandsTelevision film
1995, 1996 Murphy Brown Dottie Wilcox2 episodes
1996, 2001 Frasier Diane Chambers 3 episodes
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (1996)
1996 Life with Louie Sally TubbsVoice, episode: "A Fair to Remember"
1996 Boston Common Louise HolmesEpisode: "Trustee and Sympathy"
1998 Sabrina the Teenage Witch The Wicked WitchEpisode: "Sabrina and the Beanstalk"
1998 Kelly Kelly Kelly Novack7 episodes; also co-executive producer
1998 Diagnosis: Murder Kay LudlowEpisode: "Write, She Murdered"
1999Vanished Without a TraceElizabeth PortersonTelevision film
1999Chicken Soup for the SoulTeacherEpisode: "The Green Boots"
2000 Beggars and Choosers Pamela MarstonEpisode: "Fasten Your Seatbelts"
2002 The Brady Bunch in the White House Carol Brady Television film
2002The Santa TrapMolly EmersonTelevision film
2003 8 Simple Rules Mary Ellen DoyleEpisode: "The Doyle Wedding"
2003 Strong Medicine Lauren ChaseEpisode: "Jeaneology"
2004 Joan of Arcadia Miss CandyEpisode: "Vanity, Thy Name Is Human"
2005 Boston Legal Miriam WatsonEpisode: "Death Be Not Proud"
2005 Yes, Dear MargaretEpisode: "The New Neighbors"
2005 Complete Savages Judy2 episodes
2006Falling in Love with the Girl Next DoorBetsy LucasTelevision film
2006Honeymoon with Mom MarlaTelevision film
2009Ice DreamsHarriet ClaytonTelevision film
2009–2018 Modern Family DeDe Pritchett8 episodes
Nominated – Gold Derby Awards for Comedy Guest Actress (2010)
Nominated – OFTA Television Award for Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (2011)
2010 Family Guy Carol BradyVoice, episode: "Excellence in Broadcasting"
2011 Holiday Engagement Meredith BurnsTelevision film
2011 Retired at 35 GinnyEpisode: "Hit It and Quit It"
2011 A.N.T. Farm Mrs. BusbyEpisode: "PhilANThropy"
2012Strawberry SummerEileen LandonTelevision film
2012Merry In-LawsMrs. ClausTelevision film
2012The Dog Who Saved the HollidaysAunt BarbaraTelevision film; also co-producer
2012 Switched at Birth Rya BellowsEpisode: "Game On"
2013Holiday Road TripCynthiaTelevision film
2015 Instant Mom MagicianEpisode: "Bawamo Shazam"
2017Christmas in the HeartlandJudy WilkinsTelevision film
2017–2018 Milo Murphy's Law Grandma MurphyVoice, 2 episodes

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResultRef.
1982 Golden Globe Awards Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television Cheers Won [34]
1983 Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy Nominated
1984 Won
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Irreconcilable Differences Nominated
2011Online Film & Television Association AwardsBest Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Modern Family Nominated [35]
1983 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series CheersWon [36]
1984 Nominated
1985 Nominated
1986 Nominated
1993 Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Cheers(Episode: "One for the Road")Nominated
1996 Frasier (Episode: "The Show Where Diane Comes Back")Nominated

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<i>Cheers</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of the American television sitcom Cheers aired on NBC from September 30, 1982 to March 31, 1983. The show was created and produced by director James Burrows and writers Glen and Les Charles, who previously worked on Taxi, another sitcom. Cheers was produced by Charles Burrows Charles Productions in association with Paramount Television. The concept and production design of the show were inspired by a public house in Boston, the Bull & Finch, which is now called Cheers Beacon Hill.

<i>Cheers</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of the American television sitcom Cheers aired on NBC from September 29, 1983 to May 10, 1984. The show was created by director James Burrows and writers Glen and Les Charles and was produced by Charles Burrows Charles Productions in association with Paramount Television. The second season has been released on DVD as a four-disc set.

<i>Cheers</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of the American television sitcom Cheers aired on NBC from September 27, 1984 to May 9, 1985. The show was created by director James Burrows and writers Glen and Les Charles under production team Charles Burrows Charles Productions in association with Paramount Television. The third season is available on DVD in a four-disc set.

<i>Cheers</i> season 5 Season of television series

The fifth season of the American television sitcom Cheers aired on NBC from September 25, 1986 to May 7, 1987. This season marks the departure of Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, bringing an end to the Sam and Diane relationship. The show was created by director James Burrows and writers Glen and Les Charles, in association with Paramount Television.

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  26. ↑ "Rare Movies - A MESSAGE FROM HOLLY". .biz. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
  27. ↑ Bird, J.B. "Cheers/U.S. Situation Comedy". museum.tv. The Museum of Broadcast Communications.
  28. ↑ "'Good Advice' (TV Series, 1993–94)". IMDb.com. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 Shelley Long at IMDb
  30. ↑ "Bette Midler says it was rough to work with Shelley Long on Oprah in 1988". August 30, 2011 – via YouTube.
  31. ↑ "Richard Frank Television Academy Interview". televisionacademy.com. October 23, 2017.
  32. ↑ "Shelley Long joins road trip film 'Different Flowers'". Entertainment Weekly . July 29, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  33. ↑ Haller, Scot (February 23, 1987). "Cheers and Tears: the Long Goodbye". People . Archived from the original on May 2, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  34. ↑ "Shelley Long – Golden Globes". Golden Globe Awards . Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  35. ↑ "15th Annual TV Awards (2010-11)". Online Film & Television Association. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  36. ↑ "Shelley Long". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . Retrieved July 15, 2023.
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