Shelley Long, born on August 23, 1949, in Indian Village, Fort Wayne, Indiana, began her journey into the world of entertainment at an early age. Raised in the Presbyterian faith, she was an active participant in her high school speech team, ultimately winning the National Forensic League’s National Championship in Original Oratory in 1967. After graduating from South Side High School in Fort Wayne, she pursued drama at Northwestern University but left before graduating to embark on a career in acting and modeling.
Long’s breakthrough came when she joined The Second City comedy troupe in Chicago in 1975. She started writing, producing, and co-hosting the television program “Sorting It Out” on WMAQ-TV, winning three Regional Emmys for her work on the show. During this time, she also appeared in various commercials and began to establish herself as a talented comedic actress.
Shelley Long is an American actress who has a net worth of $5 million.
Shelley Long is an American actress who has a net worth of $5 million. Shelley Long is best known for her Emmy Award-winning role as Diane Chambers on the long-running NBC sitcom “Cheers.” Later on, she reprised her role in three episodes of the spinoff series “Frasier,” and played the recurring role of DeDe Pritchett on the ABC sitcom “Modern Family.” On the big screen, Long has appeared in films such as “Night Shift,” “The Money Pit,” “The Brady Bunch Movie,” and “Dr. T & the Women.”
Cheers: The Role that Defined an Era
In 1982, Shelley Long secured the role that would define her career—Diane Chambers on the long-running NBC sitcom “Cheers.” Despite a slow start, the show eventually became one of the most popular sitcoms on television, enjoying a remarkable 11-season run. Long’s portrayal of Diane engaged in a tempestuous on-and-off relationship with Sam Malone (played by Ted Danson), earned her critical acclaim, including five Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe Awards.
Amid some controversy, Long decided to leave “Cheers” after season five in 1987. In later interviews, she mentioned that one of the primary reasons for her departure was her desire to spend more time with her toddler daughter, Juliana Tyson.
Film Career and Post-“Cheers” Projects
While appearing on “Cheers,” Shelley Long also pursued a career in film. She starred in movies such as “Night Shift” (1982), “Irreconcilable Differences” (1984), “The Money Pit” (1986), and “Outrageous Fortune” (1987). Despite the success on the small screen, some of her post-Cheers” film projects, like “Hello Again” and “Troop Beverly Hills,” did not achieve critical or box office success.
In the ’90s, Long returned to television with the fact-based miniseries “Voices Within The Lives of Truddi Chase,” receiving critical praise for her role, which required her to portray nearly 20 personalities. She continued to explore more dramatic roles in TV films throughout the decade.
Later Work and Personal Life
Shelley Long’s later career included roles in projects such as “The Brady Bunch Movie” (1995), “A Very Brady Sequel” (1996), and a recurring role in the popular ABC sitcom “Modern Family” as DeDe Pritchett. She also made guest appearances in various TV shows and starred in television films like “Falling in Love with the Girl Next Door” and “Holiday Engagement.”
In her personal life, Long had two marriages. Her first marriage, to Ken Solomon, ended in the 1970s. In 1981, she married Bruce Tyson, a securities broker, and they had a daughter, Juliana. Unfortunately, Long and Tyson separated in 2003 and divorced in 2004.
Notable Achievements and Legacy
Shelley Long’s contribution to the entertainment industry has left an indelible mark. Her comedic talent, particularly showcased in the iconic role of Diane Chambers, earned her numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Her ability to seamlessly transition between television and film roles speaks to her versatility as an actress.
Despite the challenges and controversies, Shelley Long’s legacy endures. Her impact on the world of comedy and television remains a testament to her talent and enduring influence on the entertainment landscape. As she continues to explore new projects, including her recent role in “Give Me Pity!” and “The Cleaner,” Shelley Long remains a beloved figure in the hearts of fans who have followed her remarkable career.