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  • Early Life in Fort Wayne
  • "Cheers" Breakthrough
  • Shelley Long (Photos)
  • Shelley Long's Filmography
  • Shelley Long's Awards and Recognition
  • Shelley Long's Interviews (Videos)
  • Shelley Long's Personal Life
  • Closing Thoughts on Shelley Long
Shelley Long: A Glimpse at Her Memorable Characters

Shelley Long, celebrated for her iconic portrayal of Diane Chambers on the classic TV sitcom "Cheers," is an American actress whose versatile career encompasses decades in both television and film, marked by critical acclaim and numerous accolades.

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Shelley Long
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Shelley Long Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards - TV Guide
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Shelley Long - The Movie Database
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Early Life in Fort Wayne
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Shelley Long was born on August 23, 1949, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Ivadine, a schoolteacher, and Leland Long, who worked in the rubber industry before becoming a teacher himself.12 Growing up as an only child, Long showed an early aptitude for public speaking, becoming a national oratory champion in high school.3 Her passion for performance led her to study drama at Northwestern University, though she left before graduating to pursue a career in acting.2 Long's upbringing in Fort Wayne and her academic achievements laid the foundation for her future success in the classic TV sitcom "Cheers," where she would later share the screen with talented actors like Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and Woody Harrelson.

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"Cheers" Breakthrough
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Shelley Long's breakthrough came with her role as Diane Chambers in the classic TV sitcom "Cheers" in 1982. The show catapulted Long to stardom and earned her critical acclaim12. Her portrayal of the intellectual waitress with a tumultuous relationship with Sam Malone (Danson) resonated with audiences and critics alike. Long's performance in "Cheers" not only established her as a talented actress but also paved the way for future television appearances, including guest roles on the spin-off series "Frasier," where she reprised her role as Diane Chambers alongside Kelsey Grammer's Frasier Crane23.

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Shelley Long (Photos)
 
Shelley Long's Filmography
YearTitleRoleNotes
1982-1987, 1993CheersDiane Chambers123 episodes; Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (1983)
1982Night ShiftBelinda KeatonFeature film debut
1984Irreconcilable DifferencesLucy Van Patten BrodskyGolden Globe nomination for Best Actress
1986The Money PitAnna CrowleyCo-starred with Tom Hanks
1987Outrageous FortuneLauren AmesStarred alongside Bette Midler
1989Troop Beverly HillsPhyllis Nefler
1993, 1994, 2001FrasierDiane Chambers3 episodes; Guest appearance
1995The Brady Bunch MovieCarol Brady
1996A Very Brady SequelCarol Brady
2009-2018Modern FamilyDeDe PritchettRecurring role

This table highlights key entries in Shelley Long's filmography, showcasing her versatility as an actress in both television and film123. Her most iconic role remains Diane Chambers in the classic TV sitcom "Cheers," where she starred alongside Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and Woody Harrelson3. Long's career spans decades, from her breakout role in "Cheers" to guest appearances on its spin-off "Frasier" with Kelsey Grammer, and more recent work on "Modern Family"2. Her film roles, including "The Money Pit" and "Outrageous Fortune," further demonstrate her range as a comedic actress1.

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Shelley Long's Awards and Recognition

Shelley Long's career in acting, particularly her role as Diane Chambers in the classic TV sitcom "Cheers," has earned her numerous accolades. Her performances, including guest appearances on "Frasier" with Kelsey Grammer, have been widely recognized by various award-giving bodies.

AwardCategoryYearResultWork
Primetime EmmyOutstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series1983WonCheers
Primetime EmmyOutstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series1984-1986NominatedCheers
Primetime EmmyOutstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series1996NominatedFrasier
Golden GlobeBest Actress in a TV Series - Musical or Comedy1983, 1985WonCheers
Golden GlobeBest Actress in a TV Series - Musical or Comedy1984NominatedCheers
Golden GlobeBest Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical1985NominatedIrreconcilable Differences
American Comedy AwardFunniest Female Performer in a TV Series1987NominatedCheers
TV Land AwardBreak Up That Was So Bad It Was Good2007WonCheers

Long's impressive collection of awards and nominations highlights her significant contributions to television comedy, particularly through her memorable portrayal of Diane Chambers.123

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Shelley Long's Interviews (Videos)
Shelley Long's Personal Life
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After a brief first marriage to Ken Solomon in the 1970s, Long married securities broker Bruce Tyson in 1981.1 The couple welcomed their daughter Juliana in 1985, during the height of Long's success on the classic TV sitcom "Cheers."2 Long and Tyson separated in 2003 and finalized their divorce in 2004.3 Despite the challenges in her personal life, Long has maintained a successful career, including guest appearances on shows like "Frasier" with Kelsey Grammer, where she reprised her role as Diane Chambers.2 In recent years, Long has been spotted by photographers like Jeff Rayner/Coleman-Rayner during rare public outings, sparking interest in the beloved actress who hails from Fort Wayne, Indiana.4

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Closing Thoughts on Shelley Long

Shelley Long's career in acting has left a mark on television, particularly through her iconic role as Diane Chambers in the classic TV sitcom "Cheers." From her early days in Fort Wayne to her breakthrough alongside Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and Woody Boyd, Long exemplifies the impact of talent and perseverance. Her portrayal of Diane Chambers not only earned her critical acclaim but also paved the way for memorable guest appearances on "Frasier" with Kelsey Grammer, further cementing her place in sitcom history.

Long's versatility as an actress extends beyond her television roles, with a film career that showcases her range and comedic timing. Despite personal challenges, including her divorce from Bruce Tyson, Long has maintained a presence in the entertainment industry. Recent sightings by photographers like Jeff Rayner/Coleman-Rayner have sparked interest in potential reunions or new projects. As fans continue to cherish her performances in "Cheers" and other classic TV sitcoms, Shelley Long's legacy as a talented actress from Fort Wayne, Indiana, remains firmly established in the annals of television history.123

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