Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Shelley Long
August 23, 1949
Fort Wayne, Indiana, US
77 Years Old
Virgo
Who Is Shelley Long?
Shelley Lee Long is an American actress known for her distinct comedic timing and sophisticated portrayals. Her versatile performances often blend intellectual wit with genuine warmth.
She rose to prominence as Diane Chambers on the hit sitcom Cheers, where her memorable on-again, off-again romance with Sam Malone captivated millions, making her a household name.
Early Life and Education
Shelley Long was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Ivadine and Leland Long, both educators who fostered a structured, academic home. This environment shaped her early intellectual pursuits.
She attended South Side High School, where her exceptional talent on the speech team earned her a national championship in Original Oratory. Long later studied drama at Northwestern University.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances marked Shelley Long's personal life, including her first marriage to Ken Solomon that ended in the 1970s. She later met and married Bruce Tyson.
Long and Tyson married in 1981, welcoming their daughter, Juliana Tyson, in 1985 before their divorce in 2004. She has no other publicly confirmed partners.
Career Highlights
Shelley Long’s breakthrough as Diane Chambers on Cheers redefined television comedy, earning her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She also secured two Golden Globe Awards for the iconic role.
Beyond sitcom success, she expanded her film career with roles in comedies such as The Money Pit and the cult classic Troop Beverly Hills. Long also famously portrayed Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie.
Her acclaimed performances led to five Emmy nominations for her work on Cheers and an additional guest star Emmy nod for reprising Diane on Frasier, cementing Long as a fixture in classic American television.
Signature Quote
“If you don't quit, and don't cheat, and don't run home when trouble arrives, you can only win.”