‘Cheers’ Star Shelley Long Looked Like She Was ‘Turning 90’ at 55 — Inside Her Life after Divorce & Raising a Child

• Shelley Long played the ditzy blonde barmaid Diane Chambers in the classic '80s television sitcom, "Cheers."
• Life took a challenging turn for Long following her departure from the hit series.
• In her later years, the barely recognizable actress was observed strolling solo and keeping a low profile.

Shelley Long became a household name portraying the over-educated, bubbly blonde bar server Diane Chambers in "Cheers." The undeniable chemistry between her character, Diane, and Ted Danson's character, Sam Malone, significantly contributed to the show's success.

Long remained essential to the classic situation comedy for five years, taking home several accolades. She won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1983, two Golden Globes for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1983, and Best Actress in a Comedy Series in 1985.

When Long decided to leave the iconic series, many thought it was time to stop cheering for "Cheers." However, regardless of the consequences, she seemed adamant in her decision to quit. Her departure from the hit show wasn't triggered by a single incident but rather a culmination of disagreements.

Long has become increasingly reclusive in recent years, keeping to herself and avoiding the public eye.

Several reports suggested that Long's behavior on set and her conflicts with her co-stars led to some tension behind the scenes. She had allegedly acquired a reputation for being difficult to get along with, and the crew found her actions bothersome.

Additionally, Long followed a routine of meditating in her dressing room during lunch breaks, which some interpreted as distancing herself from the cast and crew. In her defense, she expressed that she needed the time to rest and relieve the physical and emotional baggage she felt from playing her role.

While some crew members were allegedly frustrated by her extended discussions with the writers about her character and the storyline, drawing similarities between her and Lucille Ball, Long defended her passion, believing that it was her responsibility as an actress to be actively involved in such conversations.

Nonetheless, Long's co-stars, mainly Danson, reportedly struggled with her working style. They found it challenging to be around her when the cameras rolled back.

Despite this, Danson acknowledged that Long's approach was purposeful and that she genuinely immersed herself in Diane's character. He also showed immense respect for her dedication and work ethic.

Long's departure from the show also raised concerns among the producers and network executives about the future of "Cheers," given the integral role she played alongside Danson.

On the contrary, Long had different reasons for leaving the show in December 1986. She began to feel that she was repeating herself in the series and received enticing movie offers, causing speculation and misconceptions about her intentions.

Moreover, Long revealed that she had no regrets about quitting "Cheers." While she wished she and Danson had resolved their issues differently, she clarified that she still liked him and they didn't harbor any animosity toward each other.

Lastly, Long said her decision to leave was driven by her desire to devote more time to her family. She had a loving and happy family setting at the time with her husband, Bruce Tyson, and their daughter, Juliana, who was born in 1985.

While there were initial worries about the show's future without Long, the ratings reportedly soared to their highest levels following her exit. It became evident that "Cheers" had a solid foundation beyond just the Sam-Diane relationship dynamic. However, Long's portrayal of Diane undoubtedly played a significant role in attracting viewers to the show.

How Shelley Long Fell on Hard Times

The '80s and '90s proved glorious for Long, who enjoyed success in her acting career and led a prosperous family life. She met her husband, Tyson, on a blind date in 1979, and the couple tied the knot two years later. Their marriage lasted for 22 years before encountering difficulties, eventually leading to their separation.

Unfortunately, their relationship crumbled, and Tyson decided to leave Long, prompting their ongoing divorce proceedings. As a result, Long had to vacate their luxurious Hollywood mansion, leaving her to live alone.

Amid the emotional turmoil caused by the end of her marriage, Long's mental state deteriorated significantly. Friends revealed that she suffered from extreme depression for several months. She reportedly exhibited signs of severe distress, barely eating and spending prolonged periods in bed. Concerned for her well-being, one friend expressed sadness at seeing Long, who was only 55 then, appearing as though she was "turning 90."

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Long reportedly resorted to taking her own life by downing an overdose of painkillers. She was swiftly rushed to UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles for urgent medical attention. The incident occurred on November 16, 2004, and although Long's hospital records indicated her discharge, the details of her recovery process remained undisclosed.

Amidst the challenging situation, Tyson, her estranged husband, expressed his belief that she would endure her heartbreaking ordeal. While he didn't delve into specifics or discuss the matter extensively, he remained optimistic about Long's future despite their separation.

Shelley Long's Life Away from the Spotlight

Long has become increasingly reclusive in recent years, keeping to herself and avoiding the public eye. In April 2019, the then-69-year-old actress was spotted enjoying a drink with a male friend at Hank's, a renowned Pacific Palisades hotspot. They appeared to be window shopping and laughed at a humorous T-shirt display. Long seemed to relish the anonymity, dressed in a 'Jimmy Carter For President' shirt, carrying her dog, while her friend carried her belongings.

However, her reclusive nature persisted as time went on. In October 2022, the 73-year-old "Hello Again" alum was seen walking her Chihuahua in an unrecognizable state. She appeared a far cry from her previous public persona, dressed in a cozy ensemble of a pink turtleneck, black vest, gray sweatpants, sneakers, and a baseball hat. This sighting came after the 40th anniversary of "Cheers."

In December 2022, "The Money Pit" star was spotted looking downcast while walking her dog after the death of her "Cheers" co-star, Kirstie Alley. The reclusive actress, dressed casually in sweatpants and sneakers, maintained a somber demeanor.

Living in a $1.3 million condo in Pacific Palisades since her divorce from Tyson in 2004, Long's rare public appearances and barely unrecognizable looks are often an intriguing topic for tabloid newspapers. Her secluded lifestyle has limited her visibility, making her outings and interactions with the outside world increasingly infrequent.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.