She Was an '80s Bombshell Who Endured a Painful Divorce & Battled Depression – Her Latest Photo at 75

Fame catapulted her into the spotlight during the 1980s, where her sharp wit and timeless beauty made her a household name. Decades later, she re-emerged in a quiet, unassuming way. Her physical transformation years after moving away from the spotlight sparked conversations among fans.

During the height of her fame, she was celebrated as the epitome of charm and sophistication, winning over audiences with her unforgettable performances. Her portrayal of a witty and complex character on one of television's most beloved sitcoms turned her into a cultural icon, earning her accolades and a place in Hollywood history.

But while she thrived on screen, life behind the scenes took unexpected turns. Her departure from the show that defined her career was met with admiration and criticism, but it was a decision rooted in personal values. What followed was a career marked by highs and lows and a series of challenges that would test her strength.

Hollywood Fame and Critical Acclaim

Her rise to stardom began with her breakout role as Diane Chambers in NBC's hit sitcom "Cheers," which premiered in 1982. Playing a sharp-tongued, neurotic waitress opposite Ted Danson’s Sam Malone, she brought humor and vulnerability to the screen.

Over five seasons, she became a standout in the ensemble cast, earning widespread acclaim and several prestigious awards. Her portrayal earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1983 and two Golden Globe Awards.

During her time on "Cheers," she took on film roles during summer hiatuses, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile performer. Her role in the 1984 comedy-drama "Irreconcilable Differences" earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

She followed that with other comedic hits, including "Outrageous Fortune" (1987), a box-office hit co-starring Bette Midler. After five years on "Cheers," the TV star made the surprising decision to leave the series in 1987. Fans were shocked, and speculation ran wild about her departure.

In interviews, she later explained her reasoning. "I felt like I was repeating myself; it bothered me a little bit," she shared, reflecting on her time with the show. She also revealed that family was a significant factor in her choice.

"I had a two-year-old baby, and I wanted to spend more time with my family. It was a good decision," she stated. Following her exit, she shifted her focus to film full-time. However, her movie career was a mix of highs and lows.

While films like "Troop Beverly Hills" (1989) developed cult followings, others, like "Hello Again" (1987), fell short at the box office. By the 1990s, she found herself returning to television, taking on guest roles and headlining short-lived sitcoms.

Though her career after "Cheers" didn't consistently replicate her earlier success, her talent and charm left an indelible mark on Hollywood. While her career experienced ups and downs, her personal life was marked by even greater trials.

Personal Struggles Behind the Spotlight

Behind her polished public image, her personal life faced challenges that affected her profoundly. In 1981, she married Bruce Tyson, a securities broker. The couple welcomed their daughter Juliana in 1985.

For more than two decades, their relationship appeared solid, with her balancing the demands of stardom and family life. However, their marriage unraveled after 22 years. In 2003, Tyson left her, and their divorce was finalized the following year.

The split took a significant toll on her emotional well-being. Longtime friends described her as falling into a deep depression, with one saying, "For 18 months she's been getting more and more depressed. It's like seeing someone falling off a cliff."

In November 2004, her struggles became public when she was rushed to UCLA Medical Center after reportedly overdosing on painkillers. While her agent explained that the incident was due to medication for a back injury, some speculated that it was a suicide attempt triggered by the end of her marriage.

A friend shared, "She told some of her good friends she felt she had nothing to live for." Her ex-husband remained cautiously optimistic, saying she was okay and would pull through. True to his words, she managed to recover and move forward.

Though the road was difficult, she managed to reclaim her life, slowly rebuilding her life and returning to her career.

Professional Resurgence and Later Years

After overcoming the challenges in her personal life, Shelley Long slowly returned to her professional roots. Her career took on a new chapter with guest-starring roles in television series like "Modern Family," where she reminded audiences of her undeniable comedic talent.

She also appeared in smaller film projects, such as the 2017 indie film "Different Flowers," where she played a grandmother. The role signified a shift in how Hollywood viewed her.

Speaking about the transition to playing older characters, Shelley told ABC News, "I don't know how many grandmothers I'm going to play, but it is a category people are starting to think of me as appropriate in, and that's fine."

Her work in "Different Flowers" allowed her to showcase not only her comedic wit but also her ability to play grounded and relatable characters. "I'm kind of in the middle," she said. "I don't exactly look like a grandmother, but I don't look like a leading lady in the more traditional sense."

As Shelley's professional projects became less frequent, she embraced a quieter lifestyle. By 2021, she was living in a $1.3 million condo in Pacific Palisades.

Life Today and the Latest Public Appearance

At 75, she enjoys a slower pace, living in her condo with her Chihuahua. Locals describe her as rarely seen in the neighborhood, a far cry from the high-profile presence she maintained during her Hollywood heyday.

Her reclusive lifestyle took a brief pause in January 2024 when she was photographed taking a stroll with her dog near her home. Casual and relaxed, she appeared content as she watched her pet roam around a park.

The sighting quickly drew attention, particularly because it followed her absence from the 2024 Emmy Awards, where her former "Cheers" co-stars reunited for a special tribute. While Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, and others recreated the iconic bar set, her unexplained absence left fans wondering why she skipped the event.

The photos of her sparked a wave of reactions online, showcasing a mix of admiration, concern, and nostalgia from fans. Comments ranged from observations about her appearance to reflections on aging and vulnerability.

"She looks a lot older than her age," one noted, while another wrote, "Wow, hope all is well 🙏🏽." Other fans were quick to express their concern and understanding. "She looks tired ❤️," said one.

Another added, "I haven't seen her in years, and yet I'm surprised by her appearance. But I shouldn't be. We all become old and grey… if we're lucky."

One comment reflected on her demeanor, saying, "She does look very sad, and there seems to be a vulnerability about her in the pictures."

Still, others focused on the positive, with remarks about her natural aging and enduring legacy. "Glad she aged naturally," read one comment, while another mused, "Can't believe she's 74… where does the time go?"

The photos reaffirmed her lasting connection with fans, many of whom remember her fondly from her iconic roles. While her life today might appear quieter and less glamorous, it's clear that she continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up watching her.

Amid her struggles and triumphs, one constant in her life has been her only child, daughter Juliana.

Her Daughter's Legacy

Born in 1985 during the height of her mother's fame, Juliana Tyson Kissick grew up witnessing the glamour and challenges of Hollywood life. Juliana has followed in her mother's creative footsteps, pursuing a career in entertainment and entrepreneurship.

As a performer, she has taken on various acting roles but is best known today for her business ventures. In 2014, she co-founded Good Juju Ink, a high-end stationery and illustration design company, with her husband, Ryan Kissick.

According to the company's website, its mission is to spread positivity and "good juju" through creative designs. According to her bio, she taught herself digital illustration by studying every night for two years. Before that, she was a dancer and choreographer.

Now, as the creative director of Good Juju Ink, she combines her artistic vision with her business acumen. She often goes by her nickname, Juju, which originated from her younger half-sister's pronunciation of her name as a toddler.

Juliana and her husband share a love story that spans decades. After meeting as children in Pacific Palisades, they reconnected in their twenties and eventually married in 2015 at the historic Ashford Castle in Ireland.

Their shared passion for creativity and community-building is evident in their professional and personal lives. Shelley's influence is evident in Juliana's artistic drive. Together, they represent two generations of talent, each leaving their mark in different ways.