Shelley Long, best known for her role as Diane Chambers on Cheers, has largely stepped away from the public eye in recent years. Unlike some of her former co-stars who continue to embrace Hollywood’s glamorous lifestyle, Long has chosen a quieter existence, making only rare public appearances. Her final television role was on Modern Family, after which she retreated from the industry entirely.
When she is occasionally spotted, Long opts for a casual, everyday look rather than the designer fashion often associated with celebrities. It appears she has left acting behind in favor of a more private and low-key life.
A Rare Public Sighting
In a recent sighting, Long was seen walking her Chihuahua around Los Angeles. After a stroll through the park, she took a break on a bench while her dog explored its surroundings. Dressed in jeans, a blue blouse, Nike sneakers, and a simple gray jacket, the actress blended seamlessly into the crowd.
A Career of Many Roles
Although she is no longer active in television, Long boasts an extensive career in the industry. She made guest appearances on numerous shows and had supporting roles throughout her time in Hollywood. Notably, she played a recurring role in The Brady Bunch Movie and its sequel, A Very Brady Sequel.
Choosing Family Over Fame
At the peak of her career, Long made the bold decision to leave Cheers to pursue film roles and, more importantly, to spend more time with her daughter, Juliana Tyson, whom she shares with ex-husband Bruce Tyson. While she landed roles in several films, her success never quite matched what she achieved on television.
After stepping away from acting, Long devoted herself to raising her daughter. She later reflected on her departure from Cheers, stating that although she missed the show, she never regretted her decision. She felt her role had become repetitive, and she was ready for a new chapter.
However, Long’s life took a difficult turn when she experienced a personal crisis after taking an excessive amount of pain medication. The incident gave her a new perspective on life, especially as she faced health struggles alongside her mother. It reinforced her desire to focus on family and maintain a private life.
A Dark Period and a Narrow Escape
Long’s toughest period came in 2003 when her 22-year marriage ended in divorce. The breakup left her deeply despondent, and those close to her noticed she had stopped eating and withdrawn from daily life. During this time, she was hospitalized after an overdose, with many believing it was intentional.
A close friend described how the once-vibrant actress seemed to have aged decades in a short time, saying, “It is really upsetting to see a woman who is just 55 years old yet seems to be in her nineties already.”
Her ex-husband and father both suspected the overdose was deliberate, but they remained confident that she would recover. In hindsight, Long admitted the experience made her reevaluate her life, reflecting on both happy memories and the fleeting nature of time.
A New Chapter
Despite her struggles, Long appears to have found peace in her private life. While she remains largely out of the spotlight, she has returned to acting in small ways. She appeared in The Cleaner (2021) and Give Me Pity! (2022), signaling that while she may no longer be a Hollywood fixture, she hasn’t left acting entirely behind.
Her journey has been one of resilience—stepping away from fame, facing personal hardships, and ultimately finding a life that suits her on her own terms.
