MovieChat Forums > Shelley Long Discussion > A Beautiful Character

A Beautiful Character

posted 9 years ago by sdavid-41660
2 replies | jump to latest

I've been rewatching Cheers on Netflix and was moved by a particular scene in the first episode of Season 4. "Diane" was telling "Sam" how sorry she was to hear that Coach had died. In fact, in real life, Nicholas Colasanto, the actor playing Coach, had recently died. He and Shelley Long had worked together on Cheers for the first three seasons. The expression of genuine sadness she showed during that scene made her beautiful face even more lovely.

There has been some snarky talk on these message boards about her career failure. But sometimes a good actor like Shelley Long, together with superb writing and a strong supporting cast can define, and be defined by, a character, in her case Diane Chambers. Kelsey Grammer experienced a similar "failure" with his portrayal of Frasier Crane. She may try playing other roles, but we simply can't, and don't want to, see her being anyone besides Diane.

[–] tambourine_man36 9 years ago

Agreed. Over on the Cheers board, they've had threads about "most touching moments" in the show, and I always list this one. I've always thought she was a gifted performer.

[–] Melissaslist 9 years ago

Always loved Shelly Long. She is an amazing actress and although Cheers was an incredible ensemble cast it was her portrayal of Diane who made that show what it was and the rest of the cast probably realized this. She played Diane for a long time and probably was bombarded with other opportunities. She could have stayed on until the show petered out or do what most others would do and seize the opportunities. Of course her cast mates or fans of the show will feel bitter that she abandoned them. But they are wrong to feel this way. She made the show great and then she moved on. I too noticed her compassionate heartfelt expression when expressing condolences about Coach when it was also for the actor who had passed away. Although I always loved Kirstie Alley too and was somewhat entertained when she came on the show imho after Diane's departure the show was never nearly as great.