In her first public appearance since skipping the “Cheers” reunion at the Emmys 2024, Shelley Long, known for her role as Diane Chambers on the classic TV sitcom, appeared downcast.
The 74-year-old actress was photographed on January 16, a day after the Emmys, walking her Chihuahua outside her Pacific Palisades, California home. She wore large glasses, tennis shoes, and a blue turtleneck under a black jacket.
Notably absent from the Emmys reunion, where her former colleagues Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt reunited on stage. The reunion included an emotional In Memoriam segment honoring late “Cheers” actress Kirstie Alley, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 71.
Shelley Long looks unrecognizable after skipping ‘Cheers’ reunion at Emmys 2024 [Source: @nypost] pic.twitter.com/TSWaaniulL
— Apex Bulletin (@ApexBulletin) January 23, 2024
Despite Long’s absence, there was no explanation provided for why she didn’t attend the ceremony. Long has been rarely seen in public in recent years, and her last film role was in 2021’s “The Cleaner.”
The actress was previously spotted walking her Chihuahua in 2022, shortly after the 40th anniversary of “Cheers.” Kelsey Grammer expressed his desire to see Diane Chambers, Long’s character, return in his “Frasier” reboot during an interview with Kelly Clarkson. The Emmys reunion also saw the absence of Woody Harrelson, who portrayed bartender Woody Boyd in 201 episodes of “Cheers.”
Executive producer Jesse Collins revealed that Harrelson couldn’t attend due to being involved in a play, citing logistical challenges for some participants.
Grammer, who appeared in both “Cheers” and its spinoff “Frasier” as Dr. Frasier Crane, suggested a resolution between Frasier and Diane, expressing the hope for a positive outcome. Long had also appeared in three episodes of “Frasier.”
‘Cheers’ cast return to the bar for Emmys 2024: ‘This feels nice’ https://t.co/CiophqVLUt pic.twitter.com/CBepaIOzyC
— New York Post (@nypost) January 16, 2024
The article notes Long’s low profile in recent years and captures her bundled-up appearance during the dog walk. The Emmys reunion brought together key cast members, and the absence of Long and Harrelson was explained by logistical challenges and prior commitments.
