X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Shelley Long Biography

Birth Name:Shelley Lee Long

Birth Place:Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

Profession Actress, Producer, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

  • Received the 1983 Female Star of Tomorrow award at the ShoWest Convention
  • Won the National Forensic League National Championship in Original Oratory in 1967
  • Attended Northwestern University, where she studied drama
  • Entered acting by participating in various commercials for a furniture company in Chicago
  • Quote: "If you don't quit, and don't cheat, and don't run home when trouble arrives, you can only win․"
  • Quote: "I like men to be men and I like them to care about me and to take care of me․ I'm willing to let them do that․"
  • Was offered to play the lead role in "Working Girl․"
  • Was originally chosen to portray the lead character in "My Stepmother Is an Alien," but turned the part down
  • Such a perfectionist, she is known to tape her interviews so that she can later analyze all of her answers
  • Was eight months pregnant while filming the third season of "Cheers․"

Awards

  • 1983Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
  • 1983Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1984Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1984Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1985Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: winner
  • 1985Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1985Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1985Q Award-Best Actress in a Quality Comedy Series: winner
  • 1986Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1986Q Award-Best Actress in a Quality Comedy Series: winner
  • 1987American Comedy Award-Funniest Female Performer in a TV Series (Leading Role) Network, Cable or Syndication: nominated
  • 1988Blimp Award-Favorite Movie Actress: nominated
  • 1993Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1996Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2006TV Land Award-Most Memorable Kiss: nominated
  • 2006Legend Award-: winner
  • 2007TV Land Award-Break Up That Was So Bad It Was Good: winner
  • 2010Gold Derby TV Award-Comedy Guest Actress: nominated
  • 2011OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated