What Is Shelley Long’s Net Worth?
Shelley Long, the American actress celebrated for her comedic timing and memorable roles, has accumulated a net worth of $3 million. This figure reflects her decades-long career in television and film, highlighted by her iconic portrayal of Diane Chambers on the NBC sitcom “Cheers.” Beyond “Cheers,” Long’s financial standing has been bolstered by appearances on “Frasier” and “Modern Family,” as well as roles in films like “Night Shift” and “The Brady Bunch Movie.” Her real estate holdings, particularly a condo in LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood, also contribute to her overall net worth.
Shelley Long’s Career and Earnings
Long’s career trajectory began in the 1970s in Chicago, where she honed her skills with the Second City comedy troupe. Before achieving mainstream success, she earned income through local television programs and commercial work. Her breakthrough came in 1982 with “Cheers,” where she played Diane Chambers. While specific salary figures for her early years on “Cheers” are not publicly available, the show’s increasing popularity led to substantial raises for the main cast. In 1983, she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on “Cheers.” She also won two Golden Globes for her performance.
Although detailed financial records from Long’s time on “Cheers” are not disclosed, it is evident that her compensation increased significantly as the show gained popularity. At the time of her departure in 1987, she was likely earning a substantial salary per episode. She made a guest appearance as Diane in the 1993 series finale.
After leaving “Cheers,” Long pursued various television and film projects. In 1990, she starred in the miniseries “Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase,” showcasing her range as an actress. Specific earnings for this role are not public record, but starring roles in miniseries generally command a respectable fee. In 1992, she was in the fact-based program “Fatal Memories.” From 1993 to 1994, Long starred alongside Treat Williams on the sitcom “Good Advice.” In 1994 and 1996, she reprised her role as Diane Chambers on the “Cheers” spinoff “Frasier”; for her guest appearance in the 1996 episode, she earned an Emmy Award nomination.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Long maintained a steady presence on television, appearing in episodes of “Murphy Brown,” “Boston Common,” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” While specific per-episode fees for these guest appearances are not available, such roles typically provide supplemental income. Long’s recurring role as DeDe Pritchett on “Modern Family” from 2009 to 2018 further contributed to her earnings. While her exact salary for this role remains undisclosed, recurring roles on successful network sitcoms can be financially lucrative.
In film, Long starred in comedies such as “The Money Pit,” “Outrageous Fortune,” and “Troop Beverly Hills,” securing her reputation as a comedic actress. For her performance in “Irreconcilable Differences,” Long received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical in 1984. She also starred in “The Brady Bunch Movie” and “A Very Brady Sequel.” Her role in Robert Altman’s “Dr. T & the Women” added to her filmography and income. The specific financial details of these film roles are not publicly available.
Real Estate and Personal Investments
Shelley Long’s real estate holdings include a condo in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, purchased in November 1994 for $335,000. This property is currently estimated to be worth $1.5 million. The appreciation in value represents a significant increase in her net worth over the past few decades. While details of other investments are not publicly accessible, it is reasonable to assume that Long has diversified her assets through various investment vehicles. In the 70s, Long married her first husband, Ken Solomon; they divorced after a few years. She subsequently met securities broker Bruce Tyson, whom she wed in 1981. It is unknown if she still works with any securities brokers or if her investments are handled by a financial advisor.
Shelley Long’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on August 23, 1949, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Shelley Long’s early life provided a foundation for her future success. As a teen, she went to South Side High School, where she was active on the speech team. In 1967, she won the National Forensic League’s National Championship in Original Oratory. She attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, to study drama, but left to pursue a career in modeling and acting. She initially earned income in Chicago through modeling, commercials, and her work with the Second City comedy troupe. The specific amounts she earned during this period are not publicly documented. However, these early experiences laid the groundwork for her future acting career. Her early work included producing, writing, and co-hosting the local Chicago television program “Sorting it Out”. Long went on to appear in episodes of a number of television shows throughout the late 70s and early 80s, including “The Love Boat,” “Family,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” and “M*A*S*H.” She was also in the television films “The Cracker Factory,” “The Promise of Love,” and “The Princess and the Cabbie.”
Long met securities broker Bruce Tyson, whom she wed in 1981. The pair had a daughter named Juliana, and later divorced in 2004.