Movies

Ted Danson Admits He Didn’t Want Shelley Long on Cheers

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Initially, Ted Danson hesitated to choose a specific actress for a crucial role on Cheers, as the main cast members have become so iconic in their roles that it’s difficult to envision anyone else taking over one of the parts that contributed to the show’s 11-season success and its status as a staple of network comedy.

In the TV show “Cheers,” each actor seemed flawlessly suited to their respective characters. The captivating camaraderie among every character combination was truly noteworthy. Interestingly, however, Ted Danson had initially harbored some reservations about casting Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, a fact he shared on his podcast during a conversation with Helen Hunt (as reported by Entertainment Weekly).

In the auditions for Cheers, I initially had reservations about Shelley Long. I thought, “No, no, no. Don’t hire her. It will spoil the show.” However, she proved me wrong from day one, delivering a stellar performance. Despite our contrasting personalities, we found it challenging to converse casually. Yet, when the camera was rolling, it felt like a high-stakes boxing match. Eventually, I grew to adore her wholeheartedly.

In my humble opinion as a film critic, Hunt’s perspective seems to lean towards the idea that the captivating chemistry we witness on screen is primarily a blend of strong performances by talented actors and compelling scripts, accounting for about 80%. However, he also acknowledges that there’s an intangible factor, which he refers to as the ‘ineffable quality’, responsible for the remaining 20%. Danson, on the other hand, presents a contrasting viewpoint, arguing that everything we see on screen – the chemistry, the performances, and even the writing – can be attributed solely to acting and scriptwriting. Using his experience on the iconic sitcom ‘Cheers’ as an example, he suggests that all elements of a successful production can be traced back to these two fundamental aspects.

Indeed, the ever-amiable Danson readily admitted, stating, “[The humor lies in the fact that] it turns out, I was the one who — and this is why no one heeds my advice — they listen to what I say, do just the opposite, and end up thriving.

What Ted Danson’s Comments Suggest About Sam And Diane In Cheers

Chemistry May Not Be As Important As The Writing

Hunt’s idea that perhaps Danson and Shelley Long truly had on-screen chemistry, despite Danson finding it poor off-screen, is equally plausible. After all, their outstanding performances might have been the result of their acting skills combined with an impressive script.

This implies that although Danson played a role in selecting cast members for Cheers, it wasn’t the ultimate decision-making authority. The fact that he was able to express his thoughts and expect them to be considered at such an early stage in his career speaks volumes about the influence he wielded on the set.

His remarks didn’t imply criticism of his co-star, and he emphasized that he did indeed grow fond of her. Instead, he highlighted the fact that their creators, Glen, Les Charles, James Burrows, might have made a different choice based on “chemistry” if it were the primary factor, which could have resulted in us not having Sam and Diane.

Our Take On Ted Danson’s Comments About Shelley Long

It’s A Good Thing The Showrunners Did Not Listen To Danson

Sam and Diane share an inseparable bond, reminiscent of Norm and his favorite bar stool. Their relationship served as one of the pioneering instances of the ongoing ‘will they, won’t they’ romantic dynamic that has since become a cornerstone of television narrative. Despite not ultimately being together in the end, their love throughout the seasons felt as genuine as any other.

It’s quite unexpected to learn that Ted Danson believed he and Shelley Long didn’t get along off-camera. In fact, this revelation only adds to my admiration for their acting abilities. Their on-screen chemistry as Sam and Diane was convincing, and the fact that they were able to sustain it week after week despite not being close in real life is truly impressive.

Danson didn’t express any complaints towards Long, and as he admitted, the joke was on him because the choice to cast Long likely played a significant role in the popularity of Cheers. It’s fine that he hesitated; it’s just fortunate that nobody paid attention to his reservations.

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2025-07-04 21:29

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