Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, Ted Danson as Sam Malone on “Cheers.” NBCUniversal via Getty Images Shelley was Danson’s love interest on the sitcom before leaving after Season 5 in 1987.

Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, Ted Danson as Sam Malone on “Cheers.” NBCUniversal via Getty Images Shelley was Danson’s love interest on the sitcom before leaving after Season 5 in 1987.

When a woman named Diane (Shelley Long) comes in needing a job, Sam eventually comes to realize that he has feelings for her. Sam and Diane's relationship is one that fans cling to; a staple of ...

Ted Danson Thought Shelley Long Was a 'Terrible' Fit for “Cheers.” Years Later, He Admits He Was 'Wrong' "I'm okay to be wrong," Danson said Virginia Chamlee Wed, June 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM PDT ...

Danson and Long auditioned for Cheers as a pair, Danson revealed on the Smartless podcast in 2024. Despite being teamed up, Danson still disapproved of Long's acting style, which led to tension on ...

Ted Danson admitted he's "wrong" about a lot — including, initially, about the casting of his Cheers costar Shelley Long Danson recently said his first reaction to the actress being cast on the ...

But Danson revealed on his podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, that he originally did not want Long to take on the role of Diane. Danson also admits that he was wrong.