The iconic TV show "Cheers" presented a camaraderie that resonated with audiences, but behind the scenes, not everything was as harmonious as it seemed.
One particular point of tension involved Ted Danson's concerns about his co-star Shelley Long and her struggles on set.
While the chemistry among most of the cast and crew was strong, Kelsey Grammer hinted at tensions caused by Long, even with the producers. Danson, in particular, had specific complaints about Long, shedding light on a less-than-perfect working relationship during their time on "Cheers."
Shelley Long initially expressed her dissatisfaction with Kelsey Grammer's character, Frasier Crane, feeling it mirrored her own and encroached on her character Diane Chambers. According to Grammer, Long's frequent complaints irritated producers, leading to tension on set. In his autobiography, Grammer even suggested that Frasier Crane's extended presence on the show might have been intentional to irk Long.
However, show writer Ken Levine refuted this claim, emphasizing that Grammer earned his spot on the show through his excellent performance. The dynamics between Frasier Crane and the other characters convinced everyone that he was a valuable addition to the cast.
Long, in turn, revealed that Ted Danson became frustrated with her, specifically over her ability to hit her marks on time. During a 1992 interview, Long acknowledged Danson's irritation, stating that while they never had significant fights, there was a notable incident where Danson expressed his frustration. Danson believed Long's timing was off, and the complexity of the outfits she had to wear made it challenging for her to arrive on set promptly. Despite Long's efforts to address the issue, it persisted.
In response to Danson's frustration, Long mentioned making adjustments to her routine but acknowledged that it might not have been sufficient for Danson's expectations. Despite the challenges, Long affirmed her positive feelings toward Danson, stating, "I liked Ted, and I still like Ted."
While Danson may have had his concerns, the writers of "Cheers" praised Shelley Long's acting prowess. According to David Isaacs, Long's physicality and comedic talent were exceptional, ranking her just below Lucille Ball. Ken Levine admired how Long managed to make her character, Diane, lovable, vulnerable, and funny, despite the character's arrogance and neuroses. Despite the behind-the-scenes challenges, Shelley Long's contribution to "Cheers" remains celebrated by those who recognize her talent and unique portrayal of Diane Chambers.
