Ted Danson Thought Shelley Long Was a ‘Terrible’ Fit for “Cheers.” Years Later, He Admits He Was ‘Wrong’

Ted Danson, the renowned actor, recently revealed an interesting anecdote regarding his initial thoughts on his Cheers co-star, Shelley Long. Despite initially believing that Long was not a suitable fit for the show, Danson later admitted that he was mistaken in his judgement. The revelation came during an episode of SiriusXM’s Where Everybody Knows Your Name, where Danson, now 77, shared his propensity for being wrong, particularly when it came to casting decisions.

He confessed that his reputation on the set of Cheers was such that if he recommended something, it often turned out to be the wrong choice. Reflecting on his first reaction to Shelley Long’s casting, Danson recalled thinking, “Oh, no, not Shelley Long. That’d be, that’s all wrong. She’d be terrible for that.” However, he acknowledged his error and praised Long for her exceptional performance, describing her as an instant brilliant character actor who did a phenomenal job.

Danson’s humility in admitting his misjudgement is a refreshing reminder of the importance of being open to reconsidering one’s opinions. He shared that he enjoys having an opinion, even if it often turns out to be incorrect, as it allows for growth and learning from past mistakes. The actor’s willingness to acknowledge his initial reservations about Long’s suitability for Cheers demonstrates a valuable lesson in humility and self-awareness.

In a candid interview on the SmartLess podcast with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, Danson opened up about his challenging dynamic with Long off-screen. Despite their differences in style and approach, Danson highlighted the success of their collaboration on Cheers, attributing it to the contrasting yet complementary nature of their working relationship. Their ability to push each other creatively ultimately led to a successful on-screen partnership that captivated audiences.

Danson’s reflections on his initial reservations about Long and their subsequent successful collaboration serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of human interactions and the importance of embracing differences. His journey from doubting Long’s suitability for Cheers to recognising her brilliance as a performer exemplifies the transformative power of humility and open-mindedness. In the world of entertainment, where creative partnerships are essential, Danson’s experience offers a valuable lesson in the art of collaboration and growth.

As Ted Danson continues to reflect on his career and experiences in the entertainment industry, his candid revelations about his initial doubts regarding Shelley Long’s casting serve as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of creativity and collaboration. With a career spanning decades, Danson’s willingness to acknowledge his mistakes and celebrate his co-stars’ talents reflects a humility that resonates with audiences and industry professionals alike. His journey from scepticism to admiration is a reminder that sometimes, our initial impressions may not always reflect the true potential and talent of those around us.

In conclusion, Ted Danson’s admission of error in initially doubting Shelley Long’s suitability for Cheers offers a poignant reminder of the value of humility and self-reflection in the entertainment industry. As actors, producers, and creatives navigate the complexities of collaboration, Danson’s openness to reconsidering his opinions serves as a powerful example of growth and learning. Through his candid reflections, Danson invites audiences to embrace the beauty of imperfection and the transformative power of acknowledging and learning from our mistakes.