As the prim and prudish barmaid Diane Chambers, actress Shelley Long was instrumental in the success of “Cheers” – one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history. Unfortunately, her decision to leave the show at the height of its power to pursue a feature film career marred her popularity, as a string of romantic comedies failed to win over critics or audiences. But her inspired turn as a campy Carole Brady in the surprise hit “The Brady Bunch” sparked new life into her career, before a series of personal setbacks put the actress back in the headlines.

An only child, Long was born a