Happy 60th Birthday Shelly

I had forgotten on a conscious level, but I must have remembered sub-consciously, because I watched 2 first season episodes on DVD last night.

Happy (belated) Birthday Shelley, and thank you for creating as unique a character as any in the history of the American sitcom.

2 events this summer, though very dissimilar, have been reminders of mortality and the loss of my youth. (I am 43)
(a) Farrah Fawcett's death. In 1976, I was 10 and Farrah ruled 1976! The first stirrings of sexual longings begin, I believe, at around 10 and even if one isn't completely aware of what it all means, in 1976 Farrah was the ultimate for this 10 year old;
(b) Shelley Long turns 60. I was 16 when Cheers premiered. I believe that at 16 you start to become able to appreciate more than just looks. I had a definite crush on Shelley/Diane - and not because she was the most gorgeous woman around, she wasn't, but because she created an intelligent, flawed but incredible character, in my favourite ever sitcom. There was definitely depth there.

So I hope you enjoyed it, Shelley, and if you are remembered for only Diane Chambers, that is still one heck of an acting legacy.

happy bday shelley