Cheers actress Shelley Long stun fans as she makes rare public appearance

Shelley Long took fans by surprise this week when she stepped out to take her pet Chihuahua for a walk.

In photos and footage shared online, the 73-year-old - who played waitress Diane Chambers on Cheers - was captured cheerfully strolling in a cozy pink turtleneck with a black vest and gray sweatpants.

The rare public sighting comes just a few weeks after the 40th anniversary of Cheers, which premiered on September 30, 1982.

Long starred on the show alongside Ted Danson, Kirstie Alley, George Wendt, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer and Woody Harrelson.

Long later went on to play Carol Brady in 1995’s The Brady Bunch Movie and its sequel the following year.

During her successful career, Long struggled with substance abuse and overdosed on painkillers in 2004.

Since then, she had a recurring role in Modern Family.