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Night Shift: Surprising secrets about the 80s cult comedy

What happens when you pair the cool charisma of Henry Winkler with the wild, scene-stealing energy of Michael Keaton? You get pure comedic gold!

Night Shift (1982) wasn’t just Ron Howard’s directorial debut — it was the beginning of a cult classic. Winkler and Keaton’s electric chemistry lights up the screen, Shelley Long brings her irresistible charm, and if you look closely, you might even spot a young Kevin Costner among the chaos….

But the real surprise? Shelley Long’s unforgettable ”magic in the kitchen” moment. Ready to dive into the secrets behind this iconic film? Let’s get started!

From morgue to mayhem

Released in 1982, Night Shift is a quirky comedy classic that introduced audiences to Michael Keaton’s unforgettable charm and showcased Ron Howard’s budding talent as a director.

Set in a New York City morgue, the film follows the unlikely partnership of Chuck Lumley (Henry Winkler), a mild-mannered night shift worker, and Bill Blazejowski (Michael Keaton), his eccentric and wildly ambitious new coworker.

When the two stumble upon an unconventional business opportunity — turning the morgue into a base for a high-end escort service — they find themselves in hilarious and unexpected situations.

What makes this movie stand out isn’t just the clever humor, but the amazing chemistry between the three leads. Each of their characters is incredibly likeable, making it all the more enjoyable to watch.

Callback after callback

Talking about Night Shift without mentioning Michael Keaton is impossible.

Not many people remember the wild and crazy young Michael Keaton, but Night Shift is a perfect snapshot of him in the 1980s — goofy, funny, and undeniably full of charm. The comedy movie was Keaton’s breakthrough role and first major starring part, and he was practically unknown at the time, having only appeared in a B-comedy and a CBS comedy series called Report to Murphy.

”I don’t how many times I had to go back in and audition,” he recalls. ”It was just callback after callback after callback.”

In the end, Keaton managed to convince the writers and producers. With his fast-talking style, broad Irish face, thinning brown hair, and darting green eyes, Keaton was brilliant as Bill “Blaze” Blazejowski. His timing and energy were spot on – but another detail helped too:

“I came along just at the time when the changeover from television to film actors was becoming possible,” Keaton later reflected on his rise to stardom.

To really get into the groove of his character, Michael Keaton would crank up the volume and blast Bruce Springsteen, especially ”10th Avenue Freeze-Out” from the Born to Run album.

On opening day, he recalls, ”I purposely went to see it alone. I wanted to sit right there in the middle of the theater in the afternoon, and it was wonderful. I don’t know any other word to use, to tell you the truth.”

The man who helped Keaton steal the movie

Ron Howard really hit the jackpot when he cast Keaton for Night Shift.

In scene after scene, Keaton upstaged the more seasoned Henry Winkler, who was already a TV star known for his role as “The Fonz.” As critics raved about Keaton’s performance, the door to Hollywood swung wide open for him. But Keaton’s success — and his entire film career — might not have been launched if it weren’t for Henry Winkler’s subtle yet invaluable support.

“Henry was offered either part and he opted for the quieter one,” Ron Howard revealed in an interview with the Boston Globe.

“Then he helped Michael steal the picture. He gave Michael a lot of choices. With some of the bits, he’d tell Michael, ‘I know (you’ll get laughs) if you take this routine one step further.’”

Henry Winkler chose to play the timid morgue director in Night Shift as a deliberate contrast to his iconic, tough-guy character, Fonzie. As he put it on Twitter, ”I thought I’d play Richie Cunningham for once.”

Henry Winkler didn’t like Keaton

t’s surprising that Henry Winkler and Michael Keaton never reunited for another film after Night Shift, given the undeniable chemistry between them. Their dynamic on-screen was hilarious, memorable, and perfectly balanced.

The reason behind their lack of future collaborations may lie in how their relationship began during the filming of Night Shift. When Henry first read with Michael, he wasn’t entirely sure about working with him. As he later reflected, according to Howard: ”The guy’s talented, but I don’t know if I’m comfortable working with him.”

Ron Howard reassured him that this discomfort was actually a good thing, as it mirrored the dynamic between their characters in the film — Chuck was certainly not comfortable with Bill. Over time, their initial unease faded, but that early tension added an authentic, off-balance texture to their onscreen relationship.

Big names that almost landed the iconic role

It’s said that both Kurt Russell and Mickey Rourke auditioned for the role of Bill Blazejowski. And according to Ron Howard, Michael Keaton wasn’t the first choice. They had also tried to recruit John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray for the part, even reaching out to John Candy. However, none of them were interested, either because they felt the role was too small or decided not to pursue it.

”Lowell Ganz, one of the writers, had seen Michael work, and said to me, “Keaton is going to be a star for somebody, and he might as well be a star for us,”” Ron Howard shared.

Improvised scene

Throughout Night Shift, you can’t help but feel like Michael Keaton was just making things up as he went along — he’s got that natural comic genius that brings hilarious, spontaneous moments to life. One of the best improvised moments happens when a blind man asks Winkler and Keaton for spare change, and Keaton’s response? He writes the guy a check. Classic Keaton!

Did you spot Ron Howard in the movie?

Ron Howard clearly nailed his directorial debut, which raked in a solid $21,095,638 at the box office. But the former child actor couldn’t resist making a cameo of his own. If you look closely, you’ll spot Ron and his wife Cheryl sharing a smooch in front of Chuck’s (Henry Winkler) apartment building.

As for the subway scene, that’s Ron Howard himself playing the annoying saxophonist. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Ron Howard film without a cameo from his brother, Clint Howard, who plays the quirky character Jeffrey in the film.

Kevin Costner shows up

Night Shift is packed with familiar faces in some pretty early roles!

Kevin Costner makes a blink-and-you-miss-it appearance as a frat boy at the morgue party. It’s a non-speaking role, but you can spot him rocking a checkered shirt, a college cardigan tied around his waist, and a cup in hand — just hanging out while Michael Keaton does his thing, balancing a bottle on his head.

And then there’s Shannen Doherty, making her first appearance in a feature film as a “Blue Bell” (kind of like a Girl Scout) in an elevator scene, delivering a single line. You wouldn’t have guessed it, but these little moments from future stars add some extra fun to this quirky classic.

The birthplace of an iconic song

Did you know Night Shift was the first place where we heard the classic tune “That’s What Friends Are For”? Originally recorded by Rod Stewart for the 1982 soundtrack, it went on to become a global hit when Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder joined forces in 1986. And not only did their version soar to #1 on the Billboard charts, but it also raised over $3 million for AIDS research.

Meanwhile, the film kicks off with the catchy Night Shift theme by Quarterflash and features classic jams like Van Halen’s “You Really Got Me” and a live version of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones.

Shelley Long didn’t want to play a prostitute

For those who don’t remember or haven’t seen Night Shift, Shelley Long plays Belinda, a sweet but tough prostitute who lives next door to Chuck (Henry Winkler). When her pimp is killed, Belinda teams up with Chuck and Bill (Michael Keaton), who decide to help her by managing her business in a totally wild way.

Ron Howard had taken a liking to Shelley Long after her performance in Caveman (1981). However, when he wanted her for Night Shift (1982), she was off filming another movie in California. Despite this, Howard convinced her to take a short two-day break and come to Hollywood.

During that time, the sweet-faced actress auditioned for the role of Belinda, the female lead, and was asked to return the following day to meet Henry Winkler. Although she was initially hesitant about playing a prostitute, Long took the time to do some research and ultimately accepted the role.

”She came to us dressed like a hooker, read with Henry and was terrific right away. Their scenes were already cooking, even on the videotape,” Ron said.

”The happiest, most wholesome hooker…”

In the early ’80s, comedies about prostitution were unexpectedly popular. Around the same time Night Shift was released, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas—a movie based on the Broadway musical — starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton, also hit theaters. The following summer, Tom Cruise became a star in Risky Business, where he turned his parents’ house into a brothel.

Shelley Long’s portrayal of Belinda, a prostitute who wins Chuck’s heart, was dubbed by critics as ”the happiest, most wholesome hooker you’ll ever see on screen” — with some even joking she could lead a Girl Scout troop.

The classic egg scene

Night Shift is full of little goofs, and one hilarious moment involves Shelley Long’s character, Belinda, making breakfast for Chuck. The scene where Chuck first sees Belinda cooking in her underwear is priceless – and Henry Winkler’s reaction is anything but Fonz-like!

After that, Belinda asks what kind of eggs he wants, and Chuck says scrambled. When she starts cooking, she’s clearly making fried eggs.

Somehow, though, when the eggs are done, she magically pours scrambled eggs onto their plates! It’s pretty obvious she switches it up as Chuck talks to her, but hey, who’s really looking at the eggs when Shelley Long is bringing all that charm?

Shannen Doherty’s character

Here’s another mistake from the film that only those who love details might have noticed: Shannen Doherty’s character is credited as a ”Bluebird,” but Chuck mistakenly calls her a “Bluebell” instead.

Guess he got his birds and flowers mixed up.

”Part of my anatomy he likes”

While her character Belinda was fine with it, Shelley Long wasn’t exactly thrilled to walk around in her underwear. “For me, when the cameras weren’t rolling, it was hard,” she admitted.

She also jokingly asked what her husband thought about her running around in her undies in Night Shift. “He didn’t have trouble with me running around in my skivvies— that’s a part of my anatomy he likes,” she said with a laugh.

The subway mistake

Many scenes in Night Shift were of course filmed in New York, but the morgue was actually built on a specially constructed set in Hollywood, California.

Many parts were shot around Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, like when Bill finds prospective clients outside theaters and when Chuck, Bill, and Belinda run away at the end.

However, there’s a little mistake that sneaked in during the Big Apple scenes.

In one part, Bill says, “this is my stop,” and gets off the subway while Chuck stays on. But if you pay close attention, the sign next to Bill says the train is the Times Square – Grand Central shuttle, which doesn’t make any stops in between.

This is a movie that couldn’t exist with any other cast. The chemistry between Henry Winkler, Shelley Long, and Michael Keaton is pure magic, bringing humor, heart, and unforgettable moments to life. Night Shift isn’t just a comedy — it’s a story of unlikely friendships, personal growth, and finding connection in the most unexpected places.

What’s your favorite moment from this 80s classic? Share this article with your friends and take a nostalgic trip back to one of the funniest films of its time!

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Woman dyes her Great Pyreneese dog bright red so he won’t get stolen

Many dog owners worry about their beloved pets getting stolen. Certain rare and expensive dog breeds can be a serious target for dognapping.

But one woman’s strategy for keeping her dog safe from thieves has generated a lot of buzz and controversy online, with some praising the idea and others questioning the owner’s motives.

Chloe is the owner of a 2-year-old Great Pyreneese dog named Dandy, who has a very unique appearance: he has bright red fur, thanks to pet dye applied by his owner:

@danthebigreddog Damn, Dandy. You’re red!❤️ #clifford #cliffordthebigreddog #bigred #dogsofttiktok #dogmom #dandelion #nostalgia #childrensbooks #funnydog #pawsome ♬ Tasty Carrots by Shou – goalsounds

Her decision to dye Dandy red immediately generated mixed responses on TikTok. Many comments read “poor dog,” wondering if the coloring is healthy, while others have been won over by the dog’s unique looks, comparing him to the character Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Chloe has assured followers that she only uses vegan, pet-safe dye (reportedly Opawz products), and in follow-up videos explained her reasonings for the dog’s dramatic makeover.

@danthebigreddog Reply to @cschubach979 this is for you and anyone else asking why? Because we can! That’s why. 🙂 #cliffordthebigreddog #LevisMusicProject #fyp #cute ♬ Island In The Sun – Weezer

She said part of the reason was to “keep him from getting stolen,” as the Great Pyreneese pup is a “rare breed in [her] area.”

Chloe also wrote that Dan seems to enjoy his new shade, as he “loves people and kids” and the red dye apparently makes the dog “more approachable.”

She also said she wanted to “educate others on safe pet dye practices,” and in other videos instructs followers how to dye their own dogs.

Dandy’s TikTok videos — which have amassed 10 million likes and over 318,000 followers on TikTok — have continued to generate debate.

Detractors have questioned Chloe’s intentions, pointing out that the dye would be unlikely to detract would-be dognappers and was just to get attention online.

But supporters have pointed out that Dandy seems to be a happy and well-cared for dog, doesn’t understand what color he is, and that the owner has a right to dye her dog for whatever reason as long as it’s safe and humane.

Dandy’s TikTok, despite its popularity, has been inactive since February. On his Instagram, the most recent post is from July — and it shows Dandy back to his natural fur color, with the dye faded:

Chloe wrote that he “needs a touch up,” and said that he would be “red soon,” and it’s unclear what color Dandy is currently.

But a notable number of the comments urged her not to re-dye the dog, preferring Dandy in his “true colors.”

What do you think of this decision to dye Dandy bright red? Is it a fun way to keep the dog safe from kidnappers, or unnecessary and poor treatment?

Please share this story, and be sure to comment with your thoughts.

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Donald Trump’s ‘unfireable’ aide earns new, cruel nickname

Have you ever heard of Natalie Harp?

She may not be the most well-known figure in Donald Trump’s inner circle, but her influence is undeniable.

In fact, she’s considered so indispensable that she’s been dubbed “unfireable”.

Who is Natalie Harp?

According to some, there are several successful strategies for getting close to Donald Trump and landing a job with him, writes The Guardian. One of them? Be young, blonde, and so obsessed with the president that even the Secret Service finds it a little weird.

That strategy certainly seems to have paid off for Natalie Harp, a former far-right cable host who is now an official aide to Trump.

So, who exactly is Natalie Harp, the woman who appears to be getting closer and closer to the POTUS?

What we do know is that she was born in 1991, which means she is 33-34 years old. Harp comes from a conservative Christian family in California.

Her father is an estate agent who founded a marketing and branding consultancy for travel companies and was the head of an ”office of innovation” at a private Christian university.

From 2009 to 2012, Natalie studied at Point Loma Nazarene University, a Christian liberal arts college in San Diego. In 2015, she graduated with an MBA from Liberty University, an evangelical college in Virginia.

With Trump on his daily golf outings

In 2019 Harp, a bone cancer survivor, stated in an interview with Fox News that Trump’s ”Right to Try” law had saved her from dying from the disease.

She later joined his presidential campaign and spoke at the Republican National Convention, comparing Trump to George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life, saying, “Without you, I’d have died waiting for [experimental drugs] to be approved.”

Her claims were questioned by experts, including former FDA official Peter Lurie and health sciences professor Jeremy Snyder, who noted that she had received an FDA-approved immunotherapy drug for an unapproved use — something that was already allowed before Right to Try.

After the election, Harp became an anchor for One America News Network, a far-right, pro-Trump cable channel known for spreading conspiracy theories. She repeatedly promoted Trump’s false claim that the election had been stolen.

In 2022, she left the network to join his communications team. The Washington Post reported that she often accompanied Trump on his daily golf outings, riding in a golf cart equipped with a laptop and printer to show him favorable news articles and online posts.

Harp later joined Trump’s 2024 campaign. The Bulwark reported that she was responsible for posting a controversial video referencing a “unified Reich” on his Truth Social account, which was deleted hours later. She also posted messages on his behalf and sent heated texts in his name to a major campaign donor, complaining about those running her super PAC. At the time, the group was spending millions on Trump’s campaign ads across key states.

Natalie Harp nickname

Natalie Harp has earned the nickname “Human Printer” due to her role in printing out news clips for the president, often following Trump around with a portable printer and battery pack — even sometimes running after him on the golf course — to hand him hard copies of flattering coverage.

According to The Times, which interviewed several anonymous sources, Harp’s primary role was to deliver unchallenged, highly favorable news about Trump, much of which comes from Gateway Pundit, a far-right site known for spreading conspiracy theories and false information.

In his upcoming book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power, Axios reporter Alex Isenstadt details how Harp managed to insert herself into Trump’s inner circle. At times, she crossed boundaries she shouldn’t have, as revealed in excerpts shared by Daily Mail.

“Harp didn’t do well with boundaries,” Isenstadt wrote.

“There was the time when a surprised Melania Trump stumbled upon Harp late at night in Trump’s private quarters at Mar-a-Lago, an area that was typically off-limits to those outside Trump’s family.”

“Harp was there to deliver Trump some documents and didn’t want to wait until the morning to give them to him,” Isenstadt explained.

And in excerpts from Michael Wolff’s new book on Trump, the ”Natalie situation” once escalated to the point where Secret Service agents considered her ”a potential danger to herself as well as to the president.”

In another eyebrow-raising display, Isenstadt wrote that Harp wandered into Trump’s unoccupied bedroom when on board “Trump Force One” when the plane was being used as a decoy.

New nickname

One can have different opinions about calling Natalie a ”walking printer” – some think it’s a bit harsh, while others see it as an innocent remark relating to her dedication.

However, it seems that Natalie has now earned a new, somewhat harsher label: Harp’s devotion during the campaign led to her being called ”Fatal Attraction,” with rivals comparing her to Glenn Close’s psychotic character, Alex Forrest.

”Before long, Trump advisers jokingly began to compare Harp to Alex Forrest, the character played by Glenn Close in the 1987 movie Fatal Attraction,” Isenstadt writes in his book.

”Forrest had become obsessed with a married man and, in the film’s most memorable scene, broke into his house and boiled the family’s pet rabbit,” he added.

While sources characterized Harp as the campaign’s biggest ”migraine,” her behavior didn’t spook Trump, who brought her from Florida to the White House.

”Harp was his Girl Friday,” Isenstadt wrote.

”If Trump wanted to publish a flame-throwing post on Truth Social? Natalie was there to send it through. If he wanted to read a fawning but factually dicey story in a Trump-aligned media outlet? Natalie was there to print it out. If Trump wanted to send some random news article to a Republican member of Congress? Natalie was there to text it to them,” the author continued.

”As much as those in the senior ranks wanted Natalie gone, they knew she was unfireable,” he said.

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Why you should be eating chicken gizzards

Chicken gizzards might just be the best-kept secret in the food world.

They’re packed with nutrients, insanely affordable, and ridiculously delicious when prepared right. Yet, so many people ignore them just because they fall under the category of “offal”—a term that unfairly makes them sound unappetizing.

If you’ve never given chicken gizzards a shot, you’re missing out on a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and minerals that can fuel your body without draining your wallet. Let’s dive into why these underrated gems deserve a permanent spot on your plate.

What Even Is a Chicken Gizzard?

Think of the gizzard as the bird’s natural food processor. Birds don’t have teeth, so instead of chewing, their food moves through the crop (a storage pouch) and then into the gizzard, which acts as a super-strong grinder. Thanks to its thick, muscular walls, it pulverizes seeds and grains, making digestion possible.

The result? A lean, flavorful cut of meat with a dense, chewy texture that becomes incredibly tender when cooked the right way.

Why You Should Eat Chicken Gizzards

1. They’re a Protein Powerhouse

Gizzards are loaded with protein—around 20 grams per 3-ounce serving. Whether you’re a gym rat, an athlete, or just trying to build muscle, they’re a fantastic (and cheap!) protein source.

2. Low in Fat, High in Gains

Unlike some other meats, chicken gizzards are super lean, containing less than 3 grams of fat per serving. This makes them a great choice for anyone watching their calorie intake or aiming for a heart-healthy diet.

3. Packed With Essential Vitamins

Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function, red blood cell production, and energy levels.
Niacin: Boosts metabolism, improves skin health, and supports heart health.
Choline: Crucial for brain health, liver function, and fetal development during pregnancy.

4. Rich in Iron and Minerals

Iron helps prevent anemia and keeps your energy levels up, while selenium and zinc support your immune system and promote healing. If you’re prone to iron deficiency, gizzards can be a game-changer. Gizzards are also a good source of vitamin C, riboflavin, magnesium, copper and manganese.

5. They’re Crazy Cheap

In a world where meat prices are skyrocketing, chicken gizzards remain one of the most budget-friendly protein sources out there. You can often grab a pound for just a few bucks—making them perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to save money without sacrificing nutrition.

How to Cook Chicken Gizzards (Without Screwing Them Up)

If you’ve never cooked gizzards before, don’t worry. They’re incredibly versatile, and with the right technique, they turn out chef’s kiss delicious.

1. Boil & Stew for Ultimate Tenderness

Gizzards can be tough, but a slow simmer makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender. Boil them for 30-45 minutes with salt, garlic, and spices, then toss them into soups or stews.

2. Deep-Fry for Crispy Goodness

Want something crunchy? Coat gizzards in seasoned flour, fry until golden brown, and dip them in your favorite sauce. They’re basically the ultimate bar snack.

3. Sauté or Stir-Fry for Quick & Easy Flavor

Slice boiled gizzards and toss them in a hot pan with onions, bell peppers, and spices. The result? A high-protein stir-fry that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

4. Grill for Smoky Perfection

Marinate gizzards in soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar, then grill them to smoky, charred perfection. Serve with grilled veggies or a dipping sauce.

5. Slow-Cook for Fall-Apart Tenderness

Throw gizzards in a slow cooker with broth, herbs, and veggies, and let them do their thing for a few hours. The longer they cook, the softer they get.

Must-Try Gizzard Recipes

Gizzard Adobo: A Filipino favorite—simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for a tangy, savory dish.
Spicy Stir-Fried Gizzards: Tossed in chili sauce with veggies for a kick of heat.
Gizzard Soup: A hearty, comforting broth loaded with tender gizzards and root vegetables.
Gizzard Tacos: Crispy, spicy gizzards stuffed in warm tortillas with salsa and lime.
Gizzard Salad: A protein-packed salad with greens, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing.

The Only Drawback? The Texture (But You Can Fix That!)

Not gonna lie—if you’re new to gizzards, the chewy texture might take some getting used to. But if you cook them properly (boil first, then crisp up or stew), they become tender and juicy.

Also, like with anything, moderation is key. Gizzards contain cholesterol, so if you’re on a strict low-cholesterol diet, you might want to enjoy them in moderation.

Are There Any Risks?

Few studies have been conducted on gizzards in particular. As Medical News Today notes, some organ meats are high in saturated fat. If your cholesterol levels are above normal, enjoy these foods in moderation. Gizzards, though, have ‌less than one gram of saturated fat per serving‌, so they’re unlikely to affect blood cholesterol levels or cardiovascular health.

Researchers also point out that ‌organ meats contain purines‌ and should be avoided by people with gout. These organic compounds raise uric acid levels and may trigger gout attacks.

If you think you’re eating too much chicken, including gizzards, consider switching to ‌organic brands.‌ Farmers often use antibiotics to prevent disease in chickens. A diet rich in poultry may promote the development of drug-resistant bacteria, which claim more than 23,000 lives in the United States each year, according to The Guardian. The only way to mitigate these risks is to go organic.

Bottom Line: Give Gizzards a Chance!

If you’re looking for a high-protein, nutrient-dense, and super affordable meat option, organic chicken gizzards are the way to go. They’re easy to cook, incredibly versatile, and way too underrated.

Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a pack and try one of these cooking methods. You might just discover your new favorite budget-friendly protein!

Would you try chicken gizzards? Let us know in the comments!