Whatever Happened to CYNTHIA GEARY....Shelly Tambo from TV's "NORTHERN EXPOSURE"?

Cynthia Geary starred in one of the best television shows of the 1990s as Shelly Tambo from the CBS Television Show "Northern Exposure". In this video, I discuss how she ended up landing that role, as well as what she's been doing with her life after that show went off the air. #CynthiaGeary #NorthernExposure #ShellyTambo

[@brentstantonfun]

I actually worked on the series. It was such a pleasure to work on. But I can almost guarantee that there won’t be a reboot. The two main actors hated one another in real life. And if you can imagine what work ethics they both had and their backgrounds, you might begin to understand why. One coming from Tx beauty pageants and the other from NY theater. It was a clash that disrupted shooting often and since their characters were in so many scenes together, it was something the crew all knew about and were eyeful of. Cynthia was a Jem. Just a delight. I’m glad she’s found a balance between a career and personal life. So many don’t. As for the music being a major factor? Yes. Music rights are negotiated over time. The musical artists get paid via those contracts. Renewing the rights to all those songs just hasn’t been something that’s cost effective. They never predicted the distribution Chanel’s we have today. Many shows you no longer see because of this. So if you like a series, I suggest you purchase the box sets as soon as you can. Again, this was a great show to work on. It was my first and I was blessed. I’d love to see another show just like it again.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Brent, thanks for sharing this additional insight! I’m sure it was a great experience working on the set of such a great show. It’s too bad that Morrow and Turner didn’t get along.

[@jeffreysahaida1111]

I follow Janine Turner, not as a personal friend but just to follow and she said in the past. Rob Morrow was talking about a reboot, but just talk. I don't think it would work either. Everyone wanted the show to be the same and it can't be. Everyone is older including us. Many never heard of the show. Maybe if they just make a tv movie for Netflix or Hulu to tie up loose ends?

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@smoothALOE]

I’m guessing you mean Janine Turner and Rob Morrow when you mention the two main characters. I’ve met and spoken with Janine and she was very nice. I’ve also heard that Rob was not fun to work with, either. So, based on all that, I’d have to take her side if they weren’t getting along, haha!

[@janetdavis3872]

I hate hearing they didn't get along in real life. They were so incredible together on-screen. But I love both the actors and only wish the best for them and the whole cast.

[@rawbacon]

It's interesting to see that 2 of the older main characters Holling and Maurice are still alive in real life.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@mariangarrett8254VintageDoll]

I’m starting to think Holland will live to 120😊

[@johndenicola6173]

There is an episode where Shelley could not speak but could only sing. We recently bought the complete dvd set of Northern Exposure episodes, didn’t remember any of the episodes, only the characters. In this episode, Cynthia Geary sang a song called “My Little Bunny Face” where she sings to her unborn baby while standing next to a cradle (John Mccullum accompanies her). Both my wife and I were so teary eyed by the end of the song… for we are expecting our first Grandchild from our first child. ❤ NE was one of those rare shows where the writers had a true feel good vibe about it regardless of the conflicts certain characters would have. I’m so glad we have the DVD set!

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Great comments!

[@donnaparsons4371]

One of my favorite episodes too

[@figmo397]

She and the rest of the cast were excellent. What I especially liked about the series was how most of the cast weren't typical Hollywood-looking folks. I wish more series were like that.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

I completely agree! Thanks for watching my video!

[@ZooomaCW]

I. LOVE. THIS. SHOW! I've been watching my way through The Middle and John Cullum would appear once a season or so. I've always loved seeing Northern Exposure cast members in whatever else they've done since. Cynthia Geary was one piece of a such a great ensemble. It'll be a joy to watch this one thru once again. I've got it ready so maybe this winter!

[@stephensundstrom6379]

I wish I could find this series on a streaming service. I’d even buy the digital version on iTunes. I’ve kind of moved away from dvd, but might relent and buy it.

[@sevenirises]

I was living in Seattle at the time of this show. It was a great time and there was nothing on tv that captured the simplistic magic of life like Northern Exposure... nor has there been since. I would love to see a reboot and I think it would be well accepted. One of my favorite Cynthia Geary episodes was when she ran into her future daughter at the laundry mat. So tender and loving and you knew she'd be a great mom.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@angelcitystudio]

I lived in Seattle at the time as well. We used to go to The Phoenix Underground... Owned by John Corbett... where they would all hang out sometimes. And then we'd stop in Roslyn on our way to the Gorge for concerts. I miss those days SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!

[@TrailBlazer5280]

Thats so cool, it would be awesome to visit Roslyn one day. That is also one of my favorite episodes

[@savedfaves]

She is so beautiful. Not just physically, which she is, but her beauty shines through.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@smoothALOE]

When I first watched this series, her character got on my nerves, but as the role expanded, she grew on me in a positive way.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@theminutebible873]

Northern Exposure was the right show at the right time. I can't think of another time before or since that would have led to its success. I would love to see a reunion, but I don't think I would be that interested in a reboot. I think Shelly's personality would be the most difficult to work into a character 30 years older since she so brilliantly walked a tightrope between naive and very worldly minded at the same time... Thirty years on I think it would be interesting to see her now being the mature level headed one in the bunch... having learned the hard way too many times.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@moonbaked3247]

I watched NE in the '90s and loved it so much. I am now re-watching it (on season 3 now) and it takes me back. I think I need a trip to Alaska. :)

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@hippojuice23]

..or Roslyn Wa!

[@ZooomaCW]

Just go to Roslyn. Talkeetna, Alaska, the primary inspiration for Cicely and the show, is so totally different in its own wonderful way.

[@tananario]

You do know that we Alaskans kinda hated this thing, right?

[@moonbaked3247]

@@tananario I did not know that. Any reason why?

[@TheChristafershawn]

There are few shows that I could stomach in my early twenties but this was one of them. Good to see another video from you

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Thanks Chris!

[@ZooomaCW]

That's about how old I was when Northern Exposure was on. I absolutely did not watch that much TV. You could show me the Top 20 ratings for the same time period and there'd be shows I didn't even know existed. But Northern Exposure was one of the only I watched back then, whenever those years were.

[@savedfaves]

3:04 lower centre is a movie called Smoke Signals. It’s very much a movie with a similar vibe to Northern Exposure. Well worth watching, check it out sometime.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍. Thanks, I plan to!

[@ericscottstevens]

Originally Shelly was supposed to be Native American descent until Geary auditioned for the role. She was from Mississippi and John Cullum from Tennessee. So they were southerners where the dialogue connected in various degrees. The only hang up is if you pay attention John Cullum has a Knoxville accent that not always transferred as Holling was from Quebec. The Tambo name probably was Tambeaux so she and character Holling both had the Quebec ancestry. Cynthia said her favorite episode was where she sang her lines. Her best episode and saddest was near the end of the show when she meets her daughter in various stages in the future.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Great comments! Thanks for watching my video!

[@ytcomms3945]

The Episode where she met her daughter at the Laundromat at three stages of the girl's life was not sad at all in Series Five. The girl told her that she was born in the bar during happy hour in the upstairs little room so Shelly chose not to fly to the hospital and Doctor Fleishman helped her deliver her little baby girl fast and most successfully to the delight of the bar refulars.

[@stewiegriffinfan1986]

Out of all the characters from Northern Exposure, Shelly was the most likable of the bunch. Whether it was her unique fashion sense or her whirlwind romance with the much-older Holling (which in 2022 seems to be as problematic as it was in the early '90s), Cynthia Geary's performance kept us entertained and captured our hearts by bringing charm and wit into the role. I still remember the episode where Shelly meets her future child at various stages of life. I always thought that episode was trippy. My mom says it feels exactly like that. Anyway, it's nice to know that Cynthia is doing well in her post-Northern Exposure life and I'm still waiting for the reboot to happen so we could meet our favorite residents of Cicely, Alaska, one more time. Fingers crossed! 🤞🏻 Thanks for the update, Steve! I have a seriously important question for you. What are your thoughts on the passings of Olivia Newton-John and Anne Heche?

[@stephensundstrom6379]

I was so saddened to hear of both of their passings. Olivia Newton John was so great in all her movies!

[@heather000burton]

Man I LOVE Northern Exposure! I would LOVE to see a reboot Of that. ❤❤❤

[@stephensundstrom6379]

I would as well. Thanks for watching my video!

[@OIII-IOOO]

just fyi, it’s finally being streamed on prime…all six seasons.

[@Fastlanedann]

I love the character "Sherry Tambo", Cynthia Feary was perfectly cast for the role. She brings out all the features of a Young, pretty, innocent, a young girls of that era.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@drbassface]

The episode where Shelly gets addicted to the Home Shopping Network comes to mind. Great show. Great Characters!

[@stephensundstrom6379]

I remember that episode! Thanks for watching my video and for sharing your thoughts!

[@exiledsonofhawaii3934]

I was a big fan of NE although I never watched it until 2011. I never liked Shelley in the show, but from interviews I've seen Cynthia seems like a super sweet person.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@jeffreysahaida1111]

My fave episode was when Hollings installed a satellite tv, and Shelly because a tv addict. Bought lots of items on a shopping netrowk and Spoke in foreign languages because she picked up Russian tv.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Jeff...thanks for watching my video and sharing your comments! Have a great weekend!

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

Thanks Stephen! 😉📺🙏👍

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍 You are very welcome!

[@Jared_Wignall]

It’s always interesting to find out what happened to those who were in popular shows and films only to either not being seen as much or just leave the entertainment world entirely.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@ducky5567]

I Loves This Show!!!❤

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@DavidDatura]

I really loved Northern Exposure at the time. Easily my favorite show of the early 90s. I have the entire show on DVD, but can’t watch it anymore due to relatively recently upgrading to a big screen smart TV. There’s no way to connect my DVD player to it. I’ve searched to find if it’s streaming somewhere, but to no avail 🤷‍♂️ anyway, I’m very glad to hear that Cynthia Geary continues to get regular work as an actor. She’s done a lot of stuff! None of which I’ve heard of 😆 maybe because I live abroad and not the States?

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@VivisPal]

If your DVD player doesn't have HDMI output, you can easily get an RCA to HDMI converter pretty cheaply and plug your DVD player in that way. Or spring for a bluray player, they're not that expensive any more.

[@DavidDatura]

@@VivisPal thanks for the advice. I’ll check out the adapter route I think, as BluRay players are simply not available in my part of the world anymore, and haven’t been for years! 🤷‍♂️

[@matthewclark9652]

Cynthia sang the remake of the late Al Wilson 1968 song "The Snake" at the bar on a "Northern Exposure" episode. Shelly also sang another song in another episode but not sure which song. Actress Teri Polo joined the cast when Rob Morrow left in 1995 for the final 8 episodes until August of 1995 when it ended.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

I remember that episode where she sang "The Snake". She did a great job of that song. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for watching my video!

[@Barbara-jq2se]

Wow, that’s interesting that Cynthia Geary actually took up living there, in Roslyn Washington? Hmm. That’s a difference/chance alright. I once lived for a few yrs in Minnedosa MB, that nearly drove me nuts! There’s nothing=> I mean nothing whatsoever to keep you from going insane! Some people think it’s a lovely valley but I’d have them live in my body & mind & then ask if they really thought it was a great place to live?! That was then, this is now. Wheww! Outta there! Don’t miss the place 1iota!

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@jdsundstrom]

Another great one Steve!

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Thanks Dave!

[@thedailydanblog247]

I loved northern exposure awesome show

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Thanks Dan!

[@tracyroth-myers5574]

NE was my favourite tv show from that time.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@master-kq3nw]

she is beatuful

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Agreed!

[@jimheckert5383]

Great video. Fantastic cast. The Best. Thanks 🇺🇸🍀🇺🇸

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@jamesodell4249]

I do remember her in 8 seconds that is a good movie.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

I totally agree! Thanks for watching my video!

[@edreid7872]

Whatever happened to the show period? With all of these wonderful retro channels, you never see it in repeats. I heard it has something to do with the music played at the radio station on the show, which I vaguely remember..along with Moonlighting and Thirtysomething. I'd love to see these shows again.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

I’m right there with ya Ed! I want to see Northern Exposure on a streaming service with the original soundtrack.

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

@@stephensundstrom6379😀💽👍☕

[@cherylstolz2513]

We catch it on the APTN channel in Canada

[@unappreciatedtreehouse821]

8 Seconds was actually a pretty good movie. I happened to watch it at a family members house. I would have never chose it on my own. I hated 90210.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

I enjoyed 8 Seconds as well! Thanks for watching my video!

[@user-iw3np1sv3x]

My favorite was when she was ordering stuff from HSN and spent their honeymoon money!

[@stephensundstrom6379]

That was hilarious!

[@papamarkw]

The move from Monday to Wednesday time slot had a very negative effect on their Neilson ratings in the 6th season

[@stephensundstrom6379]

That is true!

[@fatcomicbookguy2246]

Good 👍stuff

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@user-jo8yr1zo9k]

Wow she was a 9-10 on the looks scale, thumb nail pic is Hot! Also mayby im biased but I love the Big hair of the 80's

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@dannystaton5386]

Another 👍

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Thanks Dan! Much appreciated!

[@khriscaplinger4506]

I am very happy to own the complete collection of the show on DVD and Shelly was my favorite on the show but however I liked all of the characters on the show if they did a reboot it probably wouldn't be as good as the original but I wish they would do a northern exposure TV movie to show what ever became of the characters on the show

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@rcrippen]

Alternate gymnast, smoke signals

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@tananario]

Hated this show. I was in college Outside (what we Alaskans actually call “the lower 48. Or at least those of us who grew up here) and people kept asking me about it. I know the ONE Alaska Native who worked on it, he was in ONE episode.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@trishayamada807]

Loved the show but not towards the end. I stopped watching.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@spacemandudley6237]

👁️👃👁️

[@stephensundstrom6379]

👍

[@georgiaayres5805]

I could not watch Northern Exposure.

[@stephensundstrom6379]

That’s too bad!

[@georgiaayres5805]

@@stephensundstrom6379 I think it is more of a personal choice and has nothing to do with the show itself.

[@ZooomaCW]

@@georgiaayres5805 So many of us are that way with something. I can't watch basically any Housewives reality show, or Jersey Shore, or a lot of crap that lower forms of life somehow enjoy lol. We like what we like 👍