What do you get when you mix the cool, easygoing charisma of Henry Winkler with the unpredictable, scene-stealing energy of a young Michael Keaton? The result is nothing short of pure comedic magic. Released in 1982 and directed by Ron Howard, Night Shift quickly cemented itself as a cult favorite among ’80s comedy lovers.
Filled with big names, memorable cameos, and behind-the-scenes tidbits that continue to fascinate fans, Night Shift not only kickstarted Michael Keaton’s film career, but it also showcased Ron Howard’s emerging talent as a filmmaker. It’s a movie brimming with bizarre adventures, offbeat humor, and a surprising cameo by a then-unknown Kevin Costner—not to mention a particularly delightful “kitchen moment” courtesy of Shelley Long.
Ready to revisit this classic? Let’s jump into some of the most intriguing secrets behind Night Shift and find out why it still resonates with audiences today.
1. A Morgue, a Business Venture, and a Lot of Mayhem
Night Shift takes place in a New York City morgue, where mild-mannered Chuck Lumley (Henry Winkler) finds himself working the graveyard shift. Enter Bill Blazejowski (Michael Keaton), his eccentric and wildly ambitious coworker who dreams big—no matter how outrageous the plan.
When the pair stumbles upon an unexpected business opportunity—using the morgue as a secret base for a high-end escort service—they’re catapulted into one hilarious situation after another. From transforming a place of the dead into a hot spot for lively escapades, to navigating the moral and legal pitfalls of their new scheme, every twist pushes the boundaries of comedy.
What makes Night Shift a standout is more than just the unconventional storyline; it’s the dynamic chemistry among its three leads. Henry Winkler, Michael Keaton, and Shelley Long each bring an endearing spark to their characters, making the film a joy to watch.
2. The Birth of a Breakout Star: Michael Keaton
It’s impossible to talk about Night Shift without shining a spotlight on Michael Keaton’s breakthrough performance. Before taking on the role of Bill Blazejowski, Keaton was relatively unknown, having appeared only in a minor comedy film and a short-lived CBS series, Report to Murphy.
Keaton later recalled the grueling process of auditioning for the part:
3. Henry Winkler’s Generous Support
By 1982, Henry Winkler was already a household name from his role as “The Fonz” on Happy Days. Given his high profile, the production team let Winkler pick which Night Shift character he wanted to play. He surprised everyone by choosing the more subdued Chuck Lumley—intentionally steering away from his familiar “tough guy” image.
This decision not only demonstrated Winkler’s range but also opened the door for Keaton to showcase his comedic prowess in the flashier role of Bill. According to director Ron Howard:
5. Improvisation Gold
One of Night Shift’s most memorable—and hysterical—bits of improvisation happens when Chuck and Bill encounter a blind man asking for spare change. Instead of handing him loose coins, Bill casually writes out a check. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but it embodies the offbeat humor that Keaton brought to the role.
6. Ron Howard’s Cameo and Other Familiar Faces
While Night Shift is known as Ron Howard’s big transition from actor to director, old habits die hard. Eagle-eyed viewers can spot Howard and his wife, Cheryl, sharing a kiss in front of Chuck’s apartment building. That’s not the only cameo; the annoying saxophonist you see in a subway scene? That’s Ron Howard himself making another sly appearance.
Moreover, no Ron Howard film is complete without a cameo from his brother, Clint Howard, who appears as Jeffrey, a quirky supporting character. These little Howard family Easter eggs have become a tradition in many of Ron’s projects.
7. Kevin Costner’s Blink-and-You-Miss-It Appearance
Before winning Oscars and becoming a leading man, Kevin Costner had a fleeting role in Night Shift. During a raucous morgue party scene, Costner can be spotted as a frat boy with a cup in hand, wearing a checkered shirt and a collegiate sweater around his waist. He doesn’t utter a single line, but it’s a fun “Where’s Waldo?” moment for fans who know his face from later hits like The Untouchables and Dances with Wolves.
And if Kevin Costner wasn’t enough, a very young Shannen Doherty also pops up as a Girl Scout-like “Blue Bell” in an elevator scene—delivering just a single line that marked her first big-screen appearance.
