Surviving Main Actors from 1984’s Night Court

Ellen Foley is a rare multi-talent in the world of entertainment, standing out as both a prominent sitcom star and a popular singer. Foley made a significant impact during Season 2 of “Night Court,” where she played the character of public defender Billie Young. Her role saw her getting close to Judge Harry T. Stone, portrayed by Harry Anderson. Despite joining the show for just one season, Foley’s presence was felt strongly.

By the time she graced the “Night Court” set, Foley was already a well-known singer and musical performer. Reflecting on her time on the show, she fondly remembered working with Selma Diamond, who played Selma Hacker. “Selma Diamond was fantastic!” Foley shared with the Bay Area Reporter. “She was so funny and so acerbic. I remember her actually being supportive of me. I was in LA in a situation with a boyfriend in New York, and she goes, ‘What are you doing? You’re Ellen Foley!’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, you’re right Selma Diamond, I am Ellen Foley!’

Beyond her television career, Foley is immensely recognized for her musical contributions, particularly her collaborations with rocker Meat Loaf and his partner, Jim Steinman. Her association with them began in the mid-1970s, leading to her involvement in several iconic Meat Loaf tracks. One of the standout pieces from their collaboration is the famous duet “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.”

Discussing the iconic song in an interview with Variety, Foley recalled the excitement of recording it. “Of course I was so excited because I had never sung on a record before, and I loved Meat Loaf and Steinman, and I loved it,” she said. Reflecting on the song’s success, she added, “But what did I know? People always say, ‘Did you think it was going to be a big hit?’ It’s like: Beats me. I just thought it was brilliant and fantastic, and it fulfilled me, singing the music. That’s what I knew.”

Ellen Foley’s journey through both television and music showcases her versatile talent and enduring passion for performing arts. Whether captivating audiences on a popular sitcom or belting out hits alongside rock legends, Foley remains a shining star in the entertainment world.

Source: Bay Area Reporter, Variety