It wasn't until the mid-1990s that people finally accepted Shields as an actress, and it took a comedy role to do it. She was the star of 'Suddenly Susan,' which ran all the way up to the year 2000 and saw her nominated for Golden Globe awards twice. 'That 70s Show' and 'Lipstick Jungle' came next, but during this time, Shields' priorities changed.
Shields became a mother and struggled initially with post-partum depression, but now says it's the most precious thing in her life. She had an admittedly strained relationship with her own mother who pushed her into show business and has vowed not to do the same to her own daughter. She does still act when she can find the time though, most recently with an extended run in 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,' as well as voiceover work on Adult Swim's 'Mr. Pickle'.