Ted Danson Reflects on Leaving “Cheers”
Ted Danson, famous for his role as Sam Malone on the beloved sitcom “Cheers,” recently shared insights about his decision to step away from the show during an episode of his podcast, “Where everyone knows your name.” The actor, now 77, spoke with Charlie Day about concerns regarding being typecast after such a long tenure in a single iconic role.
“In the beginning, I really messed up my life,” Danson admitted, reflecting on his personal struggles at the time. When asked if this personal work influenced his choice to leave “Cheers,” he stated he wanted to become a better person, suggesting that this desire played a key role in his departure.
Danson starred on “Cheers” from 1982 until 1993, appearing in all 273 episodes and leaving after 11 successful seasons to explore other projects. He explained, “I was changing for the better, working hard on it. I thought about jumping off the cliff completely.” It was a leap, both afraid and excited to see if he could succeed in other roles.
As for typecasting, Danson feels it largely depends on the actor’s choices. He mentioned how some critics may want you to be the same character repeatedly, but with a casual approach, you can sidestep that issue.
When it came to saying goodbye to Sam Malone, Danson found the transition relatively easy compared to other roles he played. Remembering the essence of his character, he said, “My job was to love every character in the bar. Unconditional love—that’s how it is.” He believes that, perhaps, this made leaving Sam easier than it would have been for other characters.
Since “Cheers,” Danson has appeared in various films and starred in another sitcom, “Becker,” alongside playing in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” from 1998 to 2004. More recently, he took on a role as a demon named Michael in the comedy series “The Good Place,” which earned him three Emmy nominations, and he currently stars as Charles in Netflix’s “Inner Man.”
Discussing his latest character, Danson pointed out that there’s something fascinating about playing a 76-year-old retired professor dealing with life’s challenges, remarking that it allows him to engage in essential conversations about aging and memory loss. He feels that this role is becoming increasingly relevant in his life.
His portrayal led to Golden Globe nominations in 2025, and he even received the prestigious Carol Burnett Award. Danson mentioned how this journey has been vital as he finds himself more engaged in discussions about aging and life experiences.
