Unforgettable Moments: How Ted Danson's Brilliant Performance Brought Cheers to Life
James Burrows reflects on Ted Danson's pivotal role in making Cheers a success, shedding light on the actor's amiable personality and its impact on the show's dynamics
Summary
James Burrows emphasizes the importance of Ted Danson's personality in making Cheers a success, highlighting Danson's reputation as a nice person.
The absence of egos among the Cheers cast, including Danson, played a crucial role in ensuring the show's seamless production and overall atmosphere. Burrows emphasizes that he would have walked away from the show had there been any egos, highlighting the importance of fostering a harmonious work environment.
Cheers co-creator and director James Burrows openly discusses the role Ted Danson played in making the iconic sitcom a success. As a two-time Emmy winner and renowned figure in the television industry, Danson has showcased his talent in both comedic and dramatic roles, even briefly leading the CSI franchise. Throughout his extensive career, he has conquered nearly every aspect of his craft. However, it was his breakthrough performance as Sam Malone in Cheers that truly set him apart, and Burrows' recent statements shed light on Danson's indispensable contribution to the project.
In a reflective conversation with The Guardian about his extensive career as a director, Burrows emphasizes the significance of Danson's pleasant disposition. According to Burrows, the absence of egos among the cast was crucial to the success of Cheers, and he admits that he would have walked away if such egos had been present. Below is the director's quote:
"This show was a success because Ted Danson was not just an incredibly talented actor, but also a genuinely kind and humble person. Cheers thrived due to the absence of egos among the cast; if it had been otherwise, I would have chosen to distance myself from the project."
Burrows' Comments Highlight Danson's Nice Guy Reputation
If Teddy Danson had not been such a pleasant individual, Cheers would have faced numerous challenges. However, due to his genuinely kind nature as well as mine, the absence of egos prevailed. If I find myself on a show where this is not the case, I will opt to depart since life is too short.
Before her character was recast, Emma Thompson, who originally portrayed Nanette Guzman on Cheers, also emphasized Danson's reputation as a nice guy. However, it is noteworthy that Danson maintained this persona even when Thompson was aware of his desperate desire to depart from Cheers. The actor yearned to test his abilities in diverse roles and characters and became increasingly frustrated as a consequence.
Despite his unhappiness on Cheers, Thompson acknowledges that Ted Danson, whom she describes as one of the nicest people in the world, also experienced significant dissatisfaction due to the lengthy duration of his involvement. This sentiment aligns with Burrows' perspective, yet Thompson's observation is particularly noteworthy because Danson managed to sustain the sitcom's positive energy, even during moments when he may have felt the opposite.
Reflecting on his time as Sam, Danson holds nostalgic feelings, actively participating in reunions. He attributes his successful 40-year career to Cheers, and it is undeniable that the cheerful recollections are, in part, a result of the humility and collaborative spirit that Danson highlights in his statements. These factors have greatly contributed to the show's esteemed legacy, solidifying its status as a top-ranking sitcom.
Source: The Guardian
