Unveiling The Undisclosed Struggles: The Untold Story of Ted Danson's Hidden Discontent on the Set of Cheers

Summary

Emma Thompson recalls Ted Danson's unhappiness during his time on Cheers and how the show defined his career, preventing him from pursuing other projects.

TV stars often experience frustration when they become renowned for a particular role, which restricts their chances to delve into diverse characters and projects beyond the realm of television.

Emma Thompson, who famously made a guest appearance on Cheers as Nanette Guzman, reminisces about the discontent of lead actor Ted Danson. Danson, a highly acclaimed television icon, has garnered two Emmy awards, along with numerous other nominations, throughout his impressive career. He has delivered memorable performances in both sitcoms and dramas, and even briefly took the helm of the CSI franchise. However, his breakthrough role as Sam Malone in the NBC comedy Cheers remains his most iconic. Yet, his relationship with the show was not always smooth sailing.

During a speaking engagement at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, Thompson, who was the original actor to portray Nanette Guzman on Cheers before the role was recast for the spinoff Frasier, recalled a conversation she had with Danson. According to Variety, Thompson described Danson as "one of the kindest individuals in the world," but revealed that he was dissatisfied because his commitment to Cheers prevented him from pursuing other projects. Thompson, a two-time Academy Award winner, further elaborated, stating that Cheers had defined Danson for such a significant period that he found it difficult to break free from its influence. Below is the complete quote by Thompson, wherein she also discusses her own journey in the industry:

“I have a vivid memory of being a part of ‘Cheers,’ albeit in a small role. Meeting Ted Danson was a delightful experience as he is known for being one of the kindest individuals in the world. However, I also noticed a deep sense of unhappiness within him. It became apparent that this stemmed from the fact that he had been associated with the show for an extended period, and it had become defining for him. He longed to explore other avenues but felt trapped due to this long-standing association.”

“When you commit to something, it sometimes entails committing to portraying the same character for a significant number of years, especially if the project turns out to be successful. Personally, I believe that I have achieved the level of longevity I have today because I consciously choose not to confine myself to a comfort zone. I feel that I am most creative, and this applies to many others as well, when we are constantly pushing boundaries and avoiding repetition.”

Thompson Perfectly Explains Why So Many TV Stars Get Frustrated

TV stars feeling frustrated with the work they are known for is a common occurrence. This often relates to young stars, particularly those famous for teenage dramas, who aspire to transition to the big screen and explore different roles. As Thompson points out, their opportunities are somewhat limited due to the lengthy TV filming schedule, leaving little time for other projects. For instance, Sarah Michelle Gellar, the star of Buffy, had to decline a role in Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York because of her TV commitments. Danson likely faced similar challenges and decisions.

In recent times, the line between TV actors and movie actors has become less distinct. Additionally, shorter TV seasons allow for more flexible schedules. However, it is now more challenging for true stars to emerge, as film and television no longer hold the same level of dominance as they did in the 1980s and 1990s.

Thompson acknowledges that every era has its downsides. Danson nostalgically reflects on his tenure as Sam and enthusiastically participates in Cheers reunions. However, like numerous others who came after him, the actor may have envisioned a different trajectory for his career. Nevertheless, he has ultimately achieved a remarkable and unforgettable journey, marked by numerous standout performances.