Ted Danson reveals 'humbling' health scare which has changed his whole outlook on life
Cheers and A Man On The Inside actor Ted Danson reveals how his life as changed after a recent health scare.
Ted Danson feels humbled after a recent "health scare".
The 78-year-old actor admitted he is "doing some things differently" after a mystery health issue which has shifted his perspective on his life.
Speaking on his Cheers-inspired Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast, he said: “The last thing that kind of hit me that was very liberating was I had a bit of a health scare.
“I’m totally fine, but it was like, ‘Oh, well, that’s real.’”
The A Man On The Inside star, who became a household name as Sam Malone on Cheers in the 1980s, described his experience as "humbling" because he has realised his mortality is "the real deal".
He quipped: "It's not just a rumour. Ted Danson doesn't get a free pass. Love his work."
Ted didn't reveal any specifics about the health problems, but insisted he "hadn't f***** up in some way".
He added: “It was very humbling and calming, and I’m fine.
"I think it was the best thing that could have happened to me, and I’m doing some things differently.”
That includes focusing more on his health and everyday habits, which now include twice-daily meditation sessions with his wife Mary Steenburgen.
He joked: "It's like, wow, I've always talked about it, and lied about it."
The health scare has changed Ted in a more profound way too, and given him what he has described as "the biggest gift of all", which is being more interested in those around him.
He said: “You can be curious about other people. You can listen and you can be supportive, caring. You can witness them...
“And I do believe that the rest of my life is to be curious and listen. That’s the best thing I can offer.”
In February, it was confirmed Ted will be back as retired professor turned uncover detective Charles Nieuwendyk in Netflix hit A Man On the Inside, which was created by his The Good Place collaborator Mike Schur.
Ted told Netflix's Tudum: “I’m so excited to see where Charles Nieuwendyk goes next.
“I’ve been blessed to work with Mike Schur for most of the last decade, and I’m still amazed by what he does.
"I’m incredibly thankful to him for creating this character and trusting me with him. The cast and crew make it very hard to call this ‘work.’
"Huge thanks to Netflix for believing in the show, and letting us keep this ride going.”
