“He Couldn’t Get Out”: Ted Danson Was Unhappy On Cheers By The End, Guest Star Recalls

Emma Thompson, who memorably guest-starred on Cheers as Nanny G, candidly looks back on the unhappiness of lead actor Ted Danson. Danson, a two-time Emmy winner with multiple other nominations under his belt, is an icon of television. He's had memorable performances in sitcoms and dramas, and has even briefly led the CSI franchise. In a distinguished career, he's just about done it all, but his breakout role as Sam Malone in the NBC comedy Cheers remains his most enduring. But he didn't always have such an easy relationship with the show. Thompson, who was the first actor to play Nanny G on Cheers, though the role was recast for the spinoff Frasier, recalled a conversation with Danson while speaking at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge. As per Variety, Thompson said that Danson was one of the nicest people in the world, but he was unhappy because his work on Cheers meant that he was unable to work on other projects. The two-time Oscar winner continued, This has defined him for such a long time, and he couldn't get out. The story of TV stars getting frustrated with the work that they may be most known for is a familiar story. For example, Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar had to turn down a role in Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York because of her TV commitments. It's likely Danson faced similar hurdles and choices. These days, the distinction between a TV actor and a movie actor is significantly looser than it has been in the past. Shorter television seasons also allow for more flexible and open schedules. Every era has its drawbacks. Danson, like many others, might have pictured his career differently, but in the end, he still managed to have a truly memorable run with several well-remembered performances.