Ted Danson opens up about Cheers experience

In a recent episode of the podcast "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," actor Ted Danson opened up about his initial struggles with portraying Sam Malone on the beloved sitcom "Cheers," which aired from 1982 to 1993. Danson, now 76, revealed that he felt unprepared for the role, admitting it took him a year and a half to fully embrace the character. He recounted a moment of vulnerability when he expressed his concerns to director James Burrows, breaking down in tears over his performance. Burrows’ unexpected laughter in response highlighted the challenges actors face in finding their footing in iconic roles. Lisa Kudrow, known for her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay on "Friends," shared her own journey of character development during the podcast. She noted that it took her nearly two seasons to feel confident in her performance, as Phoebe's outrageous and illogical statements required significant effort to justify. Kudrow described moments of self-doubt, feeling that her portrayal was lacking compared to her earlier seasons. The conversation between Kudrow and her co-star Matt LeBlanc proved pivotal for her. When LeBlanc questioned her performance, it prompted a realization that she had indeed grown into the character. His reassurance helped her regain confidence, illustrating the importance of peer support in the creative process. Both actors’ reflections underscore the complexities of character development in television, revealing that even seasoned performers can struggle to find their footing in iconic roles.