Ted Danson Reflects on Life Changes Post-‘Cheers’

Ted Danson recently opened up about the transformative period in his personal life towards the end of “Cheers.” In his podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, he shared insights into the challenges he faced when the show ended in 1993.

The 78-year-old actor described how he was so preoccupied with personal issues that he barely noticed “Cheers” had concluded. “People ask what I did when it was over,” Danson said. “I had messed up my life so much that I didn’t realize ‘Cheers’ was over.”

Danson revealed he needed to grow up quickly, calling it a “postgrad grow-up class fast.” He mentioned seeking guidance from a mentor who offered him unique therapy and spirituality concepts. “I wanted to stop being a liar,” he confessed. “I wanted to be emotionally mature and change.”

Previously, Danson reflected on his transition post-series during an August 2025 podcast episode. When asked about concerns over being typecast, he said that the ease of transitioning came from having “blown up” his personal life. He didn’t notice the show’s end for months due to personal distractions.

As the character Sam Malone, Danson appeared in all 273 episodes of the iconic sitcom, which wrapped up after 11 seasons when he expressed interest in other acting roles. He explained, “I was changing for the better and working really hard at that, so I thought, ‘Might as well jump completely off the cliff.'”

After “Cheers,” Danson appeared in shows like “Becker,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “CSI.” More recently, he introduced himself to a new audience through “The Good Place” and the Netflix series “Man on the Inside,” where he portrays a retired professor turned undercover spy.

Danson mentions that the show brings humor to the idea of a 76-year-old retired professor taking on such an unexpected role, noting how his daughter’s concern led him to such an unusual project.