In a recent candid podcast, Ted Danson shared the intense emotional journey he navigated during the initial days of his famed role as Sam Malone on "Cheers."
Ted Danson discussed his initial challenges in portraying Sam Malone, revealing the vital support from director James Burrows on his podcast with Woody Harrelson, Fox News reported.
The sitcom "Cheers," which aired from 1982 to 1993, became a beloved staple in American television, thanks largely to the charismatic presence of Ted Danson as the suave bartender Sam Malone. However, Danson’s journey into Sam’s shoes was anything but smooth. In his recent podcast episode "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," Danson opened up about the daunting early days on set.
During the podcast, co-hosted with fellow actor Woody Harrelson, Danson admitted to struggling significantly with the character at first. He shared that his values and behaviors starkly contrasted with those of his character. Sam Malone, is known for his womanizing and arrogance—a lifestyle far removed from Danson’s own experiences.
Danson’s revelation highlighted his initial disconnect with Malone. He confessed, "I did not know what arrogance meant. I had never been to a bar. I did not pick women up. I was not a womanizer. Maybe I wanted to be, but I wasn’t," encapsulating the profound personal conflicts he faced in those early days.
This dissonance culminated in a personal crisis right after the pilot episode. A vulnerable Danson approached James Edward Burrows, the director, seeking reassurance about his performance. The encounter didn’t go as expected. "It aired, and I said, ‘Jimmy, can I talk to you?’ and went behind the curtains… and broke into tears saying, ‘I’m really bad. I’m awful. I don’t know what to do.’"
Burrows’ reaction was unexpected yet pivotal. He listened briefly, then burst out laughing and walked away, a moment Danson interpreted as a nudge to figure things out on his own. This interaction, although seemingly dismissive, played a crucial role in Danson's approach to his character moving forward.
Danson admitted that fully embracing the character of Sam Malone took about a year and a half. This period of adjustment wasn't unique to him; many actors experience similar challenges when trying to play their roles convincingly.
For instance, Lisa Kudrow, in discussing her experience on "Friends," remarked, "It took me, if not a year and a half, maybe two seasons before I felt like I had Phoebe down." Her struggles with the illogical lines of her character echo Danson's initial discomfort.
Significantly, the advice from fellow actor Matt LeBlanc to Kudrow sheds light on an important aspect of acting: recognition of the character’s essence over time. He advised her, saying, "No, you know who the character is now. You don’t need to do the work you did. You got it." These words resonate with the eventual breakthrough Danson experienced with Sam Malone.
The interaction between Danson and Burrows is a telling example of how directors can influence actors' performances and their understanding of their roles. Despite the initial breakdown and harsh response, this moment led Danson to forge a deeper, more nuanced connection with his character, turning Sam Malone into an iconic TV figure.
By sharing these experiences, Danson not only highlighted the complexities of acting but also humanized the process, showing that even the most talented actors face doubts and challenges. His story is a compelling reminder of the resilience and persistence needed in the creative process of character development in acting.
In conclusion, Ted Danson's journey from apprehension to mastery in his portrayal of Sam Malone offers an inspiring narrative in the world of television acting. His initial disconnect and subsequent acceptance of the character underscore the emotional and professional growth that many actors undergo. By opening up about these vulnerabilities, Danson provides profound insights into the world of acting, highlighting the significant impact of director-actor dynamics and personal growth on the portrayal of memorable characters.
