Ted Danson Says He Owes His Career to Cheers As Show Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Ted Danson doesn't take Cheers for granted.

As the show marked its 40th anniversary, Danson reminisced about his time playing Sam Malone. "Unbelievable. I remember being 35 when I started, that's always a nice kind of memory," said the actor. "My hair was brown, and I had a lot of it."

Danson, who won two Emmys during his Cheers tenure, also acknowledged that he wouldn't have his career if it wasn't for his time on the show. "I was so blessed. I got my introduction to this business with [Cheers creators] Jimmy Burrows and [Les Charles] and Glen Charles, who are like half-hour aristocrats," he said. "I mean, they were some of the best in the business and that's how I got introduced to half-hour [television]."

Like for millions of fans, Cheers still holds a special place in Danson's heart. "It still makes me laugh when I watch sometimes," he revealed. "It's funny and it's great to see my friends and they make me laugh."

Since starring on Cheers, Danson, now 74, has built a prolific television career with roles on shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Good Place, Damages, Fargo, Bored to Death, and most recently, Mr. Mayor. Danson admits that this wouldn't be possible without Sam Malone.

"Everything I do is because of the popularity of that show," he said. 

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Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.