Ted Danson recently shared some interesting insight into his time on the hit TV show Cheers. He revealed that he received some bold advice from the series co-creator and director James Burrows on how to portray his character, Sam Malone, as a former major-league pitcher.
According to Danson, Burrows suggested that he should “reach down and grab yourself periodically in the nuts” to make his character seem more like an athlete. This advice apparently helped Danson land a lot of close-up shots on the show.
During a recent episode of the Cheers podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name, Danson discussed this advice with guest star Will Arnett. They also touched on the concept of “BDE,” or “big dick energy,” with Woody Harrelson, another Cheers castmate and podcast cohost, joining in on the conversation.
Danson’s portrayal of Sam Malone on Cheers earned him a leading man status, with Harrelson acknowledging that he had a strong presence on the show. Arnett, on the other hand, joked about having “big snuggle energy” instead.
Danson and Harrelson have reunited multiple times over the years to discuss Cheers, including a recent reunion with other cast members at the 2023 Emmy Awards. Danson expressed his excitement about having deep conversations with guests on the podcast, highlighting his friendship with Harrelson.
Overall, Danson’s candid revelation about his acting technique on Cheers sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the beloved TV show. His willingness to share such stories adds an extra layer of appreciation for his iconic portrayal of Sam Malone.