Ted Danson on Comedy with a Conscience

Kamau Bell and Ted Danson discuss Ted’s long, storied career, starting with his breakout role as Sam Malone in the legendary sitcom Cheers. They discuss activism, Jane Fonda, Ted’s podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name, and dive deep on the 1993 Friars Club Roast of Whoopi Goldberg.

Kamau opens by praising Cheers, a show that was a huge comedic influence on him. They talk about how Ted’s innate goodness counterbalanced Sam’s sleazy ways, making the character palatable to mass audiences.

They talk about Ted’s remarkably long career, which he attributes to good writers, and his recent work with showrunner Mike Schur. Ted and Kamau talk about activism and questioning if you’re doing enough to make a change in the world.

Ted has been an advocate for saving our oceans for over 35 years and an outspoken advocate of progressive politics, but he still compares himself to his activist peers like Jane Fonda and wonders if he is doing enough. Kamau gives Ted his flowers for demonstrating how a White person can apologize, and the conversation takes a serious turn as they discuss his infamous Friars Club Roast of Whoopi Goldberg, in which he appeared on stage in blackface.

Ted is and always has been deeply regretful and embarrassed by the incident, and is grateful for the opportunity to clear the air. He discusses his thinking leading up to that night, the immediate aftermath, and his work to right the wrong.

They wrap up the conversation by talking about Ted’s favorite roles that he thinks haven't gotten enough attention. Donate to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into society at , and help fight for our oceans at See for privacy information.