Ted Danson | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
In this episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, actor Ted Danson opens up about his journey, from pivoting from basketball to acting early on to landing his iconic role on the hit show Cheers. Danson shares insights into the entertainment industry, emphasizing the need for humility, perseverance, and self-examination as an actor navigating the unpredictable landscape.
The conversation delves into Danson's personal life, as he candidly discusses finding happiness through his loving marriage and the joys of a simpler lifestyle. Danson also touches on his current podcast truck project, appreciating the creative freedom and intimate connection it provides with his guests.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 26, 2024 episode of the Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
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1-Page Summary
Danson's career path and early acting experiences
Ted Danson initially pursued basketball at Stanford but pivoted to acting after improvising at an audition, Carvey and Spade recount. Danson's first major film role in "The Onion Field" shaped him as an actor. After theater work and training at Carnegie Mellon, he moved to New York to audition.
The making of Cheers and its impact
Danson struggled to embody the confident Sam Malone character at first. He recalls "Cheers" initially flopping until it gained viewers after "The Cosby Show." Danson earned Emmys and the show became a cultural touchstone, with 80 million viewers for its finale.
Danson's perspective on the entertainment industry and acting
According to Danson, actors need humility and perseverance in the unpredictable industry. He acknowledges the necessity of self-examination to overcome personal obstacles and self-doubt. Danson emphasizes the collaborative writing and directing as critical for a project's success.
Danson's personal life and marriage
Danson candidly discusses his loving, supportive marriage to Mary Steenburgen. Despite doubts, they've created a joyful partnership, finding happiness as "homebodies" who make each other laugh.
Danson's current podcast truck project and creative pursuits
Danson appreciates podcasting's informal nature and the intimate connection it fosters with guests. He enjoys the creative freedom and lack of pressure. Danson shares an anecdote about Woody Harrelson's clever promotion approach for his podcast.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Ted Danson transitioned from pursuing basketball to acting after an improvisation at an audition caught attention. His early theater work and training at Carnegie Mellon University in acting laid the foundation for his move to New York to pursue acting opportunities. Danson's breakthrough in film came with his role in "The Onion Field," which helped shape his career as an actor. These experiences led him to eventually land the iconic role of Sam Malone in the TV series "Cheers," which catapulted him to fame.
- Ted Danson initially faced challenges embodying his character on "Cheers," but the show gained popularity after a slow start, especially following the success of "The Cosby Show." The series eventually became a cultural phenomenon, with a massive viewership for its finale, solidifying Danson's place in television history.
- Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have been married since 1995. Their relationship is known for being loving and supportive. They often speak about their strong bond and how they make each other laugh. Steenburgen is an accomplished actress in her own right, having won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
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Danson's career path and early acting experiences
Carvey and Spade delve into the story of how Ted Danson got into show business and his beginnings as an actor, from a passion for basketball to becoming a prominent figure in acting.
Danson's early interest and foray into acting
Ted Danson, initially set on pursuing a career in basketball, attended Stanford with the hope of continuing the sport that he was passionate about in high school. However, upon seeing the advanced level of play by college athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lou Alcindor), he realized that the competition was far beyond his skill level and never tried out for the team.
Danson amusingly recounts how a sports writer erroneously referred to him sustaining a broken nose by hitting it on the basketball rim. This was not true, but it's indicative of the lighter side of Danson's sports ambitions.
Danson’s pivot to acting happened somewhat serendipitously when he followed a girl to a Bertolt Brecht play audition. Although he attended the audition with different intentions, when he improvised during his tryout, his performance made everyone laugh and piqued his interest in acting.
Danson's early professional acting experiences
Ted Danson confirms that his first major film role was in "The Onion Field," released in 1979, where he played a policeman who gets kidnapped and murdered. This movie, based on true events, presented a grave responsibility as relatives of the actual persons involved were present on set, providing a solemn backdrop to his performance.
Danson described the experience as amazing, and although it came with the added pres ...
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Danson's career path and early acting experiences
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Actionables
- Explore a new hobby by attending a local introductory class or workshop to discover hidden talents, much like stumbling upon an unexpected interest. For instance, if you've always been curious about pottery, find a local studio that offers a one-time class. This could reveal a passion or skill you didn't know you had, just as an impromptu audition revealed a new path for Ted Danson.
- Use real-life experiences to add depth to any creative project by inviting feedback from individuals who have lived through the events you're portraying. If you're writing a story, reach out to people who have direct experience with your subject matter for insights. This approach can bring authenticity and emotional resonance to your work, similar to how real-life presence influenced Danson's performance.
- Invest in continuous learning withi ...
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The making of the TV show Cheers and its impact
Ted Danson’s casting as Sam Malone on Cheers marks a significant point in television history—the development of a character that would become an icon, embedded in the fabric of American culture.
Danson's casting and development of the "Sam Malone" character on Cheers
Danson recalls the nerve-wracking audition process for "Cheers," where his chemistry with Shelley Long, who played Diane Chambers, shone through—a likely factor in his casting. Despite this, Danson struggled after watching the pilot, feeling devastated. He admits it took a year to embody the confidence and arrogance needed for Sam Malone, partly because he never frequented bars and was the complete opposite of Sam in his interactions with women.
A turning point came when he decided to act for himself and not to please everyone, which allowed him to play Malone with the necessary arrogance. This contrast between actor and character showcases the intricate work actors put into bringing a role to life and perhaps illustrates how pivotal casting decisions are to the success of a television show.
The success of Cheers during its 11-season run
Initially, "Cheers" struggled with abysmally low ratings, at one point ranking 70th out of 65 shows. NBC's decision not to cancel the show due to a lack of alternatives inadvertently gave "Cheers" time to climb its way up in viewer ratings. A notable factor in the show's turnaround was the immense popularity of "The Cosby Discussions about the personal impact of organizing and issues such as self-worth, abus ...
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The making of the TV show Cheers and its impact
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Actors put in extensive effort to understand and embody the characters they portray, delving into their motivations, emotions, and behaviors to make them believable on screen. This process involves studying the character's background, relationships, and personality traits to create a nuanced and authentic performance. Actors often engage in research, rehearsals, and discussions with directors and fellow cast members to fully grasp the complexities of their roles. Through this dedication and attention to detail, actors breathe life into characters, making them compelling and memorable for audiences.
- Ted Danson's recollections of "Cheers" were not detailed in the provided text. It seems that the focus was more on his casting process and the show's success rather than his personal memories or reflections related to the series.
- During breaks from filming the TV show "Cheers," Ted Danson worked on various film projects. This means he took time off from his television commitments to participate in movies. These projects allowed him to showcase his acting skills in different roles outside of his character on "Cheers."
- The "lore surrounding the beloved series" of Cheers includes the accumulated stories ...
Counterarguments
- While Ted Danson's casting as Sam Malone is significant, it could be argued that the ensemble cast as a whole and the writing were equally important to the show's success.
- The chemistry between actors is important, but it is not the sole factor in casting decisions; other elements such as individual acting skills, experience, and the vision of the character by the creators also play critical roles.
- Struggling to embody a character initially is not unique to Danson and can be a common experience for many actors; it may not necessarily indicate a significant point in television history.
- The decision to act for oneself rather than to please others is a personal artistic choice and may not directly correlate with the success of the character or the show.
- The initial low ratings of Cheers could be seen as an indication that the show's early episodes were not meeting audience expectations, rather than just a hurdle that was overcome by the network's patience.
- The turnaround in viewer ratings for Cheers might also be attributed to changes in the show's writing, time slot adjustments, or shifts in audience tastes, rather than NBC's decision alone.
- Describing Cheers as a cultural touchstone is subjective; some might argue that its impact has diminished over time or that it resonated more with cert ...
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Danson's perspective on the entertainment industry and acting
Ted Danson shares his candid thoughts on the emotional rigors and the necessity of collaboration within the entertainment industry.
The emotional and psychological challenges of being an actor
Acting is not for the thin-skinned, according to Danson. He articulates the importance of maintaining humility and the ability to persevere through the unpredictable nature of the business.
Danson discusses the importance of maintaining humility and a willingness to weather the ups and downs of the industry
Danson recounts the need for actors to manage their pride and ego, focusing on the rough patches one might encounter without losing one’s cool.
Danson acknowledges the ego-bruising nature of acting and the need for self-examination to overcome personal obstacles
He admits to lying awake before performances, wrestling with self-doubt and questioning his worth and capabilities. Moreover, Danson highlights the importance of introspection for those aiming for success in the field, suggesting that unrecognized personal flaws—like an off-putting demeanor or an intimidating "big 'fuck you' on your shoulder"—may be the barrier denying them opportunities in the industry.
Danson's insights on the collaborative nature of acting and filmmaking
Despite the personal challenges of acting, Danson emphasizes the interdependence inherent in filmmakin ...
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Danson's perspective on the entertainment industry and acting
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Danson emphasizes the emotional challenges of acting, some might argue that these challenges are not unique to acting and are present in many professions.
- The importance of humility and perseverance can be seen as universal virtues, not just specific to the entertainment industry.
- Managing pride and ego is important in any collaborative environment, and some might suggest that other industries may offer more stability, thus reducing the pressure on these personal attributes.
- The idea that unrecognized personal flaws can hinder opportunities is not exclusive to acting; it can be applicable to any career path.
- While Danson highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, some might argue that there are instances where a singular vision from a director or a ...
Actionables
- You can enhance self-awareness by keeping a daily reflection journal where you write about your emotional responses to the day's events. This practice helps you identify patterns in your behavior, especially those related to pride and ego, and encourages introspection. For example, if you felt slighted during a work meeting, write about why it affected you and how it may reflect on your self-perception.
- Develop humility by volunteering in roles that require supportive, behind-the-scenes work. Engaging in community service or helping out in group projects without seeking recognition teaches you the value of collaboration and the joy of contributing to a larger goal. For instance, assist in organizing a local event without taking a lead role, focusing on the group's success rather than individual accolades.
- Practice active listening in your daily c ...
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Danson's personal life and marriage
Ted Danson opens up about his personal life, revealing the deep affection and partnership he shares with his wife, actress Mary Steenburgen.
Danson's long-lasting marriage to actress Mary Steenburgen
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have created a deeply loving and supportive partnership, finding joy and humor in their shared life.
Danson candidly discusses how both he and Steenburgen were skeptical about maintaining a relationship due to past failures. He considers their connection miraculous and describes their relationship as one filled with continuous affection. Despite the complexities that come with both having their own careers, egos, and sensitivities, Danson emphasizes the ease with which they resolve conflicts due to the underlying love they share.
Danson and Steenburgen's supportive and joyful relationship
The couple finds happiness in the simple things and prefers a more private life. Danson describes himself and Steenburgen as "homebodies," which helps them foster a supportive atmosphere removed from the glare of too much public att ...
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Danson's personal life and marriage
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Actionables
- Create a 'joy journal' to document the simple pleasures you and your partner experience daily. By actively noting down the small moments that bring you both happiness, you'll cultivate a greater appreciation for your shared life and reinforce the bond you have. For example, write about the shared laughter over a morning coffee or the comfort of a quiet evening together.
- Establish a 'conflict resolution ritual' that emphasizes affection. When disagreements arise, start the ritual by expressing something you love about each other. This sets a positive tone and reminds you both of the underlying love. You might, for instance, hold hands or share a hug before discussing the issue at hand.
- Plan regular 'goofy date nights' where you and y ...
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Danson's current podcast truck project and creative pursuits
Ted Danson opens up about his current podcasting experience, revealing his enthusiasm for the medium and the unique opportunities it offers for connection and creativity.
Danson's enthusiasm for the podcast format and the opportunities it provides
Danson indicates a profound appreciation for the podcasting format, particularly its informal and conversational nature which he believes allows for a more intimate connection with listeners. He enjoys the relaxed setting podcasting provides, which he finds conducive to having in-depth and meaningful conversations with his guests—something he considers a privilege.
Enjoying the creative freedom of podcasting
With his current podcast project, Danson also enjoys the creative freedom and lack of pressure that comes with it. The format allows for pre-recorded episodes, providing him with a flexible schedule. He shares that during social events, he often feels like a wallflower and has a reverent attitude around celebrities, making it difficult for him to engage in deep conversations. However, his podcast fosters an "enforced intimacy" that he finds hard to achieve at larger social gatherings or events like Oscar parties.
Danson reflects on the unique experience the podcast format provides ...
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Danson's current podcast truck project and creative pursuits
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Counterarguments
- While Danson appreciates the informal nature of podcasting, some might argue that this informality can sometimes lead to less structured and less informative content compared to traditional media.
- The relaxed setting of podcasting, though valued by Danson, may not always be conducive to deep conversations if the host or guests are not skilled in steering the conversation.
- Creative freedom in podcasting is a double-edged sword; without the pressure of traditional media standards, the quality and consistency of content can vary greatly.
- A flexible schedule due to pre-recorded episodes is beneficial, but it could also result in content that is less timely or relevant to current events.
- "Enforced intimacy" in podcasting might make some guests uncomfortable, which could affect the authenticity of the conversation.
- Comparing a podcast to an uni ...
Actionables
- You can foster deeper connections with friends by hosting a small dinner party where everyone agrees to leave their phones aside and focus on sharing stories and experiences. This mirrors the intimate setting of a podcast and encourages meaningful conversation. For example, you might choose a theme for the evening, such as "travel mishaps" or "unexpected friendships," which can help guide the discussion and ensure everyone has a chance to contribute.
- Embrace creative expression by starting a personal journal where you write or draw without any self-imposed pressure or expectations. This practice can help you experience the freedom and spontaneity that comes with creating content for a podcast. Set aside time each week to freely express your thoughts and feelings on paper, allowing your ideas to flow without judgment.
- Experiment with new ways of engaging with content by recording voice memos abo ...
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