Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson recently appeared on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show to catch up with the creators of the hit TV show Cheers. The transcript of their conversation revealed interesting insights about the casting process and the success of the show.
During the interview, Danson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reminisce about the amazing 11 years of Cheers. He acknowledged that without Harrelson, the show may not have lasted more than five years. Harrelson humbly accepted the praise, but the creators emphasized his role in saving the show.
The creators discussed how they first met Harrelson and their impressions of him. They revealed that they had named the character Woody before even meeting Harrelson, and were looking for someone who could portray a country bumpkin from Iowa in the big city of Boston. Harrelson’s audition impressed them, and they knew he was the right fit for the role.
The conversation then delved into the challenges the show faced when Shelly Long decided to leave after the fifth season. Panic set in, as some critics believed that Cheers would not survive without the Sam-Diane courtship. However, the creators decided not to replace Shelly Long with another love interest for Sam. Instead, they introduced Kirstie Alley’s character, Rebecca, as Sam’s new boss, which added a different dynamic to the show and allowed for more comedic opportunities.
The creators also discussed the casting of Rhea Perlman, who played Carla. They revealed that they wrote the part specifically for her, knowing her comedic talents from their previous collaboration on Taxi.
The conversation then turned to Ted Danson‘s casting. They recounted how their agent recommended Danson after seeing his performance in “Body Heat.” However, they had to convince Grant Tinker, the head of NBC at the time, who preferred another actor. Fortunately, Joel Thurm, head of NBC casting, insisted on Danson, and the creators were thrilled with his portrayal of Sam.
Throughout the interview, the creators expressed their appreciation for the cast, including Kirstie Alley, who brought depth and range to her character. They fondly remembered the camaraderie and joy shared on set, particularly with Shelley Long, who tragically passed away. They praised her not only for her performance but for being a great person to have around.
The creators also touched on their partnership with director James Burrows, who they had worked with since their days on Taxi. They explained how their collaboration and chemistry helped make Cheers a success.
Overall, the interview provided an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the casting process and the factors that contributed to the enduring popularity of Cheers. The creators’ gratitude and fond memories showcased the strong bond forged during the show’s 11-year run.
