Ted Danson recently showcased his on-screen medical skills in real life to assist his longtime friend Woody Harrelson following a motorcycle accident. During a recent episode of the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” Harrelson, 62, shared that he had an unfortunate collision with a Tesla while on his way to record the show. His “Cheers” co-star and podcast co-host, Danson, was there to help him manage the aftermath of the crash.
Harrelson, who appeared with an ice pack on his right hand, recounted the incident to O’Brien and his co-host Sona Movsesian. “I did go over my handlebars,” Harrelson admitted. “I was passing this Tesla on the left, thinking it was moving too slow, but I didn’t realize it was taking a left turn.”
He added, “I was wearing a helmet, which definitely helped because I did hit my head. I felt some pain, but I never thought I’d be seriously injured or maimed.”
USA TODAY reached out to Harrelson’s representative for an update on his condition. O’Brien mentioned that the podcast recording had to be delayed due to the accident. “We lost some time while people were figuring out if you were alive,” O’Brien joked. “Your soul had to re-enter your body.”
O’Brien also noted Harrelson’s bandaged hand, to which Danson humorously admitted, “That’s because I wrapped it. I thought it looked funnier that way.”
Harrelson shared a light-hearted moment, saying, “We’re in the bathroom, and I asked Ted, ‘You played a doctor, right?’ He replied, ‘Yeah, I also played a lawyer, so we could sue the guy.’ I said, ‘Well, it was my fault, so it might have to be a lawyer for the defense.’
Danson, who played Dr. Chuck Weldon in the NBC soap opera “The Doctors” before his iconic role as Sam Malone on “Cheers,” was praised by Harrelson for his bedside manner. “His confidence, his demeanor, everything about the way he does it makes you feel like you’re in the best hands,” Harrelson said.
Despite wearing a helmet, Harrelson revealed that the accident made Danson feel sad. “He could’ve been hurt badly,” Danson remarked.
Harrelson, who often rides a motorcycle because he believes it’s the quickest way to get around Los Angeles, admitted that the accident might make him reconsider his mode of transportation. “Maybe I should just slow down in life, take it a little easy,” he reflected.
Three decades after “Cheers” ended, Danson and Harrelson have reunited to host a new podcast called “Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson & Woody Harrelson (Sometimes).” The podcast delves into the lives and careers of celebrity guests like Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Jane Fonda, and Martin Short.
“Sure, we’ll talk with interesting guests and share some laughs, but the biggest win will be rekindling our friendship after all this time,” Harrelson said in a statement about the podcast’s launch.
Harrelson’s recent motorcycle accident and Danson’s quick response have added a new layer to their enduring friendship, showcasing the bond that has lasted well beyond their “Cheers” days.
