Ted Danson suffered a seemingly major health scare, and it reshaped his life in the most positive way possible.
Videos by InspireMore
The Cheers star, 78, sat down with Valerie Bertinelli during the May 6th episode of his podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, and discussed “mortality.” He admitted that he’d had a situation that opened his eyes to his own mortality.
“I had a bit of a health scare,” he shared. “I’m totally fine, but it was like, ‘Oh, oh, that’s real,’ and it was humbling. And, ‘Oh, mortality, it’s the real deal,’ you know? It’s not just a rumor. Ted Danson doesn’t get a free pass. Love his work, but you know…”
While he didn’t specify the ailment, he said the diagnosis was “shocking” because it happened “on its own.” He “hadn’t f***ed up in some way” to cause it. Because of that, he adopted a calmer, healthier lifestyle to help prevent any further health issues.
Ted Danson’s Heath Scare Was ‘The Best Thing That Could Have Happened’
“It was, I think, the best thing that could have happened to me, and I’m doing some things differently,” he continued.
Ted Danson said that he and his wife of 30 years, Mary Steenburgen, have begun meditating twice a day, and that has been one of the most life-changing things he’s adopted. Not only has it helped him find his peace, but it’s also given him a new and empathetic perspective outside of himself.
“What it’s done for me, the biggest gift of all: You can be curious about other people,” he said. “You can listen, you can be supportive, caring, you can witness them. And I do believe that the rest of my life is to be curious and listen,” he added. “That’s the best thing I can offer.”
This story’s featured image is by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic via Getty Images.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
