Entertainment

Ted Danson describes discovering a late Co-star’s farewell line on set

Name: Ted Danson describes discovering a late Co-star’s farewell line on set
Uploaded: 2026-07-22T12:16:00+00:00
Description: Danson recalls that after Nicholas Colasanto died, the cast returned to the set and discovered a line Colasanto had written on the back of the set for himself: "It's almost like he's still with us now." Danson says the cast burst into tears, then began tapping the line as they entered for the rest of the show until it was later painted over by a carpenter.

Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend · Jake Johnson (Full Episode) | Where Everybody Knows Your Name · July 22, 2026

Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Jake Johnson (Full Episode) | Where Everybody Knows Your Name

"He wrote his entry lines a lot of the time as he'd come through the door so we could check it. And I'll cut to the story part and then go back a little bit, but he when he passed away, it was just like, "Oh, wow.""

Danson recalls that after Nicholas Colasanto died, the cast returned to the set and discovered a line Colasanto had written on the back of the set for himself: "It's almost like he's still with us now." Danson says the cast burst into tears, then began tapping the line as they entered for the rest of the show until it was later painted over by a carpenter.

About this episode

Conan O’Brien talks with actor Ted Danson and filmmaker-actor Jake Johnson about ensemble comedy, craft and the realities of long-running television. Johnson describes how watching Cheers as a child shaped his idea of television as a weekly “place” viewers return to, and he and Danson trade observations about screen chemistry, the importance of teams on set, and how performances can feel “sweaty” or effortless depending on tone and writing.

Johnson recounts dropping out of school at 15 due to undiagnosed dyslexia and being pushed by his mother to write, which led him to scripts and eventually theatre work, NYU and comedic ensembles. Danson describes his own early career path through theatre and guest roles, including a stint on Taxi, before being cast in Cheers through repeated chemistry reads with Shelley Long.

The most substantial segment is Danson’s first-person recollection of co-star Nicholas Colasanto’s declining health. He says Colasanto had heart disease, did not disclose it, and near the end was short of oxygen and relied on lines written on surfaces around the set. Danson also recalls the cast returning after Colasanto’s death and finding a poignant line he had written for himself, which the cast ritualised by tapping as they entered.

The conversation also touches on parenting, therapy and emotional maturity, including Johnson’s account of reconnecting with his father later in life and grieving his death, and both men’s reflections on balancing work identity with family life and creative purpose.

Key takeaways

Jake Johnson says Cheers was a childhood north star for his acting, shaping how he thinks about television ensembles.
Ted Danson recalls Cheers being critically liked but "dead last" in ratings early on, before later success changed the career stakes.
Johnson says he dropped out of school at 15 due to dyslexia and began writing stories and plays at his mother’s insistence.
Danson says Cheers co-star Nicholas Colasanto had heart disease and did not tell the cast, and later struggled with oxygen deprivation on set.
Danson recounts discovering a line Colasanto had written on the set after his death and says the cast burst into tears and later tapped it when entering.
Both discuss how working in ensembles can reduce anxiety and improve performances through trust and shared rhythm.