Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Side Dish: More with Ted Danson (February 12, 2026)
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In this candid and warmly humorous "Side Dish" episode, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and legendary actor Ted Danson dive even deeper into their recent meal and conversation. They explore acting anxieties, the emotional farewells of long-running television series, intergenerational stories about performance and family, and the uniquely personal experience of working alongside one's spouse in Hollywood. The episode is a companion piece to their full conversation, delivering extra stories and insights from Ted’s storied life on and off the screen.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Idea of Writing a Memoir
Ted Danson's Reluctance to Pen a Book
- Ted reveals he was recently approached by a credible New York Times writer about writing a book on his life.
- Quote: “Somebody asked me, they wanted to write a book about me and they were legit enough, like a New York Times writer.” (04:00 - Ted)
- He questions the need for a book when sharing stories in conversational formats like the podcast feels more genuine and enjoyable to him.
- Quote: “I should, like you do, share about myself in this format, which I really love. I really love doing this.” (04:15 - Ted)
- Jesse highlights the special appeal of biographies, referencing his own deep dive into Truman Capote for an upcoming one-man show. (04:36)
2. Stage Fright and Theatrical Nerves
Confessions about Performance Anxiety
- Ted candidly details having a “panic attack” on-stage during a 20-minute monologue at Atlantic Theater in New York, only twelve seconds into his first line.
- Quote: “Within 12 seconds of my first word on stage. It was a 20 minute monologue... sticking your finger in a light socket.” (05:32-05:53 - Ted)
- He laughingly recounts his daughter walking him around the city block, giving him “a big gallon of water” to help him calm down.
- “My sweet daughter had to walk me around a city block with a big gallon of water... I was just shaking.” (06:11 - Ted)
- Despite recurring anxiety at that same spot during each show, Ted found that channeling his panic ended up serving the nervous character he was playing.
- “The panic that was in my body made me look kind of brilliant.” (08:29 - Ted)
- Jesse commiserates, describing his own stage forgetfulness and the intimidating isolation of one-man shows.
- “I know, one man shows are terrifying... I have forgotten my lines... and yet somehow I’ll still go back and do this again.” (08:45 - Jesse)
3. Life After Long-Running TV Shows
Comparing Cheers and Modern Family Finales
- Jesse reflects on Modern Family’s 11-year run ending right at the start of the pandemic, lamenting the lack of a proper “victory lap.” (13:13)
- Ted provides a memorable tale of the original Cheers cast’s wild, alcohol-fueled live appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno after their finale—a far cry from today’s Zoom pressers.
- Quote: “You think we’re going to be sober by the time Leno... I think the most sober person was Kelsey. Everyone else was just eyes spinning, shit-faced, shit-faced. On everything known to man.” (15:01-16:14 - Ted)
- Both express the unique bond and instant affection that comes from sharing the singular experience of being in a headline-making ensemble for over a decade.
- “No one will understand what it was like to be part of that white hot thing except for those other people.” (17:27 - Jesse)
4. Families and the Acting Path
Parents’ Support and Heritage
- Ted’s parents bought their first TV just to watch Cheers, keeping it covered with a "religious tapestry" except when watching his show.
- Quote: “They bought their first TV so they could watch Cheers... put a little religious tapestry over the front... until it was time to watch Cheers.” (18:29-18:36 - Ted)
- Jesse shares that his parents, especially his now late mother, were extraordinarily supportive, even as they struggled to comprehend his transformation from a shy child to a stage performer.
- “I was incredibly shy and it really took my mom a while to figure out... why does he want to, for the shy kid, be on stage by himself?” (19:42 - Jesse)
- Both reflect on how acting provided a safe space to explore identity and gave them “license” to express themselves more fully.
- “That was a safe space for me to be a fully realized version of who I knew I could be.” (20:23 - Jesse)
5. Parenting and Childhood Pressures
Generation-Spanning Insecurities
- Jesse discusses his five-and-a-half-year-old son beginning to experience peer pressure around “things for girls” and “things for boys,” triggering Jesse's own childhood memories.
- Quote: “I was a version of that kid who wasn't afraid to like the things that other kids said I shouldn't like, but I paid the price for it. And so to see my son struggling with those same things...” (24:01 - Jesse)
- They touch on the delicate balance of wanting to protect children versus letting them develop resilience on their own.
6. Marriage, Acting Together & Growing Older
Working with Spouse Mary Steenburgen
- Jesse recalls almost acting with Mary Steenburgen (Ted’s wife), who was set to play his stage mother before dropping out due to scheduling.
- Ted describes acting with Mary in "A Man on the Inside" Season 2 as “wonderfully young actors”—reverting to their roots and treasured moments together on set at Paramount.
- Quote: “It was so cool to fall in love with my wife, Mary Steenburgen, because that's the role and just fall into her eyes.” (28:54-29:10 - Ted)
- The couple’s chemistry, compounded by both strong writing and their real relationship, made the experience uniquely gratifying and allowed for new depths of gratitude.
- “Even if you thought you were full of gratitude, it grows... We were so grateful for it too. Which is a fun, fun place to go to work from. Yeah. Full of gratitude. My new favorite word.” (30:12-30:42 - Ted)
- Ted underscores curiosity as an essential quality to maintain, humorously acknowledging that, despite moments of philosophical insight, he can still be “walking back to my car and step right into some karmic dog shit.” (31:07 - Ted)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On autobiography vs. storytelling:
“I sat there realizing I should, like you do, share about myself in this format. Which I really love.” (04:09 - Ted Danson) -
On stage anxiety:
“It’s like sticking your finger in a light socket and your whole body goes.” (05:46 - Ted Danson) -
On matching character with panic:
“The panic that was in my body made me look kind of brilliant.” (08:29 - Ted Danson) -
On the end of Cheers and press tours:
“Everyone else was just eyes spinning, shit-faced, shit-faced. On everything known to man.” (16:14 - Ted Danson) -
On the cast bond:
“No one will understand what it was like to be part of that white hot thing except for those other people.” (17:27 - Jesse Tyler Ferguson) -
On humility and curiosity:
“Whenever I spout enlightenment, I always walk back to my car and step right into some karmic dog shit.” (31:07 - Ted Danson)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Memoir & sharing stories: 04:00 – 04:30
- Stage fright monologue story: 05:32 – 08:37
- One-man show terrors: 08:45 – 09:19
- Modern Family vs. Cheers finales: 13:15 – 16:14
- Bonding with castmates post-shows: 17:27 – 18:44
- Parental support & first TV story: 18:29 – 19:42
- Acting as a safe space for the shy: 19:42 – 20:28
- Jesse's son and peer pressure: 23:25 – 24:27
- Acting with Mary Steenburgen & marriage on-screen: 27:04 – 30:00
- Aging, gratitude, and curiosity: 30:12 – 31:07
Episode Takeaways
“Side Dish: More with Ted Danson” peels back the curtain on the vulnerable, often hilarious realities of life in the spotlight—whether it’s panic attacks on stage, the bittersweet close of a television era, or the deep joys and complexities of working with loved ones. Jesse and Ted’s genuine chemistry creates a warm, open space for listeners to hear what it means to be both an artist and a human being, wrestling with fear, gratitude, and ever-evolving family dynamics.
For anyone needing a blend of Hollywood storytelling and real-world wisdom, this episode is a menu of heartfelt admissions, laughter, and a generous dose of humility.