Ted Danson Tells Us If Marathoners Are Going to ‘The Good Place’

The 71-year-old actor explains how he stays healthy while working 14-hour days, and answers our questions about "The Good Place."

The Good Place - Season 1
NBCGetty Images

Ted Danson doesn't run. That's OK. The 71-year-act hikes the canyons around his Los Angeles home until he's gasping for air. He's basically training for the Leadville without realizing it.

Even if he's not technically a runner, this American treasure is role model for any active individual. So when the offer came in to get 10 minutes on the phone with the veteran actor and star of The Good Place (watch the Season 3 finale tonight), we jumped at the opportunity to learn how he continues to work 14-hour days while remaining both hilarious and healthy.

Runner's World: We're talking today as part of campaign by Cigna to encourage regular check ups. Why are check ups important to you?

Ted Danson: Yes, I'm excited to be involved because it's telling a truth about healthcare: two checkups a year can make a huge difference in how well you feel, and with how much it ends up costing if you don't take care of yourself. Most people don't make use of their insurance, which does cover preventative medicine. They only go once and don't know they can go twice a year.


It's also about the treating the body as a whole, your body and your mind. Your mental health has a direct impact on your physical health. It's what I've been doing for my adult life, especially from my 50s on. Now back to your question.

Yeah, what aspects of your health are on your mind? Blood pressure, weight?

At my age, I want my mental agility match my physical agility. And I want to be there for my wife for many years. I'm concerned about taking care of my brain, and all the obvious things like blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol. I check those on a regular basis, two or three times a year.

Well you appear to be the picture of health.

[Laughs] My little joke is that I've entered my professional athlete phase of my life. Professional athletes are always playing hurt and they're always in rehab, and that's pretty much a good description of me: don't worry about aches and pains, just keep moving.

The Good Place - Season 3
Danson playing reformed demon Michael, during Season 3 of The Good Place.
NBCGetty Images

How do you keep moving?

I'm very aware that sleep is one of the most curative things for your body and mind, get a good sleep. And doing cardio, at least four or five times a week, really huffing and puffing for 30 and 40 minutes. And meditating once a day. And then I add to that diet, so you're not pumping sugars and carbs into your body that can lead to cholesterol or clogged arteries. So you're eating well, exercising well, and going to your doctor and asking, "how am I doing?"

It sounds like your wife is a big motivator to stay healthy.

It's just smart. The most loving thing you can do for your family and friends is to stay healthy.

Tell us about your cardio workouts.

At the gym, I will either work with my trainer hard enough that the entire thing is cardio, or get on a stationary bike. Also, walking—but basically up and down stairs. We live in this canyon area with three or four flights of stairs you can go up and down. Really, anything where I'm gasping for breath at the end. Then I know I've done as much I need.

What I pray for in life is consistency. I talk a good battle, and when I'm not working, I'm spot on. When I'm working 12- to 14-hour days, it becomes real tricky. But that's when you need it the most, when you're tired and drained.

Watch: Are you faster than these celebrity marathoners?

How do you work that in around a 14 hour day?

When I get tired, two things: First, I downloaded this guided meditation app. On my lunch hour, I grab a 15 minute almost-nap, almost-meditation, guided meditation. That's done amazing things for me. I get rested, but also energized in middle of my day. I do that religiously at work. On the way home, if I'm tired, I'll stop and park on top of a hill and go up and down to get my body, my blood, everything moving again.

What's the name of your meditation app?

Shoot...somebody recommended it and sent a link. I think it's called hypnosis energy booster, something like that [Editor's note: we could not find the app]. It's a guided meditation where he takes you for a walk into the woods. For me it really works. If you go online and Google 20-minute guided meditations, you'll find something that works for you.

The Good Place - Season 3
The Good Place cast, moments before they run away to the eponymous Good Place. Left to right: William Jackson Harper as Chidi, Kristen Bell as Eleanor, Manny Jacinto as Jason, Jameela Jamil as Tahani, D’Arcy Carden as Janet, Ted Danson as Michael.
NBCGetty Images

Let's talk about your show, The Good Place. You and the gang are frequently chased by demons. Who's the fastest runner?

Oh wow, well, you can't underestimate Kristen Bell, she's fast. But I'd go with one of the younger guys, either Will Harper or Manny Jacinto.

You know those runners that talk about their marathons or their training way too much? How many negative points for the "Bad Place" is that?

You should be asking my wife that because I fall into that category some times. You know what it is? It's a cosmic wash. That's where you get points for doing it, and then you lose points by talking about it. It's very tricky, like leaving a nice large tip for a barista, but only waiting until they're looking at you to see what a generous tipper you are.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Health & Injuries