Woody Harrelson Recounts Motorcycle Accident, Credits Ted Danson as Lifesaver

Emmy-winning actor Woody Harrelson reveals a harrowing motorcycle accident that could have ended much worse, highlighting the unwavering friendship and quick thinking of his former "Cheers" costar, Ted Danson.

In a recent episode of the "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" podcast, Woody Harrelson recounted a harrowing motorcycle accident that occurred while he was on his way to record the show. The incident, which happened in Los Angeles, could have had much more serious consequences, but thanks to the quick thinking and unwavering friendship of his former "Cheers" costar, Ted Danson, the outcome was far less severe than it could have been.

"A tumble is a fair term," Harrelson said, adding that he "went over [his] handlebars" when his motorcycle collided with a Tesla that was making a left turn. "I was honestly and embarrassingly passing this Tesla on the left that I felt was moving a little slow and I didn’t realize he was moving slow because he was taking a left. I was on a motorcycle."

Woody Harrelson Recounts Motorcycle Accident, Credits Ted Danson as Lifesaver

The impact left Harrelson with an injured wrist, which Danson quickly tended to with ease. "Your hand is wrapped up like somebody in a cartoon," O'Brien remarked, to which Danson replied, "That's 'cause I wrapped it. I wrapped it and I thought it looked funnier that way."

Harrelson, who played bartender Woody Boyd on the beloved sitcom "Cheers," praised Danson's medical expertise, saying, "We’re in the bathroom and I was like, ‘You played a doctor, right?’" Danson, who once played Dr. John Becker on the CBS medical drama "Becker," responded, "I also played a lawyer, so we can sue the guy."

Woody Harrelson Recounts Motorcycle Accident, Credits Ted Danson as Lifesaver

Despite the minor injury, Harrelson expressed gratitude for Danson's quick thinking and calm demeanor, saying, "His confidence, his demeanor, everything about the way he does it makes you feel like you’re in the best hands. I never doubted him."

Danson, who played bartender Sam Malone on "Cheers," admitted to feeling sadness over the incident, saying, "I am sad. He could’ve been hurt badly. It does make me sad."

Woody Harrelson Recounts Motorcycle Accident, Credits Ted Danson as Lifesaver

The two actors, who have remained close friends since their time on "Cheers," are currently promoting their latest collaboration, a new podcast titled "Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (Sometimes)." According to the podcast's synopsis, the partners will "reconnect, both with each other and the amazing friends they’ve each met over the decades, like Will Arnett, Dax Shepard, Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen, José Andrés, Conan O'Brien, and more."

Reflecting on the accident, Harrelson emphasized the importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet, saying, "I still feel like the shortest distance between two points in L.A. is a motorcycle, but today it proved not to be so very fast in terms of transporting.… I always thought I would be OK. I felt there was some pain involved. I felt the pain, but I never thought I’d be killed or anything or maimed."

The close call has undoubtedly strengthened the bond between Harrelson and Danson, two of Hollywood's most celebrated actors. Their friendship, forged on the set of "Cheers," continues to thrive, serving as a testament to the enduring power of camaraderie in both good times and bad.