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Ted Danson knows how to stay young!
The actor, 77, reflects on the valuable lesson that playing retiree-turned-private investigator Charles Nieuwendyk on Netflix’s A Man on the Inside has taught him.
While speaking with PEOPLE at the show’s season 2 premiere event as part of PaleyFest 2025 at The Paley Museum in New York City, Danson says his character has taught him that “you have to get out there.”
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“I was working on that myself anyway,” the Emmy winner continues. “When I turned 70, I thought I should slow down.” But now that he’s turning 78 in December, he tells himself, “Keep your foot on the gas pedal, stay curious, get out there and stay hopeful.”
Danson says his positive mindset helps him in many ways. “It’s not just altruistic,” he explains. “It’s good for your health. It’s good for your energy. It’s fun — life becomes fun at any age.”
A Man on the Inside reunites the television star with creator Michael Schur, whom he previously worked with on A Good Place. The comedy’s latest season follows Charles as he is assigned with helping Wheeler College president Jack Berenger (Max Greenfield) crack a case and must go undercover as a college professor, per a synopsis from Netflix.
Danson’s real-life wife Mary Steenburgen joins the show as music teacher Mona and Charles’ new love interest.
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The cast also includes Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Gary Cole, Stephanie Beatriz, Michaela Conlin, Lisa Gilroy, Madison Hu, Sam Huntington, Jason Mantzoukas, Constance Marie, Linda Park, David Strathairn and Jill Talley.
In the spirit of the show, Danson also tells PEOPLE about his later-in-life hobby that has brought him a lot of joy.
“I picked up a new hobby of doing a podcast with my friend Woody Harrelson,” he says, referring to his podcast Everybody Knows Your Name. “We’ve done about 150 episodes. I really enjoy talking to people that I wouldn’t have had the nerve to go talk to at a party or whatever.”
As for his most memorable guests so far, he names Flea from the band Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane Fonda, Matthew McConaughey and Jesse Eisenberg.
A Man on the Inside season 2 premieres Nov. 20 on Netflix.
