Courtesy Patrick G. Ryan
Only moments into his National Press Club speech Thursday on behalf of the environmental group Oceana, Ted Danson acknowledged that “when you talk fish, you see people’s eyes” roll back in their heads. Their expressions, according to Danson, say, “Please don’t talk about fish.”
Recommended Stories
Of course, people are more apt to listen if you’re a still-handsome-at-61 sitcom star. Later, he was asked why Hollywood stars are qualified to lead social movements. “Just because,” he offered.
Give him points for honesty. Unlike most celebs who come here with a cause, Danson said his role was mostly to draw attention to the issue by getting the cameras on him. “Other than that, why would anyone listen to Sam Malone?” he asked. “I have a real limit to my knowledge.”
Indeed, during the question-and-answer portion, he found himself frequently punting to Oceana’s chief scientist when the questions turned the slightest bit technical. A sample of his responses:
» “I’m talking a little over my head.”
» “I don’t know.”
» “I don’t know that.”
» “I don’t know how to answer that. I’m sorry. I guess I probably should.”
» “See, clearly we should have moved on to the career questions.”
