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[BREAKING NEWS] Ryan Seacrest is INJURED on set, and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ fans are worried

Ryan Seacrest Seemingly Injures Himself While Jumping With Excited ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Winner

When Ryan Seacrest celebrates a Wheel of Fortune contestant’s win, he puts his whole body into it. But he seemingly jumped for joy a little too hard on the Friday, February 21 episode of the long-running game show.

When Genna Root, a middle school teacher from Fresno, California, won an additional $40,000 during a bonus round, she couldn’t contain her joy, jumping and screaming with her mom and her best friend. After revealing that her total winnings were $91,096, she screamed even louder and Seacrest, 50, joined in with the celebration.

As he jumped up and down, he did a celebratory kick, but appeared to irritate something in upper leg. He cried “Ow!” and had to crouch down and rub his thigh. The veteran host kept it professional, however, continuing on and reminding Root that she’d also won a trip to Antarctica. “I did?!?” she shrieked.

Fans of the show took to the comments when the clip began circulating on YouTube, pointing out how often fans get up close and personal with Seacrest.

“Everyone jumping all over Ryan every night when they win, and he’s loving it. I don’t quite remember that happening so much w/Pat,” wrote one fan, referring to previous longtime host Pat Sajak.

Another viewer responded to that comment with their opinion on Sajak, who hosted the show for a total of 41 years. “Pat would probably have been fine with it in the early years, but as he got older, he and the producers wouldn’t allow it,” they wrote.

A third fan called out Seacrest’s painful moment, tagging the exact moment in the video where Seacrest cried out in pain.

As fans noticed, this isn’t the first time Seacrest has put his body on the line since he started hosting Wheel of Fortune. On January 15, a contestant nearly knocked the TV and radio personality to the ground as he leapt to hug him.

[BREAKING NEWS] Miranda Lamber drops her NEWS MUSIC VIDEO, and here’s what fans HAD TO SAY: LIKE or NOT

Miranda Lambert’s Fans Call New Music Video “Absolutely Breathtaking”

The video for “Run” is out now.

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Miranda Lambert just shared an all-new music video, and it has country music fans trying to catch their breath. The singer teased a new video for her song “Run” from her 2024 album Postcards from Texas, and it might be her best yet.

In the video, Miranda is seen riding her horse through a desert landscape surrounded by mirrors and flowers. Eagle-eyed fans notice one of Miranda’s dogs, Bellamy, makes a cameo.

She sings the poignant lyrics, “Oh, this freedom I found, babe, sure wasn’t free/
I owe you a lifetime of apologies/I’m tellin’ the truth now/I loved you so much/I’m sorry for lyin’ about who I was/I was gonna run/I was gonna run/Ooh, I always was gonna run.”

Miranda looks stunning in the clip, wearing a fringe suede moto jacket with a matching belted dress and layers of turquoise jewelry. Her fans ran to the comments section to praise the video and her look:

“I’m blowing these comments up. Oops. Not sorry. I’m ecstatic. Yay. All the things. Yay yay yay!!!”

“the prettiest music video i’ve ever watched for the most beautiful song. “Run” is a masterpiece.”

“I think everyone has been or had someone who was gonna run 💔 beautiful song, video and vocals! You look absolutely stunning 😍🥰”

“Absolutely breathtaking 🩵 the horses running the whole video.. brilliant and beautiful 🥹🫶”

‘The Price Is Right’ Drew Carey’s RUDE comments about model ended up rubbing some fans the wrong way

‘The Price Is Right’ Drew Carey Insults Model On-Air

Drew Carey is known for making jokes in his role as host of The Price is Right, notably when he recently asked to marry a contestant. During a recent episode, Carey made a joke concerning one of the show’s models. However, his comments ended up rubbing some fans the wrong way.

One Price Is Right Contestant Got A Chance At A New Car

Throughout the show, the models help to reveal prices and celebrate with contestants. Some of the current models on the show include Manuela Arbelaez, Amber Lancaster, and Rachel Reynolds.

In one recent episode, a contestant got to try her luck with the “Let ‘Em Roll,” getting the chance to win a new car. Similar to Yahtzee, the game involves five dice. Contestants get one roll with the chance to earn more by guessing the relative price of grocery items.
Drew Carey – YouTube
The player can win a car if the dice reveals a car symbol. However, they can also earn cash amounts. After landing on cash, one contestant, Michele decided to roll again instead of walking away with the money.

This spurred Carey to reveal a little about one of the show’s models. “She’s gonna roll again. Thank you, Manuela,” said Drew as the model collected the dic. He then revealed, “Manuela used to work in a casino in Colombia…when she was young.” He also joked that she couldn’t talk about it.

In the end, Michele ended up winning the new car she wanted after all. Drew congratulated her and even high-fived Arbelaez.

Some Fans Came To Manuela’s Defense Online

On social media, some fans took issue with Carey talking about Manuela’s previous line of work. As one fan suspected on instagram, “He has beef with Manuela.”

Another wrote, “For real! ‘When she was young,’” pairing it with a skull emoji. One commenter also replied, “People need to stop making fun of Manuela Arbelaez when she’s on TPIR.”

As another shared, “This man just roasting Manuela for no reason.” One commenter especially came to the model’s defense, saying “Manuela is a SAINT! He needs to show some damn respect!”

As noted by Monsters & Critics, Arbelaez was born in Colombia and has since become a naturalized American. Back in 2008, she competed in The Price Is Right Model search. She didn’t win, but made such an impression on the production that she became a permanent model for the show anyway the following year.

Did you see this recent episode of The Price is Right? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.

‘The Price Is Right’ Changes: EP Teases Redemption & New Theme Episode

Sonja Flemming/CBS

Much like its Shell Game, The Price Is Right is mixing things up. Producers of the long-running CBS game show are preparing a new themed installment and even a redemption episode.

In the past, The Price Is Right has themed episodes around holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and April Fool’s Day, as well as events like the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, and NCAA March Madness. And viewers can expect at least one new theme in upcoming episodes.

“We switch it up,” executive producer Evelyn Warfel told TV Insider during our recent set visit. “This year we’re doing Galentine’s [Day].”

Sonja Flemming/CBS

The Price Is Right is also gearing up for a “redemption” episode, Warfel teased. What exactly does that mean? Are past contestants getting another shot at the Showcase Showdown? Details are scarce — Warfel only said it’s a concept “never done before” in the show’s 51-year history.

Producers are also keeping The Price Is Right exciting with its wide variety of games, from Any Number to Vend-O-Price and everything in between. “We have 79 games for a reason,” Warfel explained, referring to the options kept in a warehouse when they’re not in use on set. “When you tune into the show, it feels different every time.”

Despite the variety of games and the upcoming changes, The Price Is Right is still sticking to the format that that has been entertaining audiences since 1972. “For me, the importance of the show is holding on to the nostalgia,” Warfel said. “The reason people continue to tune in year after year is because they remember how it made them feel, the place they were in their life when they watched — like with one of their grandparents or being home sick from school. We do our best with every change we make to still remind people.”

Norah O’Donnell’s teary-eyed ‘CBS This Morning’ farewell: ‘The best is yet to come’

Norah O’Donnell said farewell to “CBS This Morning” Thursday.

O’Donnell, 45, has been a co-anchor of the broadcast since 2012. She will join “CBS Evening News,” as the anchor and managing editor, replacing Jeff Glor. In addition, she will serve as lead anchor for political events and contribute to “60 Minutes.”

During her on-air departure, the morning show aired a video that included a montage of O’Donnell’s interviews – including snippets of chats with the Dalai Lama, Prince Harry and James Taylor – and warm wishes from her parents and kids.

“Can’t wait to have a before-school-breakfast,” her son Henry told her.

Fellow journalists like Anderson Cooper and Robin Roberts also shared kind words, as did the hosts of evening news programs for NBC and ABC, Lester Holt and David Muir, respectively.

The compilation moved O’Donnell to tears.

“The best is yet to come. I think that’s for all of us at CBS News,” she said.

Acknowledging her co-hosts, she added: “We’ve made news, we’ve been in the news, but we’ve also made friendships. This is the greatest team on television.”

Turning to the crew, she extended her appreciation. “You know how much I love all of you.”

“What you should know is we are cheering you on,” said Gayle King, who will remain on “This Morning” with new hosts Anthony Mason, a senior national correspondent and CBS veteran, and Tony Dokoupil.

Earlier this month, news broke that she and John Dickerson would be leaving the program as part of a series of sweeping changes at the network. Dickerson has been tapped for “60 Minutes” and will also have a role in election specials.

When the news was revealed on “This Morning,” O’Donnell said she would put all she had into her new position.

“I was looking through some things that Walter Cronkite said, and he said, ‘I can’t imagine a person becoming a success in life without giving everything they’ve got.’ And so I’m gonna give this everything I’ve got.”

O’Donnell will be only the third female solo anchor of a network evening newscast, following ABC’s Diane Sawyer and former CBS anchor Katie Couric,

The changes mark the first big moves by Susan Zirinsky, who became CBS News’ first female president in March. (A fourth “Morning” co-anchor, Bianna Golodryga, was relieved of her duties in April after a six-month stint and exercised an option to exit the network).

She is aiming to reverse the fortunes of CBS’ cellar-dwelling “Evening News” and “This Morning” telecasts, which for years have lagged behind NBC and ABC in a distant third place, even as CBS leads them in overall primetime audience. Ratings for both broadcasts have suffered in the wake of recent changes: Charlie Rose’s 2017 exit from “This Morning” in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations, and the naming of Glor, also in 2017, to succeed Scott Pelley.

Contributing: Gary Levin

Happy’s Place Cast Update Sets Up A Major Reba Reunion, 18 Years After The Comedy Series Ended and fans are very excited and looking forward to it

Happy’s Place Cast Update Sets Up A Major Reba Reunion, 18 Years After The Comedy Series Ended

The new cast update for Happy’s Place confirms a Reba reunion. The new 2024 comedy series follows Bobbie (Reba McEntire), a woman who unexpectedly finds herself partnering with her lost half-sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), in running her late father’s tavern. Since its release in October 2024, Happy’s Place has earned mostly positive reviews and solid viewer retention. On top of that, McEntire has already reunited with several Reba cast members, and now it appears that list will grow.

Now, Variety reported that Christopher Rich and Justina Machado will have guest roles in Happy’s Place. This casting news marks a Reba reunion between McEntire and Rich, who portrayed the role of Brock Hart, the ex-husband in the 2007 sitcom.

In Happy’s Place, Rich will portray Maverick, a funny tattoo artist who can only do tattoos with his right hand due to a stroke. On the other hand, Machado, known for her roles in Jane the Virgin, One Day at a Time, and Queen of the South, plays Maritza, Isabella’s mother and a successful lawyer.

What This Means for Happy’s Place and Its Characters

Happy’s Place Is Tapping Into Recognizable Talent

Rich and Machado’s casting reaffirms Happy’s Place’s commitment to tapping into familiar and veteran talent. Rich and McEntire’s reunion is clearly not the first, as the series has already brought many familiar Reba cast members to the spotlight, including Melissa Peterman and Steve Howey.

While Howey has just a guest role as Danny, Peterman portrays the main character, Gabby, a bartender who helps Bobby at the tavern. However, Rich is major since this would mark his reunion with McEntire after the 2001 comedy series ended 18 years ago.

On the other hand, Machado’s involvement enriches Happy’s Place’s ensemble with a new character who brings depth, strength, and a no-nonsense attitude.

With the key premise focused on Bobby learning about her lost half-sister, the introduction of Isabella’s mother could establish more details about the relationship between her and Happy. However, it’s uncertain when either Machado or Rich will make their guest appearances.

Our Take on Happy’s Place’s Guest Star Announcement

New Characters Promise New Relationships & Dynamics

Bringing Rich and Machado into Happy’s Place further strengthens the show’s character-driven approach. Rich’s appearance provides a nostalgic nod to their time on Reba together, while Machado adds a revived dynamic to the series, particularly how it will impact Isabella and Bobbie.

These additions demonstrate the sitcom’s commitment to diversifying its character roster and creating a viewing experience where humor and heart coexist. As Happy’s Place continues to evolve, guest roles will likely contribute to its overall success and audience engagement.

Source: Variety

Melissa Peterman and Christopher Rich share an INCREDIBLE SECRET about Reba McEntire that even her longtime fans are surprised to learn

Did Reba McEntire’s ‘Reba’ Co-Star Just Imply She’s Not a Real Redhead?

Mike Coppola, Getty Images© Taste of Country

Reba McEntire‘s red hair has been her signature look for her whole career — so much so that all you need to do to pull off a convincing Reba Halloween costume is to don a red wig!

But during a recent ET Online interview with McEntire and her Reba co-stars Melissa Peterman and Christopher Rich, Rich took some lighthearted shots at both the women, including a joke that implied McEntire’s hair color might not be quite what it seems.

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It actually started as a joke aimed at Peterman, where Rich said, “Well, wait, you’re not really blonde, though.”

But then, he turned in McEntire’s direction, adding, “I’m giving away too much. Because she’s actually more blonde than you are, in real life.”

“She was a little towhead, this one. Back in Oklahoma. Back in the day,” he said, patting McEntire on the leg.

Rich stopped there, though throughout the interview, he cracked a few more jokes at their expense, including one jab about how his entire paycheck from his acting roles might not cover the cost of their makeup.

Of course, Rich has known McEntire and Peterman for decades, since he starred as Brock Hart — McEntire’s character’s ex-husband, who leaves her for Peterman’s character — on the beloved 2000s sitcom.

They’re all close friends, and in the same interview where Rich joked about McEntire’s hair, he also credited her with helping him restart his career after he suffered a devastating stroke years ago.

Rich added that during his years-long healing process, McEntire and Peterman never stopped inviting him to industry events or spending time with him as friends. He credits her with his eventual decision to return back to acting after a hiatus of about a decade, to make a guest spot on her new Happy’s Place sitcom.

He also says that he frequently spends time with McEntire and her boyfriend Rex Linn, including watching football games together.

“I spend a lot of time at her and Rex’s place, watching the Longhorns. Hook ’em! They didn’t make it though,” he explains with a sympathetic gesture toward McEntire.

As for the question of McEntire’s a real redhead? Well, only her hairdresser knows for sure — though you’d be hard pressed to find old photos of her with any shade of hair lighter than strawberry.

[HEARTBREAKING] Reba alum Christopher Rich moves Happy Place fans to tears with his heartfelt revelation about his road to recovery after being diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury following a massive stroke

‘Reba’ Alum Chris Rich’s Post-Stroke Health Battle in His Words: Traumatic Brain Injury to Recovery

Reba alum Christopher Rich candidly discussed his road to recovery after being diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury following a massive stroke.

Rich rose to stardom playing Alexander “Sandy” Cory on Another World in the early ’80s. From there, Rich continued to make memorable appearances on shows such as The Nanny, ER and Murphy Brown before scoring his gig on Reba as Brock.

Reba made Rich a household name after he played Reba McEntire‘s ex-husband Brock from 2001 to 2007. He went on to appear on Boston Legal, Desperate Housewives and Melissa & Joey before slowing down following a health scare.

“After my stroke and having a brain injury, it is like I got hit with an atomic bomb. So it all gets traumatized, and it is a hard reset,” he exclusively told Us Weekly in February 2025 before his guest spot on NBC’s Happy’s Place. “After I finally got out of the hospital, I was moving around again. Then I threw a bunch of blood clots and ended up in the hospital with lung embolisms and debris on my heart. After surviving all of that crap, I’m feeling really, really good.”

He continued: “I lost 50 pounds since the last time I was a regular on television. I just don’t have much of an appetite anymore. But I’m not disappointed by losing weight.”

Andrew Eccles/Fox Television/Courtesy Everett Collection
Rich was hopeful about his return to Hollywood, adding, “It’s great to be able to be a disabled person and play a disabled person. I’m hoping that when some of this gets out there, that people that I’ve worked with in the past are going to say, ‘OK, let’s bring him back. We can work with him.’”

Despite having his life changed by the traumatic brain injury, Rich has remained positive about his ongoing recovery — and is making his return to acting. Keep scrolling for everything Rich said about his health scare, life after having a stroke and how he has prioritized his recovery:

The Initial Health Issue

Christopher Rich, Melissa Peterman and Reba McEntire in ‘Reba.’ Everett Collection
“I almost didn’t make it to the Easter service at church because I was busy having a massive stroke,” Rich recalled in a 2022 video for a Texas regenerative medicine clinic. “It has been a major struggle but a part of my treatment is coming here to get a stem cell treatment to heal the right side of my brain where the blood clot happened.”

Rich broke down how the stroke damaged the ride side of his brain, which impaired his ability to walk, talk and use the left side of his body.

“It destroyed some of my brain so what I have been doing is I’ve been trying to redevelop neural pathways,” he continued at the time. “My left side was completely frozen. I couldn’t walk or use my left arm.”

Developing a New Lease on Life

Melissa Peterman, Christopher Rich, Reba McEntire and Scarlett Pomers in ‘Reba.’ Greg Schwartz/Fox Television/Courtesy Everett Collection
After suffering a stroke in 2018, Rich reflected on his health in a promotional video for a medical center, saying, “I actually had some stem cells injected into my shoulder a few days ago, and the pain is down 80 percent. I have more mobility. I’m walking better. I’m still talking like an idiot, but I don’t think that’s ever going to change.”

Rich admitted he has since looked at his life differently. “When you face a major medical issue, it changes your perspective on life,” he noted. “When you come through it, you begin to enjoy each day a little bit more even with the pain.”

The actor said his health became a priority, which meant it was “that serious a deal” for him to travel from Los Angeles to Texas to “get the highest quality of treatment.”

Facing Ups and Downs

Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night
Rich discussed his mental health in a 2019 video for the Centre for Neuro Skills.

“After [you] suffer a brain injury, it is like everything has changed in a moment and now you’re in this other place. But there’s hope because this is where — for me — the sun shines,” he explained. “Treat your significant other nicely because you’re gonna be relying on them, and don’t forget to ask other people for help because you can use all the help you can get right now. … You’re at the right place and I’m so sorry that you’re having to do this, but I’m glad you found this place. They will take good care of you. They saved my life.”

Rich was previously married to the late Nancy Frangione from 1982 to 1996, with whom he shared one adopted daughter. He found love again with Eva Halina Rich and the couple, who share two daughters, got married in 2003. Eva joined Christopher in a video for the medical center where he recalled the aftermath of his “massive stroke.”

“My wife and I are still working hard to reestablish our relationship because it’s like she’s living with a different person,” he admitted. “I get frustrated with the fact that she doesn’t recognize me as the same guy that is still in here. But she’s like, ‘This is an adjustment.’ I don’t think I’ll ever be exactly what I was before and I hope not because this has been such a learning experience for me.”

The Initial Year

Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night
“I went to sleep the night before Easter and when I woke up, I couldn’t walk or really talk coherently. I had a stroke in the middle of the night and then I had complete left side paralysis. There was basically no use of my left arm at all. I couldn’t walk on my own. I was in a wheelchair,” he detailed in 2019. “My voice sounded abnormal to me, and I had a lot of saliva running out of the left side of my mouth.”

Christopher pointed out that memory was a major issue as well, adding, “I have these dreams at night where I wake up the next morning and I’m completely healed. As much as I want that, some mornings I wake up and I’m trying to stretch out to get moving again, and I realize that I’m doing more than I did yesterday morning.”

He continued: “I have a terrific life thanks to [the medical center]. Bad stuff happens and you can do the, ‘Why me?’ But it’s there for you to grow. This doesn’t stop you and it isn’t the end of the road. It is the beginning of a different road. I would say that CNS saved my life. It really reintegrated me into that life that’s out there.”

Stepping Back From Acting to Focus on His Health

Reba McEntire and Chris Rich in ‘Reba.’ Danny Feld/Fox Television/Courtesy Everett Collection
“If you’re an actor, you can’t just suddenly show up again [after suffering a TBI] and say, ‘I can do this.’ Fortunately, I did find something [new]. I miss acting a little bit but not like I thought I would,” he said in the 2019 video for the Centre for Neuro Skills. “It’s been my main drive through my life but the other thing that I’ve done a lot of is philanthropic work and I really miss that more than I do being an actor.”

Christopher continued: “I was able to do something that I got involved with a long time ago. It is a green energy program of non-polluting generators, particularly for islands and remote places.”

Returning to His ‘Reba’ Roots

Reba McEntire, Chris Rich and Rex Linn. Courtesy of Chris Rich/Instagram
After taking a break from acting, Christopher made a guest appearance on NBC’s Happy’s Place. The role reunited Rich with McEntire and Melissa Peterman, who were his costars on Reba. Christopher played a local tattoo artist on Happy’s Place named Maverick who liked to tease new clients about which hand he would use to tattoo them after suffering a stroke that affected his left side.

“The crew made it feel like the old Reba set because we were having a blast. They had as much fun as I did and that was really heartwarming for me. It felt like I was back home in a safe place,” he told Us. “I was really well taken care of. It was a blessing. I want to go back so badly.”

Just For You

Christopher Rich’s REVELATION about Reba McEntire’s Boyfriend Rex Linn fans into a FRENZY

Alum Christopher Rich Reveals Reba McEntire’s Boyfriend Rex Linn Is One of His ‘Besties’ (Exclusive)

Rich recently made his return to TV on McEntire’s NBC comedy ‘Happy’s Place’ eight years after having stroke

From left: Reba McEntire, Christopher Rich and Rex Linn. Photo:Chris Rich/instagram

Christopher Rich is proud to call Rex Linn his “bestie.”

Ahead of his Friday, Feb. 21 guest appearance on Reba McEntire’s NBC comedy Happy’s Place —where the Reba alum reunited with his former costars McEntire, 69, and Melissa Peterman — the veteran actor spoke with PEOPLE about just how close the cast of The WB series remains. According to Rich, 71, that closeness even extends to the cast’s significant others.

While sharing that he thinks of McEntire as a “sister,” he also revealed that he’s close to her boyfriend and Happy’s Place costar, Linn.

“Her present boyfriend, Rex Linn, is one of my besties,” he tells PEOPLE, adding that the chance to hang out on set with not only McEntire and Peterman but also Linn was a joy.

Rich says, “It’s glorious to me where life has brought us all to be honest. It’s really fabulous. I’m so happy that she’s happy, and she’s happy that we got to spend time together. And Rex is happy and I’m happy for Rex … it’s just a joyous time.”

From left: Reba McEntire, Christopher Rich and Rex Linn.Chris Rich/instagram

Linn, 68, and McEntire met on the set of Kenny Rogers’ film The Gambler in 1991, but the two didn’t begin dating until they reconnected in 2020. According to McEntire, the pair hit it off when the country star was eager to order tater tots at a wine bar during a group outing.

During a March 2023 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, McEntire shared that her fondness for tots earned her a new nickname — and kicked off her relationship with the CSI: Miami alum. “Rex said, ‘That’s your nickname from here on out — Tater Tot,’” she explained, before adding that she calls Linn by the nickname “Sugar Tot.”

McEntire continued: “We’re the tots — sugar and tater. We’ve been together ever since. He’s a sweetheart.”

The cast of Reba in 2001.Alamy Stock Photo

Thanks to his relationship with McEntire, Linn is now a member of the extended Reba family, an honor that he shares with Rich’s wife, Eva Halina Rich, and JoAnna Garcia Swisher’s husband, Nick Swisher.

Rich tells PEOPLE that he thinks of Garcia Swisher, who played his TV daughter Cheyenne on Reba, as one of his own daughters offscreen as well.

“JoAnna Garcia is like a daughter to me for real,” he says. “I married JoAnna and her husband, Nick Swisher, I was the officiant.”

Spoken like a true (TV) dad, Rich adds, “They are like my kids. I love them so much.”

Happy’s Place airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and can be streamed on Peacock the next day. Additionally, Reba can be streamed in full on Netflix.

Reba McEntire reveals the SPECIAL TACTIC she uses to get Christopher Rich to return to TV after his stroke

How Reba McEntire Convinced Christopher Rich to Return to TV After His Stroke

The star thought he was out of the acting game for good until Happy’s Place.

As many viewers are well aware, there are many common elements between Happy’s Place and Reba McEntire’s cult classic early-2000s sitcom Reba — like Christopher Rich.

The longtime actor made a guest appearance in a recent episode of Happy’s Place, but it took a lot of convincing on McEntire’s part to get Rich on board with the role. The reason? Rich suffered a debilitating stroke in 2018 and thought he’d never act again.

“I mean, I’ve basically taken the last decade off,” he told ET during a discussion alongside his cast mates. “And if anybody was going to drag me out of the dark corner of the closet, it would be the redhead.”

The stroke left the star without the use of the left side of his body and unable to walk.

Thankfully, the star regained most of his motor functions through extensive rehab and physical therapy. Still, Rich was unsure of returning to the bright lights of Hollywood until McEntire — and her real-life bestie and co-star Melissa Peterman — convinced him that Happy’s Place would be the perfect place for him to get back into the swing of things.

During the interview, he said the show’s team made him feel safe enough to “trot [his] broken body out again.”

Bobbie (Reba McEntire), Gabby (Melissa Peterman), Maverick (Christopher Rich) and Isabella (Belissa Escobedo) on Happy’s Place Season 1 Episode 15. Photo: Casey Durkin/NBC

It was a bet that paid off. Fans loved Rich in his role as tattoo artist Maverick. For someone who spent all six seasons alongside the Queen of Country Music in Reba, it was incredible to see the two friends on-screen together once again.

Rich recalled that McEntire and Peterman were instrumental in his recovery process immediately following his stroke.

“I feel so bizarre recovering from the stroke thing that I didn’t even want to go out of my house for a lot of the time,” he explained. “But, [McEntire and Melissa Peterman] got me back out. They would invite me to parties and reunion things…I mean, they came to my hospital bed; they sent me gifts. Melissa used to come over and bring me treats all the time in the hospital… and she was such a great supporter.”

As Rich admitted, it’s been a “long journey” — but all his hard work and perseverance has paid off.

NBC announces Happy’s Place Season 2 renewal

Belissa Escobedo, Reba McEntire, and Melissa Peterman attend the NBCUniversal Summer Press Tour for “Happy’s Place” in Pasadena, Calif. on July 14, 2024. Photo: Todd Williamson/NBC

Fans of the hit comedy — especially the 17-million-plus who tuned in for the Season 1 premiere — are celebrating because Happy’s Place is officially greenlit for another season in 2025-2026!

NBC made the announcement on February 20 — and viewers will be happy to know that the show isn’t the only one returning for another go-round. St. Denis Medical is also returning for Season 2! (We’re keeping track of all the renewals here.)