Ted Danson lends his voice to renowned author Ralph Waldo Emerson in the newly released PBS docuseries, *Henry David Thoreau*. The series, which has garnered significant attention, is executive produced by rock musician Don Henley and acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns. Through this three-part documentary, viewers can explore the profound impact of Thoreau, best known for his groundbreaking memoir, *Walden*, featuring the voice of Jeff Goldblum. The narration comes courtesy of Hollywood star George Clooney, among other high-profile contributors such as Meryl Streep.
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Danson, at 78, reflects on how quickly he agreed to join the project, primarily due to the involvement of Henley and Burns. He noted, “Everybody runs to be part of whatever Ken Burns is doing.” This statement highlights the high esteem in which both figures are held within the entertainment industry. Danson acknowledges that he has a long history with Henley, recalling earlier fundraising efforts to protect Walden Woods, an ecological site in Massachusetts. Their shared dedication to environmental issues cemented Danson’s desire to take part in the docuseries.
Receiving Henley’s email about the documentary made an impression on Danson, who joked about being somewhat intimidated by the precision of Henley’s communications. “If I get a Don Henley email, to this day, I kind of flinch,” he admitted, underscoring the clear respect he has for his fellow artist.
Interestingly, Danson confesses that before engaging with the documentary, he had not actually read any works by Thoreau or Emerson, a fact he now finds oddly amusing. “The embarrassing part is that I lied for years, going, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’ve read it,’ ” he chuckled. Yet, as the project unfolded, Danson discovered an unexpected connection to Thoreau’s philosophies. Growing up in the woods outside Flagstaff, Arizona, he often found his entertainment in nature rather than television, which was absent from his home until he attended university.
His upbringing, guided by a father who was an archaeologist, instilled in him a deep respect for the environment and the history that precedes us. Danson explained, “There’s a lot that has come before us, and a lot that will hopefully come after us. It’s about the stewardship of what you’ve been given.” This insight clarified for him how much he shares with the conservationist legacy championed by Thoreau.
Beyond personal reflections, Danson believes Thoreau’s messages are crucial in today’s sociopolitical context. “Social justice and environmental justice go hand in hand,” he remarked. He views these themes as inseparable parts of Thoreau’s beliefs, particularly regarding civil rights and environmental stewardship. Danson posits that Thoreau’s insistence on civil disobedience remains relevant, especially as society grapples with pressing issues in both spheres.
Danson became increasingly hopeful that the docuseries would resonate with a wider audience. He expressed his conviction, stating, “Social and environmental justice are two of the biggest concerns in my life right now. The documentary really resonates with me, and I think it will resonate with a lot of people out there.”
Henry David Thoreau, whose work includes *Walden* (published in 1854) and the influential essay *Civil Disobedience* (1849), led a life marked by challenges, including struggles with tuberculosis. He passed away at the young age of 44 in 1862, leaving behind a profound legacy. Emerson, his friend and mentor and a significant figure in the 19th-century Transcendentalist movement, died two decades later at the age of 78.
As the interest in environmental and social justice grows, the release of *Henry David Thoreau* offers a timely exploration of issues that are increasingly at the forefront of public consciousness. The docuseries is now available for streaming on PBS, encouraging audiences to reconnect with Thoreau’s ethos and the enduring messages of Emerson.