Stroke Survivor Christopher Rich Returns to TV with ‘Happy’s Place’

Los Angeles, CA — Christopher Rich, known for his role on the early 2000s sitcom ‘Reba,’ has made a triumphant return to television in NBC‘s new series ‘Happy's Place.’ The episode aired on February 21, 2025, and features Rich as Maverick, a tattoo artist who is also a stroke survivor. Rich’s comeback comes after he faced significant challenges following a debilitating stroke in 2018.

Rich, 71, explained the doubts he had about returning to acting after nearly a decade away. ‘I didn’t know if I would still have the skill set that I had before I got sick,’ he told reporters during a promotional interview. ‘But I’ve been making [the ‘Reba’ cast] laugh at private functions, and they reassured me, “You’re not going to have any problems,” and they were right.’

The character Maverick was specifically written for Rich, who returned to the spotlight with the encouragement of his former co-stars Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman. ‘If anybody was going to drag me out of the dark corner of the closet, it would be the redhead,’ he quipped, referring to McEntire.

Rich’s stroke left him with limited mobility on the left side of his body and had raised concerns about his ability to perform. ‘I was pretty nervous to step in front of a live studio audience again after so many years away from the spotlight,’ he recalled. However, the experience of hearing laughter and applause from fans was ‘magnificent.’ Rich’s road to recovery included extensive rehab and physical therapy, as well as the support of his friends from ‘Reba,’ who consistently reached out through his recovery journey.

McEntire, who plays Bobbie in ‘Happy’s Place,’ highlighted the importance of their friendship during Rich’s recovery. ‘They would invite me to parties and reunions… and they came to my hospital bed; they sent me gifts,’ Rich said, reflecting on their efforts.

‘Happy’s Place’ follows McEntire’s character, who inherits a restaurant and must share ownership with a half-sister she never knew she had. The show debuted to great success, drawing over 17 million viewers for its premiere. Following this momentum, NBC announced the renewal of ‘Happy’s Place’ for a second season, further celebrating the chemistry among its cast.

Rich revealed that stepping into the role of a stroke survivor felt personal for him. ‘The coolest thing for me was getting to portray a disabled person doing something any other person would do,’ he explained. Working alongside McEntire felt like a familial reunion for him, saying, ‘It’s like working with family. I don’t know how to explain it any better than that, but it really is like going to work with my sister.’

The support of castmates and the show’s team played crucial roles in Rich’s return. His journey exemplifies resilience and the power of friendship in overcoming life’s obstacles. As ‘Happy’s Place’ continues to air Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, fans can expect more heartfelt moments and laughter, further cementing its place in the hearts of viewers.