Jason Sudeikis and the cast of Ted Lasso made a guest appearance at a White House press briefing to raise awareness of the importance of mental health.
The actor, who plays the eponymous coach of fictional side AFC Richmond, urged people to check in on one another and not be afraid to ask for help themselves.
It comes following the release of the third season of the popular Apple TV+ show, which has been widely acclaimed for its positive messages.
At the press conference on Monday, Sudeikis was joined by castmates Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Toheeb Jimoh.
“No matter who you are, no matter where you live, no matter who you voted for, we all probably know someone… that’s struggled, that’s felt isolated, that’s felt anxious, that has felt alone.
“It’s actually one of the many things that believe it or not, that we all have in common as human beings.
Had a wide-ranging discussion about the importance of mental health with some folks from an English soccer team.
You’ll see video of it soon. pic.twitter.com/8ehCmsW4WJAdvertisement— President Biden (@POTUS) March 20, 2023
“(And) that means that it’s something that we can and should talk about with one another when we’re feeling that way or when we recognise that and someone feeling that way.
“We encourage everyone, and a big theme of the show is to check in with your neighbour, your co-worker, your friends, your family, and ask how they’re doing and listen, sincerely.”
Sudeikis continued: “While it’s easier said than done, we also have to know that we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help ourselves, and that does take a lot, especially when it’s something that has such a negative stigma to it, such as mental health. It doesn’t need to be that way.
“If you can ask for that help from a professional, fantastic. If it needs to be a loved one, equally as good in a lot of ways because sometimes you just need to let out that pressure.”
He added: “We just want to emulate these make-believe folks that we all play at AFC Richmond and the way they take care of one another.
“That is the wish… fulfilment on the show, aside from me playing coach, and these guys being professional footballers”
Sudeikis than allowed one question from reporters, giving it to “fake journalist” Trent Crimm – who appears in the series and is played by James Lance.
Sudeikis and his Ted Lasso cast members later sat down with US president Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to discuss matters of mental health further.
Ahead of the meeting, yellow signs bearing the word “Believe” – an item which features in the show – were put up around areas of the White House.
Waddingham later said she was “humbled beyond belief” to have been invited for the visit.
Posting a picture of herself flexing under a picture of Michelle Obama, she wrote: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would stand under this picture.
“@whitehouse Humbled beyond belief. #armwrestlemrsO?!”
