Fictional football coach Ted Lasso used his White House visit Monday to encourage people, even in politically divided Washington, to check in with friends, family and co-workers often to “ask how they’re doing, and listen. sincerely,”
Comedian Jason Sudeikis, who plays the title character – an American who coaches a football team in London – and other cast members met with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden to talk about how mental health contributes to overall well-being.
Mental health and looking after each other are the themes of the event, Sudeikis told reporters from behind the lectern as he helped press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre open her daily briefing at the White House. The Emmy-winning and iconic show on Apple TV+ just opened its third season.
“Although it’s easier said than done, we also need to understand that we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help for ourselves,” Sudeikis said. “It takes a lot, especially when something has a negative stigma, like mental health and it doesn’t have to be that way.
“And if you can get help from a professional, fantastic,” he continued. “If they have to be loved ones, they are good, in many ways.”
Mental health is part of Biden’s bipartisan “unity agenda.” He also called on lawmakers to direct more resources to combat what some say is a crisis. The government has also increased funding to improve the new suicide and crisis line 988, and to create more mental health professionals in schools.
Sudeikis said there is no stigma attached to asking for help because everyone knows someone who needs someone they can count on, or has been that person.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter where you live, it doesn’t matter who you vote for, we all, I think, we all know someone who has, or has been a real person, who struggles, who feels lonely, that is I feel worried, I feel alone,” he said.
“It’s actually one of the many things, believe it or not, that we all have in common as human beings,” Sudeikis continued. “That means it’s all we can do, you know, and have to talk to each other when we feel that way or when we know someone feels that way.”
He issued a special appeal to the people of the nation’s capital.
“I know that in this city many people do not always agree, are right, and do not always feel heard, seen, listened to,” said Sudeikis. “But I believe that we should all do our best to help each other. That’s my personal belief. I think that’s what everyone on this stage believes.”
Biden has seen some of “Ted Lasso” and understands the message of hope and kindness, according to the White House.
Joining Sudeikis at the daily briefing are cast members Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Toheeb Jimoh.
Sudeikis and cast members are the latest entertainers to visit the White House and address the issues faced by the Democratic president and first lady.
Singer Olivia Rodrigo visited during the pandemic to help young people like her get vaccinated against COVID-19. BTS, a popular Korean boy band, helped promote Asian inclusion and combat bias against Asian Americans.
Actor Matthew McConaughey launched an appeal for stricter gun laws last year after the shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 children and two teachers.
Singer/actor Mary J. Blige and Selena Gomez participated in a separate event with Jill Biden that focused on cancer awareness and teen mental health.