‘Ted Lasso’ cast to be hosted by Bidens to promote mental health

3/20/23 by Colette Lauture

The cast of the Apple TV+ series “Ted Lasso” will visit the White House Monday, hosted by President Joe Biden and first Lady Jill Biden, as a way to promote mental health and well-being.

Those expected to be in attendance include Jason Sudeikis, who plays the title character of an American coaching a soccer team in London. His castmates Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Toheeb Jimoh, Cristo Fernandez, Kola Bokinni, Billy Harris, and James Lance will also be there. The Emmy-winning series began streaming its third season last week.

A White House official said the Bidens watched some of the show and are familiar with its “message of positivity, hope, kindness, and empathy.” This follows previous calls from President Biden to lawmakers in both parties to widen resources combatting the nation’s “mental health crisis,” as part of his “unity agenda.” Under his administration, funding has swiftly increased to strengthen the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and expand school-based mental health professionals.