Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes) Don Cheadle
Mar 25, 2026
Don Cheadle, Academy Award–nominated actor and activist, talks about Hotel Rwanda, portraying legends like Miles and Sammy Davis Jr., learning instruments for roles, his Broadway debut in Proof, and using fame for humanitarian and ocean conservation work. Short, lively stories and playful banter make big topics feel personal.
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Hotel Rwanda Set Had Survivors Recognize Perpetrators
- Don Cheadle recounted filming Hotel Rwanda largely in South Africa while Paul Rusesabagina and his wife were present on set.
- Extras included people who had lived through the genocide, and Tassiana recognized a former perpetrator on camera, leading crew to remove him.
Paul Rusesabagina Was Lured And Detained For Years
- Don explained Paul Rusesabagina's real-life abduction and nearly 900-day imprisonment after being lured onto a plane.
- Rusesabagina was pressured to write an apologetic letter despite weak evidence against him.
Redirect Fame Into Focused Advocacy
- Use celebrity attention to amplify advocacy rather than self-promotion.
- Don joined congressional delegations and organizations like Not On My Watch to spotlight Darfur and other crises after Hotel Rwanda raised awareness.