Christopher Rich Says His Reba Family Has Been a Constant Source of Support After His Stroke (Exclusive)
Rich reunites with ‘Reba’ costars Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman in the Feb. 21 episode of ‘Happy’s Place’ on NBC
CASEY DURKIN/NBC
The final episode of The WB’s Reba aired in 2007, but the cast never stopped feeling like a family, according to Christopher Rich.
Ahead of his guest appearance on his Reba costar Reba McEntire’s new series Happy’s Place on Friday, Feb. 21, Rich, 71, opens up to PEOPLE about how McEntire, Melissa Peterman and the rest of his former castmates have been a constant source of support since he experienced a life-altering stroke in 2018.
According to the Deep River actor, his Reba family was by his side right from the start of his recovery journey. “They were there from the beginning,” Rich tells PEOPLE. “I mean, they came to my hospital bed; they sent me gifts.”
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Rich named Peterman, 53 — who also stars on Happy’s Place — as one of his biggest champions over the past eight years.
“Melissa used to come over and bring me treats all the time in the hospital,” he shares. “And she was such a great supporter.”
For the veteran TV actor, having his former costars, along with his wife and three daughters, by his side made him “feel so loved.”
Rich’s stroke has left him unable to use the left side of his body, but through physical therapy and rehab he was able to learn to talk and walk again.
“It’s been a long journey,” he says of the years since his stroke. “You know, I liken it to sort of climbing a marble facade of a building with your fingernails. You make tiny little bits of progress, but you don’t get up there very high.”
For a long while, Rich was uncertain if he would ever return to acting, but with the encouragement of his Reba castmates, who says he would often entertain during gatherings, he made the decision to step back in front of a live studio audience with two of his closest friends by his side on the set of NBC’s Happy’s Place.
CASEY DURKIN/NBC
Rich says, “The whole group are old friends of mine and they’ve all wanted to help me bring my career back. So they engineered this part that they thought was perfect and it was so much fun for me to play.”
Being on set with McEntire, 69, and Peterman — who played his ex-wife and second wife, respectively, on Reba — made his return to TV a “joyous” experience for the actor. “It’s so much fun, you know, Mel is just a genius, and those two women together make me feel so loved and comfortable,” he says, while also sharing, “It’s just a blast to be on set with them.”
According to Rich, he’s not the only one who is feeling the good vibes on the set of Happy’s Place. The Murphy Brown alum noted that the crew includes many of the same people who worked on Reba, and they feel the same sense of camaraderie that McEntire and the rest of the cast fostered all those years on the set of the WB sitcom.
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“Talking to the boys who are on the crew from the [new] Reba show, they’re saying, ‘It’s just like being back home, Chris,’ ” he adds. “So, I’m saying that it’s probably still the best set in town to work on.”
Rich also has a piece of advice for his fellow actors in Hollywood: “If you ever get a chance to guest star on Happy’s Place, jump at it.”
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Happy’s Place airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
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‘Reba’ Reunions on ‘Happy’s Place’ | McEntire, Melissa Peterman, Steve Howey, Christopher Rich
NBC’s ‘Happy’s Place,’ starring Reba McEntire (Reba Hart) and Melissa Peterman (Barbra Jean Hart), has welcomed Christopher Rich (Brock Hart) and Steve Howey (Van Montgomery) from The WB’s ‘Reba.’ Will JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Cheyenne Montgomery) return for next cast reunion?
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RIP, Roger Mandigo. Who? For shame! Roger Mandigo was a professor of meat science and a great American hero. Mandigo, who died at the ripe old (er, I mean well-done) age of 85 this week, pioneered the manufacture of “restructured meat,” which allows it to be formed into bespoke shapes. Why does that put him on our personal Mount Rushmore? His cutting-edge technology would go on to make the McRib and the McNugget possible. The moral here? You can never predict the momentous ripple effects of one inspired idea — something to keep in mind as you peruse the best Amazon deals this weekend.
Top Amazon deals
Eddie Bauer Reversible Blanket for $14 (was $40): Nearly 70% off
Apple AirPods 4 for $149 (was $179): Rare sale
Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop for $850 (was $1,400): All-time low
Apple 2024 MacBook Air, 13-Inch for $1,280 (was $1,499): Rare sale
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects for $30 (was $46): Close to Black Friday price
For instance, what if the few minutes this hair straightener and curler (79% off!) could save winds up allowing your daughter to make that impromptu audition on time — the one that begins her ascent to the red-carpet A-list? What if tossing an AirTag (four for just 70 bucks!) into your bag keeps you from losing it for days, allowing you to get to the vacation resort ASAP, where you’d meet the love of your life at check-in? What if the humble meat thermometer you bought so you could prepare the perfect steak winds up sounding the alarm during a family barbecue and preventing your entire brood from coming down with salmonella or trichinosis?
Makes you think, right? So, please, let Roger’s life, and death, inspire you. Once you’re done observing a moment of silence for this titan of to-go technology, start adding to cart. Who knows, you may wind up making history.
In this guide: All-time low prices | Rare Amazon deals | Best home deals | Best tech deals | Best fashion deals | Best beauty and wellness deals
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Want to start your evenings on the right foot, er, head? You’d be wise to snag this popular pair while it’s over 80% off. Filled with a lofty down alternative stuffing, these plush pillows are moisture-wicking and promote airflow for a more comfortable slumber. They’re also machine washable!
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Never fight with your family members over power outlets again. This electrifying gadget boasts five AC outlets and four USB ports, enough for everyone to charge their devices all at once. Oh, and this top seller is so much sleeker than having a power strip on your floor.
No, it’s not the most massive discount, but we’ve yet to see it on sale for less.
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Never lose your luggage, purse, car — anything, really — again. Just toss one of these smart tags inside the item you want to track and you’ll be alerted of its whereabouts via your phone.
The deal on this four-pack brings each tag down to about $18 (they typically retail for about $25 to $30 a pop). Grab a few for your, er, forgetful family members!
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Not only will this 2-in-1 tool help free up some space in your bathroom cabinet, it’ll also be a bit easier on your tresses, thanks to its non-pulling titanium plates. Whether you’re going for a sleek, straight look or want some wavy curls, you’ll be able to select your desired temperature (the LCD display lets you know once it’s heated to your liking). I’ve yet to see it on sale for less than this.
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Henckels has been crafting knives for over a century, so the brand knows a thing or two about what makes a quality set. This bestselling collection comes with just about every type of blade a home cook could need: an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch bread knife, an 8-inch carving knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, 5-inch and 6-inch utility knives, a 5.5-inch boning knife, 3- and 4-inch paring knives and eight steak knives. You’ll also get a sharpening steel, a pair of kitchen shears and a stylish wooden block to store everything in. Whew!
This collection is majorly marked down from its list price of $440, though I’ve never actually seen it shoot that high. Still, this deal brings it down to a record low.
Check out our roundup of the best knives and knife sets for more.
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Yes, even at a record-low 40% off, this appliance is an investment. That said, it’ll essentially spare you from ever having to clean your floors again, thanks to its suctioning and mopping capabilities. Not only that, it’s also self-emptying and -refilling — all you have to do is tell “Rocky” to start cleaning via its built-in voice assistant.
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These kitchen essentials are down to their lowest price of all time — and they’re editor-approved. “Durable yet lightweight, the flip-style lids were easy to clean and, when locked, the set proved to be airtight,” says Yahoo home and garden writer Kristin Granero, who named them “best food storage containers overall” after testing many brands.
She continues, “Based on our experience, the containers are also odor- and stain-resistant, so they still smell fresh and look like new after being used to store colorfully sauced foods such as marinara sauce and hot wings. Unlike some other plastic containers on the market, these containers have excellent clarity — especially helpful when you need to identify food quickly or navigate a fully stocked fridge.”
Check out her full roundup of the best food storage containers for more.
Amazon
If you’ve been waiting to buy an Apple Watch until it goes on sale, well, wait no more. You’re getting the latest version, which features a larger display and a more lightweight design for comfortable wear. Now you’ll be able to track your steps and sleep, take a call, listen to music and more — all from your wrist.
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If you’ve been holding off on buying AirPods until there’s a sale, consider this the time to pounce. This pair features active noise cancellation, and if it’s a high-quality, comfortable listening experience you’re after, these earbuds more than deliver. With up to four hours of listening time per charge (and 20 hours of battery life via the charging case), you’ll be able to enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks and more with limited interruption.
They’ve only dipped lower once, and not by very much!
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This model, powered by Apple’s ultra-fast M3 chip, was released just last year, so I’m surprised to find it on sale — especially at a $219 discount. It’s only dipped lower than this once (over the holidays), and seeing as it’s also one of the thinnest and lightest laptops you’ll find, can you really go wrong?
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Portable? Check. Cordless? Check. Powerful? Check. This small yet mighty handheld meets all of our requirements and then some, thanks to its versatility (as in, sucking up both wet and dry messes), compact size (just 8 pounds) and three-year warranty. Just note that you’ll need to purchase batteries separately, but they’re compatible with all products in the brand’s 12V, 20V and 60V Max line. This is about as low as it’s been in a year.
Related: The best car vacuums of 2025, tested and reviewed
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You’ll be so relieved you had this portable air compressor in the trunk when you realize one tire’s looking a little floppy. It takes just minutes to pump it back to normal, and you can do all four on a single charge (though it has a 12V DC adapter just in case). You can also use it on basketballs, bike tires and balloons. It sells out frequently, so snag it while it’s down to as low as it ever gets.
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Soggy bath mats, begone: This ultra-thick, impossibly soft rug is made of highly absorbent and quick-drying chenille microfiber. Its plush texture will feel like heaven under your feet, and at 40% off, it’s down to an all-time low.
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An Eddie Bauer throw for nearly 70% off? I’ll take four! In all seriousness, you won’t find much better than this when it comes to an affordable yet high-quality blanket. Featuring plush faux shearling on one side and soft cotton flannel on the other, it’ll become your new cuddle buddy — and the plaid design will give your bed or sofa a cozy, rustic look.
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Whether you’re stowing away shorts and sundresses in the winter or puffer coats and comforters in the summer, these roomy storage bags will keep everything organized from season to season. Each one has an impressive 60-liter capacity, along with see-through front panels so you won’t forget what you stashed in them. Be sure to apply the on-page coupon and code for the full 70% discount.
Check out our full Fab Totes Clothes Storage Bags review for more.
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There’s no need to spend an hour on your knees furiously scrubbing away at your shower when you have one of these on hand. It’s garnered thousands of great reviews and features two adjustable speeds to cut through bathtub grime, soap scum and grout stains with little to no elbow grease on your part. Its retractable handle allows you to clean without crouching over, and it comes with four different brushes for tackling a variety of spaces in your home.
Check out our full Khelfer Electric Spin Scrubber review for more.
Amazon
The best meals are the ones you can make by tossing all of the ingredients into one cooking vessel, then setting and forgetting. That’s probably why the Instant Pot has become such a fan favorite — and this model, with its seven functions in one, is so versatile, it just might become your most-used appliance.
Make rice, sear chicken … or heck, even whip up some yogurt in it. You’ll be able to cook enough food to feed six people, so I’ll be awaiting my dinner party invitation. Oh, and this discount brings the price down to about as low as it’s been since 2022.
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This queen-size, all-season comforter is right up Goldilocks’ alley: cozy enough for the colder months, but not too stuffy during the summer. The classic white version is more than 50% off, bringing it down to just $21 — that’s essentially the price of many desk salads these days (you know the ones). In fact, it’s close to as low as I’ve ever seen it. Plus, it has tens of thousands of five-star ratings to back it up (in addition to mine — I love it!), so if you’re even thinking about adding it to your cart, now would be a smart time.
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If you struggle with low water pressure, this high-flow showerhead is designed to make it feel like you’re rinsing off in a rainforest. There are five modes: rain, massage, mist, rain and massage, and rain and mist. The 4.1-inch head provides a broad coverage area and gives you the sensation of standing under a tropical waterfall without having to hop on a plane.
At just $16, this top-seller is an easy way to get a fancy upgrade minus the financial headache (and the sledgehammer).
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“Stick” it to shelling out a ton of money; this sleek vac’s a mere $90. It boasts strong suction for zapping up everything from dust to pet hair, and provides up to 40 minutes of run time per charge. Plus, its LED lights help you see those darker spaces, and its cyclonic filtration system traps airborne particles as well.
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When Yahoo Shopping spoke to experts about what to put in an emergency “go-bag”, one item kept coming up: a fireproof document container. This bag will protect your papers from temps up to 2,000° F, and it’s waterproof too, so you can feel good about your valuable information staying secure. There’s also a pouch for cash.
We recommend getting a few of these to stow hard-to-replace docs as well, like birth certificates, Social Security cards and precious family photos.
Amazon
Allow this high-tech gizmo to take all the guesswork out of grilling, roasting and baking by letting you know the internal and external temperatures of the foods you’re preparing. What sets it apart from other thermometers is that you can leave it in the oven or on the grill the whole time, and the Meater app will alert you when your food is done. One Yahoo writer and her husband tried it out, saying they’ve “never grilled better meat — it almost feels like cheating.” (Check out her full Meater review for more.)
This is the best price I’ve seen since, well, ever, and when expensive steaks are on the line? You want to ensure they’re edible, or else that’s just money down the drain.
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When you’re craving a midnight snack but don’t want to turn on a harsh overhead bulb, these zero-install motion sensor lights are just the ticket. They stick right onto the undersides of your cabinets and turn on when they sense movement (you can also opt to turn them on and off manually). Grab a few sets while they’re over 40% off — that’s as low as I’ve ever seen ’em.
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Here’s a nifty little gizmo for you: This multitasking sink strainer not only keeps food remnants and utensils from falling down the drain, it also can be used as a stopper for holding water in the basin. Plus, it has sealing gaskets that can help prevent icky odors. It’s currently over 50% off, which is as low as I’ve seen it since September.
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Hot sale alert: As the unofficial Goldilocks of tech (less bulky than a laptop but larger than a smartphone), this tablet keeps you connected on the go or at home, and you can use it for everything from reading books to taking notes to watching videos.
Our tech editor named this the “best tablet for 2025” owing to its “under-the-hood improvements, including a faster processor, more RAM (4GB instead of 3GB), Bluetooth 5.0 (up from 4.2) and a USB-C charging port.”
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I bought these for my mom as a gift, and as someone who can’t stand the feeling of earbuds in her ears, she’s obsessed. The cushy padding and lightweight design make them super comfy to wear, and the fact that they have up to 50 hours of battery life is the cherry on the sundae. They’re currently within a few bucks of their all-time low.
Check out our roundup of the best wireless headphones for more.
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Let there be light — in your yard! These top-sellers are motion sensored to illuminate your driveway, patio or any outdoor space at night, and because they get their juice from the sun during the day, you won’t have to worry about batteries or charging. They also come with a remote and have three brightness modes — plus, they’ve yet to dip lower than they are now.
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This power station is an absolute steal right now at $300 off. With a massive 1,070 watt-hour capacity and multiple ports, it’s perfect for powering everything from your camping gear to essential appliances during a power outage.
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Give your stretched-out spandex the heave-ho as you replenish your wardrobe with these leggings. You can wear them for workouts — they’re designed for athletic performance, after all — but most shoppers wear them as everyday pants, partly because they’re so cute and partly because they simply don’t want to take them off.
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Your feet do a lot for you — they get you from point A to point B, help stabilize your body, allow you to wear fabulous shoes … and on that note, why not treat ’em to a cozy pair that many Amazon shoppers consider an Uggs lookalike?
With a faux fur lining and suede outers, these stylish, top-selling boots will help ward off shivers, and the nonslip rubber soles offer increased traction. While the starting price is a bit inflated, you’re still getting a fab deal, considering a similar Ugg pair retails for $150 — and this is close to as low as they’ve ever been.
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This long puffer vest is warm and chic. It falls just above the knees, so it’s great to wear with leggings and a long-sleeved top on a crisp day. However, on really cold days, you could also layer it under your parka for added warmth. FYI, the hood is detachable. Act fast to grab this 50% markdown!
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If you’re looking for denim that’s designed for all shapes and sizes, these affordable Amandas definitely fit the bill (pun intended). They’re classic high-rises that sit at your natural waist and will go with just about anything. One Yahoo editor tried ’em out and said they’re so comfortable, she wore them on Thanksgiving!
These No. 1 bestsellers start at a wild $17 (65% off), so grab a few pairs — they’d look fab with some stylish boots.
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How do I love these leggings? Let me count the ways: For starters, the material is so soft and smooth that it rivals Lululemon’s, and the wide waistband provides ample support without feeling too constricting. The fabric is also moisture-wicking to prevent me from feeling super sweaty while I’m working out, and they pass the squat test. Stock up while you can save $6 each.
Check out my full Colorfulkoala leggings review for more.
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This sleek wallet will help keep your personal information protected while out and about — take that, identity thieves! Its six card slots keep things minimal (who wants a bulky wallet?) and this price is within a dollar of its all-time low.
Travelambo’s top-selling women’s bifold is also on sale for just $1 more.
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If your less-than-glowing chompers could use some restoration, the folks at Crest say these bestselling strips can make teeth up to 20 shades whiter in just 22 days (that’s almost one shade per day!).
According to the brand, you’re guaranteed to have a noticeably whiter smile, and with this kit, you’ll get some bonus express treatments for same-day results. This sale drops the price to within a few bucks of what it was during Black Friday. Now that’s something to say “cheese!” about.
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Keep those pearly whites, well, pearly and white with this No. 1 bestselling electric toothbrush. It provides 40,000 vibrations per minute to kick plaque to the curb, and you’ll get eight brush heads included — enough to last two and a half years!
Be sure to check out our roundup of the best electric toothbrushes — where it was named the best overall pick — for more.
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Rather than risk having your travel-sized shampoo explode all over your suitcase, keep your skin, hair and beauty essentials safely contained in this top-rated tote. We all know how small hotel bathroom counters are, but this bag smartly includes a hook so you can hang it on the shower rod or on the door. Plus, its compartments are packed with pockets and it even includes a separate see-through TSA bag to make going through security a breeze. This is also as low as the large size has even been on sale for, so bon voyage!
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We’re still a ways away from sandal weather, but winter is the perfect time to get those feet ready for primetime. This No. 1 bestselling spray works quickly to remove calluses and dry skin patches while providing essential hydration for smoother, softer feet. Just soak your feet in warm water, dry ’em off and apply this product. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it off and remove any leftover bumpy bits with a rasp or pumice stone. We’ve yet to see it dip lower than this, so stock up!
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Snag noise-canceling AirPods for a rare $149 and a cozy Eddie Bauer throw blanket for $14 (nearly 70% off), to name a few.