Christopher Rich, best known for his role as Brock on the hit sitcom Reba, made headlines recently as he returned to acting after enduring significant health struggles following a massive stroke. On February 21, 2025, Rich reunited with his former co-stars Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman for his debut on NBC's Happy's Place, reigniting the chemistry from their days on Reba, which originally aired from 2001 to 2007.
Rich, 71, expressed his delight at the nostalgic references and callbacks to his character during his appearance as Maverick, introducing jokes and scenarios reminiscent of Brock. "I liked they let me call [Reba’s character Bobbie] Red at one point. That’s what I called her on the show," Rich told Us Weekly, highlighting the affection and care he experienced from his old cohorts. The episode also featured humor reflective of their previous interactions, including Peterman's character Gabby teasing whether she could steal Maverick away from his 'wife.'
The reunion carried special weight for Rich, who had shied away from acting following his stroke. Reflecting on the experience, he stated, "It felt like I was back home in a safe place. I was really well taken care of. It was a blessing. I want to go back so badly." He even had ideas about how his character could return, hinting at possible storylines involving family and relationships, stating, "I make pretty children." This enthusiasm to continue contributing to the series marked not only his return but also his resilience.
Rich's character Brock was central to the plot of Reba, as he left the titular character (played by McEntire) for his dental hygienist Barbra Jean, played by Peterman. The show’s dynamic explored themes of family, relationships, and the intricacies of life after divorce, reflecting real-life experiences of the actors, including Rich's own background. "We started off with the intention of doing something real. Originally, it was just a divorce show. They didn’t even want Brock to be a regular character. He was just going to make occasional appearances," Rich shared. His will to embody the struggles of divorced families created depth in his portrayal.
His return to the set also came with emotional challenges as he navigated feelings of vulnerability brought about by his stroke. "I almost didn’t leave the house at first when I had the stroke. I was so embarrassed and afraid people would look at me and go, 'God, what happened to this guy?'" Rich confided, showing the trials he faced during his recovery. He emphasized the importance of confronting those fears, noting, "But you have to get over it and just let it breathe."
This emotional honesty was met with humor by Peterman during the show, remarking, "If Brock and Barbra Jean ever get back together and he had the stroke, I can say it’s not so bad. He’s still a loving man." Such intertwining of humor and sentimentality captured the essence of their performances together.
Beyond the laughter and tears, Rich's experience serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Reba, not just as entertainment but also as a source of connection during challenging times. The character dynamics explored represented more than just fictional storylines; they mirrored the players’ real lives and struggles. Rich expressed gratitude for being part of such influential storytelling: "There’s a lot of material there. Obviously, we found it, and there’s a lot of material in this fractured family. It was very important to show what it was like for a divorced family to navigate the seas of life today."
With the successful debut of Happy's Place, Rich’s reunion with McEntire and Peterman promises not only to entertain but also to inspire viewers with its heartwarming nostalgia and the powerful reminder of resilience over adversity. The show airs on NBC Fridays at 8 p.m. ET, inviting audiences to reconnect with familiar faces and stories anew.