Christopher Rich, 71, is returning to TV after a health battle that kept him away from acting for several years. Reuniting with his Reba co-stars Melissa Peterman and Reba McEntire on Happy’s Place, Rich shared in a recent interview that he’s feeling “really good” after surviving a stroke and blood clots that severely affected his mobility. He described the stroke as a traumatic experience, comparing it to being hit by an atomic bomb. After multiple hospitalizations, including for blood clots and heart issues, he’s now in recovery.

Rich, who played Brock on Reba from 2001 to 2007, guest stars as a tattoo artist named Maverick who is also recovering from a stroke. Reflecting on his journey, Rich expressed gratitude for his return to acting, saying the set felt like “home.” Although he doesn’t expect to fully return to his previous self, Rich is hopeful about future opportunities and his ability to keep working.

Since his stroke, Rich has focused on philanthropy and green energy work, and he underwent stem cell treatment to aid in his recovery.