Ted Lasso: What is Coach Beard's Actual Full Name?
Even in a comedy, every show is better with a little bit of mystery.
One mystery has been flummoxing fans since Ted Lasso first aired on Apple TV way back in August 2020: What is Beard's first name?
Coach Beard is played by Brendan Hunt, who's also one of the main writers and producers of the show. He played an important part in developing the show from its origins - an NBC sports promo. Since then, Ted Lasso's been one of the most critically successful and widely beloved shows in streaming.
Beard is Ted Lasso's assistant coach, who knows far more about soccer than his head coach. He began as a mysterious supporting character, eventually becoming a star in his own right.
Throughout the entire show, he's only known as 'Beard.' Even Jane, his on-and-off girlfriend, simply calls him Beard.
After Season 2, Parade sat down with Hunt to answer the burning question regarding Beard's full name. K.L. Connie Wang asked if Beard is his first name, last name, a nickname, or simply describing the coach and his iconic facial hair. His answer was less than illuminating.
'No one knows,' Hunt responded. 'Not even the writers. But we love speculating as much as everyone else does.'
And speculate fans shall do.
One fan on Reddit believes his full name is Theodore Beard. There's already a Ted at AFC Richmond, so he just goes by Coach Beard. According to the fan's theory, Beard and Lasso both met in college, both going by Ted. Lasso was dubbed 'Mustache Ted' and Beard was 'Beard Ted,' thanks to their respective facial hair.
Beard Ted's last name being Beard was simply a coincidence. Eventually, Beard Ted was shortened to simply Beard.
Another fan on Reddit compared it to the 'Winston Schmidt' scenario in New Girl. For years, Schmidt was solely known by his last name. Eventually, his first name was revealed to be Winston - the same as Winston Bishop. They'd decided long ago that a group is only allowed to have one Winston in it, and the 'Winston' in Schmidt's name was henceforth dropped.
The best part of Beard's character is his air of mystery. As we progress through the show, that veil has slowly become uncovered.
His dating life went from cryptic to the focus of several episodes. He started bonding with the players and his fellow assistants. The mysterious Beard is becoming a more developed, rounded character, and with that, every shred of mystery is starting to fall away.
The last mystery that's held up is the truth of his first name. And it should stay that way.
Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 5 will arrive on Apple TV on April 19, 2023.