Christopher Rich credits Reba McEntire for acting return after debilitating stroke left him unable to walk

Rich, 71, who originally starred alongside the country music star in "Reba," appeared in McEntire's new show "Happy's Place" on Feb. 21.

Rich took a break from acting after suffering a stroke in 2018.

For Rich, the writers and producers of "Happy's Place" made him "feel safe" enough to "trot [his] broken body out again."

"I love these two so much," Rich noted of McEntire and Peterman. "It means the world to me."

"I mean, they came to my hospital bed; they sent me gifts," he explained. "Melissa used to come over and bring me treats all the time in the hospital," he shares. "And she was such a great supporter."

The stroke left Rich unable to use the left side of his body. However, through physical therapy and rehab, the actor was able to learn to walk and talk again.

"It's been a long journey," Rich told People about his recovery. "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."