Ted Danson is a 77-year-old American actor best known for his role as Sam Malone on “Cheers” (1982-1993). With an estimated net worth of $80 million, he continues working in 2025, recently receiving the Carol Burnett Award and starring in Netflix’s “A Man on the Inside.” He’s been married to actress Mary Steenburgen since 1995.
When most television stars fade from relevance after one iconic role, Ted Danson has done the opposite. The actor who charmed millions as bartender Sam Malone on “Cheers” has built a career spanning five decades, collecting awards, accolades, and devoted fans along the way. In 2025, at 77 years old, Danson remains as active and celebrated as ever, proving that genuine talent never goes out of style.
Born Edward Bridge Danson III on December 29, 1947, in San Diego, California, this television legend has transformed from a soap opera contract player into one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors. His journey offers valuable lessons about reinvention, dedication, and the art of choosing roles that challenge rather than repeat past successes.
From Flagstaff to Fame: Ted Danson’s Early Life and Education
Ted Danson’s childhood was shaped by intellectual curiosity and academic rigor. His father, Edward Bridge Danson Jr., worked as an archaeologist and served as curator and director of the Museum of Northern Arizona from 1959 to 1975. His mother, Jessica Harriet MacMaster, provided a stable home environment in Flagstaff, Arizona, where Ted spent most of his formative years alongside his older sister, Jessica Ann “Jan” Haury.
The young Danson initially showed more promise on the basketball court than on stage. At 14, he enrolled at the Kent School, a prestigious preparatory institution in Connecticut, where his 6-foot-2-inch frame made him a standout player on the basketball team. Nobody at that time predicted the athletic teenager would become one of television’s most recognizable faces.
His passion for drama emerged unexpectedly during his time at Stanford University. The theater department opened his eyes to possibilities beyond sports or his family’s academic tradition. Seeking more focused theatrical training, Danson transferred to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama in 1972. This decision to pursue acting professionally, despite its uncertainty, would prove to be the defining choice of his life.
The Long Road Before Cheers: Building a Foundation
Success didn’t come overnight for Ted Danson. Like countless aspiring actors, he spent the mid-1970s grinding through soap operas, commercials, and guest spots. His first professional role came in 1975 when he joined the cast of the NBC daytime soap opera “Somerset,” playing Tom Conway until 1976. He also appeared on “The Doctors” in 1977, gaining experience in the demanding world of daily television production.
During these lean years, Danson became particularly recognizable as the “Aramis man” in commercials for the Estée Lauder men’s fragrance. His handsome features and natural charisma made him perfect for advertising, providing a steady income while he pursued more substantial acting opportunities. Guest appearances on popular shows like “Taxi,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and “B.J. and the Bear” slowly built his television résumé.
His film debut came in 1979 with “The Onion Field,” a crime drama based on a true story. While the role was relatively small, it gave Danson his first taste of feature film work. Other early film appearances included “Body Heat” (1981) alongside Kathleen Turner and William Hurt, and the horror anthology “Creepshow” (1982), where he played Harry Wentworth in the memorable “Something to Tide You Over” segment.
These years of struggle taught Danson valuable lessons about persistence, professionalism, and the importance of being prepared when opportunity finally arrived. When “Cheers” came along in 1982, he was ready to seize it.
The Role That Changed Everything: Sam Malone and Cheers
In 1982, Ted Danson auditioned for a new NBC sitcom about a Boston bar “where everybody knows your name.” The show, created by Glen and Les Charles along with James Burrows, centered on Sam Malone, a recovering alcoholic and former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher who now owned and tended bar at Cheers. Danson won the role, beginning an 11-season journey that would define his career and change television history.
“Cheers” started slowly in the ratings, finishing dead last in its first season. However, critics recognized the show’s quality immediately, and word of mouth gradually built a devoted audience. By the mid-1980s, “Cheers” had climbed into the top ten most-watched programs on television, where it remained for most of its run. The series finale on May 20, 1993, attracted 80 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched series finale in television history at that time.
Danson’s portrayal of Sam Malone combined charm, vulnerability, and impeccable comedic timing. Sam’s on-again, off-again relationship with waitress Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) provided the show’s romantic tension, while his friendships with the bar’s colorful regulars gave it warmth and heart. The character could have been a simple womanizing playboy, but Danson brought depth and likability that made audiences root for Sam’s personal growth.
The accolades reflected Danson’s excellence. He received 11 consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, winning twice (1990 and 1993). He also earned nine Golden Globe nominations, taking home the award in 1990 and 1991. By the final seasons, Danson commanded $450,000 per episode, making him the highest-paid television actor of that era.
Beyond awards and salary, “Cheers” gave Danson something more valuable: credibility. When the show ended in 1993, he didn’t need to prove himself anymore. He had already become a television legend.
Life Beyond the Bar: Diversifying and Taking Risks
Many actors become prisoners of their most famous roles, unable to escape audience expectations. Ted Danson deliberately avoided this trap by choosing diverse projects that showcased different facets of his talent. Rather than chasing another Sam Malone, he pursued roles that challenged him and surprised audiences.
His film work during and after “Cheers” demonstrated range. “Three Men and a Baby” (1987) and its sequel “Three Men and a Little Lady” (1990) showed his skill in ensemble comedy alongside Tom Selleck and Steve Guttenberg. The first film became the highest-grossing movie of 1987, earning $297 million worldwide on an $11 million budget. He also delivered a poignant, dramatic performance in “Dad” (1989) and appeared in Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” (1998).
On television, Danson starred in “Becker” (1998-2004) as Dr. John Becker, a perpetually irritable physician with a heart of gold beneath his gruff exterior. The CBS sitcom ran for six seasons and proved Danson could carry another successful series in a completely different character type. He also appeared in the critically acclaimed drama “Damages” (2007-2010), playing ruthless billionaire Arthur Frobisher in a performance that earned him Emmy nominations for drama rather than comedy.
His role as D.B. Russell on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2011-2015) and “CSI: Cyber” (2015-2016) brought Danson into the procedural drama world, earning approximately $250,000 per episode. The part demonstrated his ability to anchor popular network television well into his 60s. He also portrayed Sheriff Hank Larsson in Season 2 of FX’s anthology series “Fargo” (2015), delivering a nuanced performance in a darkly comedic true crime story.
The Good Place and Career Renaissance
Just when some might have expected Ted Danson to slow down, he entered one of the most creatively fulfilling periods of his career. In 2016, at age 68, he joined the cast of “The Good Place,” a philosophical comedy created by Mike Schur. Danson played Michael, an immortal architect who designs afterlife neighborhoods for deceased humans. The role allowed him to explore comedy, drama, and existential themes while working with a talented ensemble cast led by Kristen Bell.
“The Good Place” ran for four seasons (2016-2020), earning widespread critical acclaim for its intelligence, humor, and genuine emotional resonance. Danson received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his work, reminding the industry and audiences that he remained at the peak of his abilities. The show tackled complex philosophical questions about ethics, morality, and what it means to be a good person, all wrapped in laugh-out-loud comedy.
Critics praised Danson’s performance as one of his career bests. He brought vulnerability and warmth to a character who could have been cold or distant, making Michael’s journey from demon to humanity’s champion genuinely moving. The series finale in 2020 left audiences in tears, a testament to the show’s impact and Danson’s performance.
His collaboration with Mike Schur continued with “Mr. Mayor” (2021-2022), where Danson played Neil Bremer, a retired businessman who impulsively runs for mayor of Los Angeles. The NBC sitcom co-starred Holly Hunter and ran for two seasons, offering sharp political satire and showcasing Danson’s enduring comic talents.
A Man on the Inside: Netflix Success and Current Work
In November 2024, Ted Danson starred in Netflix’s “A Man on the Inside,” once again collaborating with Mike Schur. The series, based on the Chilean documentary “The Mole Agent,” follows Charles Nieuwendyk, a widower and retired engineering professor who becomes an amateur private investigator at a retirement home. The role allows Danson to explore themes of grief, aging, loneliness, and finding new purpose later in life.
The show resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Reviewers praised its warmth, humor, and thoughtful exploration of senior living and dementia. “A Man on the Inside” earned recognition from the American Film Institute as one of the top ten television programs of 2024. Danson received nominations for Best Actor at both the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, proving his continued relevance and appeal.
Netflix renewed the series for a second season scheduled to premiere on November 20, 2025. Danson’s real-life wife, Mary Steenburgen, will join the cast, playing a former musician involved in Charles’s new case. This marks another collaboration for the married couple, who have worked together numerous times throughout their relationship.
In addition to acting, Danson co-hosts the podcast “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” with his longtime friend Woody Harrelson (who played Woody Boyd on “Cheers”). The podcast features conversations with celebrities about their lives and careers, offering listeners intimate, funny, and thoughtful discussions. The natural chemistry between Danson and Harrelson makes each episode feel like listening to old friends catch up.
The Great Love Story: Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen
Ted Danson’s personal life has been marked by both tumultuous relationships and enduring love. He married three times, with his third marriage becoming one of Hollywood’s most celebrated partnerships. His first marriage to actress Randall “Randy” Gosch lasted from 1970 to 1975. In 1977, he married producer Cassandra “Casey” Coates, with whom he had two daughters: Kate (born 1979) and Alexis (born 1985). That marriage ended in divorce in 1993 after Danson’s highly publicized relationship with actress Whoopi Goldberg, his “Made in America” co-star.
Ted first met Mary Steenburgen in 1983 at an audition for “Cross Creek,” where they were being considered to play husband and wife. Neither got the role, and both were married to other people at the time. They reconnected ten years later on the set of “Pontiac Moon” (1993), when both were coming out of failed relationships and not looking for romance. Danson was finalizing his divorce from Coates and had recently split from Goldberg. Steenburgen had divorced actor Malcolm McDowell, with whom she has two children: daughter Lilly and son Charlie McDowell (who married actress Lily Collins).
Initially, both actors swore off relationships and focused on their professional collaboration. However, their friendship deepened during filming. When Danson invited Steenburgen on a canoe trip with friends to Mendocino, California, everything changed. “We came back in love, to be honest, or I’ll say smitten,” Danson later recalled. The connection was undeniable.
On February 8, 1995, Danson flew to Arizona, where Steenburgen was filming “Powder,” to propose on her birthday. The couple married on October 7, 1995, in a coastal ceremony at Danson’s Martha’s Vineyard property. The wedding included approximately 150 guests, notably including President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, close friends of Steenburgen’s. All four of their children participated in the ceremony, symbolizing their commitment to building a blended family.
Nearly 30 years later, their marriage remains extraordinarily strong. Both actors frequently praise each other in interviews, crediting their partnership as a source of joy, growth, and stability. “I would literally sign up for 100 more lifetimes with him,” Steenburgen told People magazine in 2021. Danson echoed similar sentiments, describing their love as becoming “more profound and deeper” over the years.
The couple has worked together on multiple projects, including “Gulliver’s Travels” (1996), the sitcom “Ink” (1996), “It Must Be Love” (2004), guest appearances on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and now “A Man on the Inside” Season 2. Their professional chemistry reflects their personal connection, making their on-screen collaborations particularly enjoyable for audiences.
Recognition and Awards: A Career Celebrated
Ted Danson’s trophy case reflects a career of consistent excellence. Beyond his two Emmy wins and two Golden Globe awards for “Cheers,” he has received recognition across multiple decades and genres. His Emmy nominations span comedy (“Cheers,” “The Good Place”) and drama (“Damages”), demonstrating versatility that few actors achieve.
In 1999, Danson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his status as a television icon. The honor recognized his contributions to the entertainment industry and his impact on popular culture. His star sits among those of other television legends, a permanent reminder of his influence.
The year 2025 brought particularly meaningful recognition. In January, Danson received the Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globes, becoming only the fifth recipient of this prestigious honor. The award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to television, both on and off screen. Previous recipients include Carol Burnett herself (2019), Ellen DeGeneres (2020), Norman Lear (2021), and Ryan Murphy (2023).
During his acceptance speech, Danson reflected on his complicated relationship with awards but expressed genuine gratitude for this particular honor. “I am so thrilled to get this award, Carol,” he said, addressing the legendary comedienne. “I cannot tell you how much it means to me. You have brought so much joy and happiness into households all over the world.”
In September 2025, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen jointly received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the Emmy Awards, marking the first time the honor was given to a couple. The award recognized their decades of philanthropic work and environmental activism. “There’s no honor that would mean more to Mary and me than this one, and the fact that it’s been given to both of us means the world,” Danson said during their acceptance speech.
Environmental Activism: Beyond the Screen
Ted Danson’s commitment to environmental causes, particularly ocean conservation, represents a significant part of his legacy beyond acting. His activism began in childhood through his father’s influence and intensified as he became aware of threats facing the world’s oceans. In 1987, during the height of “Cheers'” popularity, Danson co-founded the American Oceans Campaign to raise awareness about ocean pollution, oil spills, and marine ecosystem threats.
The organization later merged with Oceana in 2001, where Danson continues serving as a board member. He has testified before Congress, spoken at international conferences, and used his celebrity platform to advocate for ocean protection policies. In 2011, he co-authored “Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do to Save Them” with journalist Michael D’Orso, translating complex environmental issues into accessible prose for general readers.
Danson’s environmental commitment extends to his personal lifestyle choices. He has followed plant-based and pescatarian diets at various times, owns environmentally friendly vehicles, and supports green energy initiatives. He and Steenburgen regularly give guest lectures about public service and their environmental work, including appearances at the Clinton School of Public Service.
His activism demonstrates that celebrity can be used responsibly to advance important causes. Rather than casual virtue signaling, Danson has devoted genuine time, resources, and energy to ocean conservation for nearly four decades. This long-term commitment has made measurable impacts on policy and public awareness.
Ted Danson’s Net Worth and Financial Success
With an estimated net worth of $80 million, Ted Danson’s financial success reflects smart career choices and continued earning power. His peak salary of $450,000 per episode during the final seasons of “Cheers” made him one of the highest-paid actors in television history at that time. Adjusted for inflation, that salary would equal approximately $25 million per season in today’s money.
“Cheers” continues generating income through syndication royalties. Danson reportedly earns around $5 million annually from residuals as the show remains popular on streaming platforms and in reruns worldwide. This passive income stream has provided financial security for decades after the series ended.
His subsequent television roles maintained lucrative compensation. “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” paid Danson $250,000 per episode for 86 episodes, totaling approximately $21 million. “The Good Place,” “Mr. Mayor,” and “A Man on the Inside” likely offered similar per-episode rates, though exact figures haven’t been publicly disclosed.
Film work, particularly the “Three Men and a Baby” franchise, added to his wealth during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Danson has also earned income from commercial endorsements, including his 2024 role as spokesperson for Consumer Cellular, a mobile virtual network operator.
Real estate investments have diversified his portfolio. Danson owns properties in Los Angeles and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, where he and Steenburgen married. Unlike some Hollywood stars who flaunt extravagant lifestyles, Danson lives relatively modestly, prioritizing philanthropy and sustainability over conspicuous consumption.
The Blended Family: Children and Stepchildren
Ted Danson’s family includes four children from previous marriages. His daughters Kate and Alexis Danson came from his marriage to Casey Coates. Kate, born December 24, 1979, has worked as an actress and is known for “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” (2008). Alexis, born in 1985, has maintained a more private life away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Through his marriage to Mary Steenburgen, Danson became stepfather to her children from her marriage to Malcolm McDowell. Daughter Lilly Walton and son Charlie McDowell were raised in a blended family that, by all accounts, has functioned remarkably well. Charlie McDowell became a successful film director and married actress Lily Collins in 2021, making Ted a step-grandfather to their daughter.
Steenburgen has praised Danson’s role in their blended family. “I also fell in love with the sort of father that he is and with his beloved daughters,” she told People magazine. “Ted loves them with all his heart and yet had space in there to love my Lilly and Charlie so perfectly as well.” The family regularly gathers for celebrations, holidays, and special occasions.
Interestingly, Danson has maintained a friendly relationship with Steenburgen’s ex-husband, Malcolm McDowell. McDowell has described their friendship as “fantastic,” noting that they still come together for family events. This mature approach to blended family dynamics has created stability and warmth for all the children and grandchildren involved.
What Makes Ted Danson’s Career Unique
Ted Danson’s career longevity stems from several key factors that aspiring actors would do well to study. First, he has consistently avoided being typecast. Rather than playing variations of Sam Malone for decades, he sought roles that challenged him and showcased different skills. From charming bartender to ruthless billionaire to philosophical immortal to widowed retiree, each major role brought something new.
Second, Danson has demonstrated remarkable humility and willingness to collaborate. He doesn’t demand to be the center of every project, working easily within ensemble casts. His relationships with creators like Mike Schur have produced multiple successful collaborations because he trusts their vision and serves the story rather than his ego.
Third, he has maintained his work ethic into his late 70s. While many actors of his generation have retired or accepted occasional guest spots, Danson continues taking on demanding lead roles that require full-time commitment. His energy and enthusiasm remain evident on screen, making audiences forget his age.
Fourth, he has cultivated lasting relationships throughout the industry. His friendship with Woody Harrelson dates back to “Cheers” in the mid-1980s. His marriage to Mary Steenburgen has lasted 30 years. His collaborations with Mike Schur have produced some of his best recent work. These relationships have created opportunities and enriched his career in ways that talent alone couldn’t achieve.
Finally, Danson has used his platform for meaningful purposes beyond entertainment. His environmental activism and humanitarian work give his career deeper significance. When future generations look back at Ted Danson, they’ll see not just a talented actor but someone who tried to make the world better.
FAQs
How old is Ted Danson?
Ted Danson is 77 years old, born on December 29, 1947, in San Diego, California. Despite his age, he continues working full-time in demanding television roles.
Who is Ted Danson married to?
Ted Danson has been married to actress Mary Steenburgen since October 7, 1995. This is his third marriage and has lasted nearly 30 years.
How much is Ted Danson worth?
Ted Danson’s net worth is estimated at approximately $80 million, accumulated through television salaries, residuals from “Cheers” syndication, film work, and smart investments.
Does Ted Danson have children?
Ted Danson has two daughters, Kate and Alexis, from his second marriage to Casey Coates. He’s also the stepfather to Mary Steenburgen’s two children, Lilly and Charlie McDowell.
What is Ted Danson doing now?
Ted Danson currently stars in the Netflix series “A Man on the Inside,” which was renewed for a second season, premiering in November 2025. He also co-hosts the podcast “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” with Woody Harrelson.
The Legacy Continues
At 77, Ted Danson shows no signs of slowing down. His recent awards, continued television success, and active engagement with new projects suggest his career may have several more chapters ahead. “A Man on the Inside” Season 2 will reunite him professionally with Mary Steenburgen, offering audiences another chance to see their real-life chemistry translated to the screen.
The industry has changed dramatically since Danson first appeared on “Somerset” in 1975, evolving from network dominance to streaming proliferation, from three channels to infinite content. Through all these transformations, Danson has remained relevant by staying curious, taking risks, and treating each role as an opportunity rather than a paycheck.
His journey from soap opera contract player to television legend offers inspiration for anyone pursuing long-term creative success. Talent matters, but so do choices, relationships, persistence, and willingness to grow. Ted Danson has demonstrated all these qualities throughout his remarkable career.
As he continues working in his eighth decade, Ted Danson proves that great actors don’t have expiration dates. They simply keep finding new ways to challenge themselves and entertain audiences. For someone who started playing bit parts on daytime television 50 years ago, he’s built a legacy that few in entertainment history can match. And best of all, he seems to be having more fun than ever.
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