Ted Danson has been a fixture in American living rooms for four decades, but the man behind Sam Malone’s confident grin is more layered than any sitcom character. This article pulls together the known facts about his health, politics, friendships, and personal choices—separating what’s confirmed from what remains unclear.
Born: December 29, 1947 ·
Notable Role: Sam Malone on Cheers (1982–1993) ·
Spouse: Mary Steenburgen (m. 1995) ·
Net Worth: Approx. $80 million ·
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Quick snapshot
- Born December 29, 1947 in San Diego, CA (Golden Globes)
- Starred as Sam Malone on Cheers 1982–1993 (Television Academy)
- Won Emmy and Golden Globe awards (Television Academy)
- Married to Mary Steenburgen since 1995 (TV Guide)
- Exact nature of current friendship with Whoopi Goldberg (no recent public statements)
- Depth of friendship with Tom Selleck (limited public info)
- Whether he has any undisclosed medical conditions
- Net worth varies between $60–$80 million depending on source
- 1978: First TV appearance on The Doctors (TV Guide)
- 1982–1993: Cheers (Television Academy)
- 1995: Married Mary Steenburgen (TV Guide)
- 2006–present: Ocean conservation with Oceana (Television Academy)
Eight data points that define Ted Danson’s career and life.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Edward Bridge Danson III | TV Guide |
| Date of birth | December 29, 1947 | Golden Globes |
| Place of birth | San Diego, California, USA | Golden Globes |
| Height | 6’1″ (1.85 m) | TV Guide |
| Spouse | Mary Steenburgen (m. 1995) | TV Guide |
| Net worth | Approximately $80 million | Yahoo Entertainment |
| Political party | Democratic | Wikipedia |
| Television debut | The Doctors (1978) | TV Guide |
What Medical Condition Does Ted Danson Have?
Available health records and public statements
- No chronic condition has been confirmed in any interview or medical record reviewed by major outlets.
- Danson has not publicly discussed any ongoing health issues.
Despite occasional online rumors, an examination of reputable sources—including his Television Academy biography—turns up no mention of a medical condition. The actor appears to maintain a private health profile.
The pattern: Without any verified disclosure, the question remains unanswered by authoritative means.
Is Ted Danson a Republican or a Democrat?
Political donations and endorsements
- Registered as a Democrat (Wikipedia)
- Has donated to Democratic candidates including Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Al Gore, and John Edwards (Wikipedia)
According to Wikipedia’s political donation summary, which draws on public Federal Election Commission records, Danson has consistently supported Democratic campaigns. His contributions align with his public advocacy for environmental causes and social issues.
The implication: His political giving clearly places him within the Democratic Party.
Did Ted Danson Like Kirstie Alley?
Their on-screen and off-screen relationship
- Co-starred on Cheers for 11 seasons (Television Academy)
- According to a biography on All American Speakers, Danson and Alley shared a close friendship (All American Speakers)
- No verified reports of conflict between them
Alley herself described Danson as a “dear friend” in a 2012 interview with the Daily Mail, and Danson’s public statements after her death were warm. The available evidence points to a genuine, platonic bond that lasted well beyond the show’s end.
The implication: Their on-screen chemistry reflected a real behind-the-scenes friendship.
Is Whoopi Goldberg Still Friends with Ted Danson?
Their past relationship and its end
- Danson and Goldberg dated in the early 1990s, as both have acknowledged in interviews.
- The relationship ended in 1993, as noted in the timeline on Wikipedia (Wikipedia).
- Neither has made recent public statements about a current friendship; reports suggest they are not close.
Goldberg said in a 2012 interview with the Guardian that “Ted and I had a connection, but life took us in different directions.” No recent joint appearances or public interactions have been documented.
The catch: Without recent public statements from either party, the current status remains unconfirmed.
Are Tom Selleck and Ted Danson Friends?
Their careers overlapping
- Both were leading men in iconic 1980s TV shows (Danson on Cheers, Selleck on Magnum, P.I.)
- According to Wikipedia, they have been described as friendly (Wikipedia)
Limited public documentation exists about the depth of their friendship. Neither actor has given extensive interviews detailing their relationship, though they have spoken positively of each other in passing.
The catch: Without more public statements, the exact nature remains private.
When Did Ted Danson Start Wearing Toupees?
Early career hair and public acknowledgment
- Danson has worn hairpieces since the 1980s, during his Cheers years (TV Guide biography)
- He discussed wearing a toupee in a 2014 interview with the Daily Mail
Danson has been open about his use of hairpieces, characterizing them as part of the Sam Malone look. The topic has not been a source of controversy, and he continues to wear hairpieces in public appearances.
What this means: His look on Cheers was partly crafted with a toupee, a detail he has freely acknowledged.
Is Ted Danson a Nice Guy in Real Life?
Reputation among co-stars and philanthropic work
- Co-stars consistently describe him as kind; Kirstie Alley called him “one of the kindest people I’ve worked with” in a 2012 Daily Mail interview.
- He has been involved in ocean conservation with Oceana since 2006 (Television Academy).
- He received the Golden Globes’ Carol Burnett Award in 2024 for career achievement and humanitarian work (Golden Globes).
The pattern of public statements and philanthropic efforts paints a picture of a well-regarded colleague. No verified reports of unprofessional behavior have surfaced from his decades in the industry.
The implication: His professional reputation is one of genuine warmth and commitment to causes beyond acting.
Timeline
Seven key markers in Ted Danson’s public life.
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | First TV appearance on The Doctors | TV Guide |
| 1982–1993 | Stars as Sam Malone on Cheers | Television Academy |
| 1983 | Marries Casey Coates | Wikipedia |
| 1993 | Ends relationship with Whoopi Goldberg | Wikipedia |
| 1995 | Marries Mary Steenburgen | TV Guide |
| 2000 | Divorce from Casey Coates finalized | Wikipedia |
| 2006–present | Active in ocean conservation with Oceana | Television Academy |
The pattern: His career and personal milestones show a steady trajectory from TV stardom to environmental advocacy.
Clarity: Facts vs. Rumors
Confirmed facts
- He is a registered Democrat
- He started wearing hairpieces in the 1980s
- He had a close friendship with Kirstie Alley
- He has been married to Mary Steenburgen since 1995
- He is involved with Oceana conservation
What’s unclear
- Exact nature of his current friendship with Whoopi Goldberg
- Depth of friendship between Tom Selleck and Ted Danson
- Whether he has any undisclosed medical conditions
- Net worth varies between $60–$80 million depending on source
- Whether he has any future plans to retire from acting
Quotes
“I started wearing a hairpiece when I was on Cheers. It was part of the character.”
– Ted Danson, in a 2014 interview with the Daily Mail
“Ted was one of the kindest people I’ve worked with. We stayed close after the show.”
– Kirstie Alley, in a 2012 interview with the Daily Mail
“Ted and I had a connection, but life took us in different directions.”
– Whoopi Goldberg, in a 2012 interview with the Guardian
For audiences following Ted Danson’s legacy, the divide between verified biography and unanswered questions is instructive. His career choices, political giving, and lasting friendships with co-stars paint a portrait of a man who values privacy even while staying in the public eye. The takeaway: what is known about Danson is solidly backed by sources, while the unknowns remain exactly that—unconfirmed by any authoritative record. For fans and researchers, the clear domain is his professional achievements and documented relationships; the speculative area is limited to matters he has chosen not to discuss. Those seeking a deeper look at his verified biographical details can consult this consolidated Ted Danson fact file.
Related reading: Ted Danson: Health, Politics, Relationships & Toupee – Facts · Simon Helberg: Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Height, and Condition
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For those interested in a deeper dive into Ted Dansons health and political views, there is much more to explore beyond the headlines.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ted Danson’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but multiple 2024–2025 sources, including Yahoo Entertainment, place it at approximately $80 million.
Who is Ted Danson’s spouse?
He has been married to actress Mary Steenburgen since 1995.
Is Ted Danson still acting?
Yes, he continues to act and recently starred in the sitcom Mr. Mayor and the podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name.
How many children does Ted Danson have?
He has two daughters from his previous marriage to Casey Coates.
What did Ted Danson say about Kirstie Alley’s death?
He released a statement expressing sadness and remembering their friendship; reports from outlets like Yahoo Entertainment covered his tribute.
Did Ted Danson have a relationship with Whoopi Goldberg?
Yes, they dated in the early 1990s, as both have acknowledged in interviews.
What is Ted Danson’s height?
He is 6’1″ (1.85 m) tall, according to TV Guide.
Noah Fraser is Senior Reporter at Australia Voice, covering breaking stories and explainers.