Popular for playing the role of Sam Malone in the long-running sitcom “Cheers,” Ted Danson has had an illustrious career in Hollywood and is considered one of the biggest names in the show business. His style of comedy and his ability to captivate audiences resulted in him winning several awards which include two Emmys, two Golden Globes, and ten Screen Actors Guild Awards. Ted’s hard work and commitment to the craft have translated into a huge success for his net worth. In this article, we will look at Ted Danson net worth as well as his career highlights.
Early Life and Education
Edward Bridge “Ted” Danson, III was born on December 29, 1947, in San Diego, California. His father Edward Bridge Danson Jr. and his mother Jessica Tandy were both successful actors themselves which exposed Ted to the acting world at a very young age.
Ted attended Stanford University for two years before transferring to Carnegie Mellon University, where he graduated in 1972 with a degree in drama.
Career Highlights
Ted’s career began on the small screen, appearing on the daytime soap opera “Somerset” before playing in the day soap opera “The Doctors”. He also appeared in a number of commercials most notably known for his work as Aramis in a series of television and print ads for the fragrance line.
In 1982 Ted auditioned for the role of Sam Malone on “Cheers” and would then go on to star in the long-running series as Sam Malone alongside actress Shelley Long. The show was a huge success.
Ted starred in all of the show’s 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993, where he won two Emmy awards, one for Best Lead Actor for a Comedy Series and another for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Following his stint on “Cheers,” Ted went on to star in other television series including the popular sitcom “Becker,” and had a guest role in the hit series “The Good Place” not forgetting “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” Ted has also appeared in several movies such as “Three Men and a Baby” (1987), “Made in America” (1993), and “Saving Private Ryan” (1998). Ted’s most recent role was as Michael in the hit movie “The Good Place.”
Ted has also had voice roles in animated films such as The Simpsons Movie (2007) and The Boss Baby (2017).
Net Worth
Due to Ted Danson’s successful career, Ted has accumulated an impressive net worth of over $80 million. Ted is considered one of the most successful actors in Hollywood and his net worth reflects this success.
His yearly earnings are estimated to be around $10 million a year, and Ted has an expansive real estate portfolio that includes several properties in both Los Angeles and New York. Ted also owns a yacht docked in Marina Del Rey.
Personal Life
Dan’s first wife was actress Randall Godwin whom he married in 1970, but the two divorced in 1975. Cassandra, a producer, was Danson’s second spouse to whom he was married for 16 years until 1993 when Dan was reported to be having an affair with actress Whoopi Goldberg.
Ted then married actress Mary Steenburgen (who earned an Academy Award for her role in 1980’s Melvin and Howard) on October 7, 1995. Ted has three children; Kate Danson from his first marriage and son Charlie Danson and her daughter Lily Danson from his marriage to Mary.
In 2000 Ted married actress Mary Steenburgen and in 2002 Ted legally adopted his step-daughter Lilly from Mary’s previous marriage to actor Malcolm McDowell. Ted also has a son, Edward Bridge Danson IV, from his first marriage to producer Cassandra Coates. Ted is also a stepfather to Mary’s daughter, Charlie McDowell.
Ted is also close friends with actress Whoopi Goldberg and the two have appeared in several movies together including “Made in America” (1993) and “Saving Private Ryan” (1998).
Political Affiliations and Environment Work
Ted is an active environmentalist and a member of the environmental organization Oceana. Ted put his love of nature to work in 2009 when he joined fellow activists Ted Turner, Robert Redford, and Sylvester Stallone on a National Geographic expedition to Belize. Ted has also been featured in several campaigns supporting environmental causes such as Save Our Seas, which works to protect and restore ocean habitats.
Ted is also an avid supporter of the Democratic party and endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Bill Clinton was one of the invited guests at Ted’s wedding to Mary Steenburgen in 1995. Ted is also a board member of the National Resources Defense Council and has spoken out against climate change and marine pollution on several occasions.
He has written extensively about his environmental work and has been featured on television programs such as The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Ted was even named the world’s first “Citizen Ocean Ambassador” in 2006 by Oceana.
Awards, Nominations and Achievements
Ted Danson is one of the most nominated and awarded actors in the industry. Ted has won two Emmy Awards, one for his role as Sam Malone in “Cheers” and another for a guest appearance on the hit series “Damages.” Ted has also been nominated for numerous Golden Globe awards and was named Favorite TV Actor at the People’s Choice Award in 1996. Ted was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995.
Ted has also won several Emmy Awards for his voice-over roles, most recently Ted voiced Grandpa Lou Pickles in Nickelodeon’s hit show “Rugrats” (1998). Ted is also an important part of the daytime soap opera industry and has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award three times (in 1990, 1992, and 1993).
Final Thoughts
Talk of Ted Danson’s net worth often comes with the realization of how much Ted has achieved throughout his career. From his roles in sitcoms to daytime television and voice-over work, Ted has earned more than just money; Ted has earned respect from audiences around the world.
Ted’s net worth is estimated at around $60 million and Ted has also used his fame and fortune to help support numerous causes close to his heart such as the environment and the Democratic party. Ted Danson is an example of how hard work, dedication, and talent can lead to success.
