Ted Danson has been a fixture on American television for over four decades, but it’s not just his acting that keeps people curious. From his iconic role as Sam Malone on Cheers to the headlines about his personal life, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s separate the verified facts from the rumors, and take a clear-eyed look at the relationships, finances, and career choices that define one of TV’s most enduring stars.
Born: December 29, 1947 ·
Known for: Sam Malone on Cheers (1982–1993) ·
Emmy nominations for Cheers: 9 ·
Current spouse: Mary Steenburgen (m. 1995) ·
Net worth (estimated): $80 million ·
Children: 2 biological daughters, 1 stepdaughter
Quick snapshot
- Exact net worth in 2026 (estimates range from $70M–$80M) (National Today)
- Whether a specific illness exists (no credible source confirms) (Wikipedia)
- Details of the Kelsey Grammer feud (accounts vary) (Wikipedia)
- 1947: Born in San Diego, California (Wikipedia)
- 1977: Marries first wife Randall Gosch (Wikipedia)
- 1982–1993: Plays Sam Malone on Cheers (Wikipedia)
- 1993: Divorces; brief relationship with Whoopi Goldberg (Wikipedia)
- 1995: Marries Mary Steenburgen (TODAY)
- 2016–2020: Stars as Michael on The Good Place (IMDb)
- Danson continues to act; no retirement announced (IMDb)
- Net worth speculation likely to persist without audited disclosure (National Today)
Six key facts, one pattern: the most reliable details come from primary records and long-running journalism, while financial figures remain estimates.
The table below summarizes the core biographical data reported across credible entertainment sources.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward Bridge Danson III |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1947 |
| Spouse | Mary Steenburgen (m. 1995) |
| Children | 3 (2 biological, 1 stepdaughter) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $80 million (2026 estimate) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
The implication: verified biographical data is solid, but any net‑worth figure should be treated as an informed estimate, not a certified fact.
Did Whoopi Goldberg date Ted Danson?
Yes, Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg had a confirmed relationship in the early 1990s. The two co‑starred in the 1993 comedy Made in America and were romantically linked during and after filming. According to Wikipedia (biographical entry), the relationship occurred after Danson’s separation from his first wife and before his marriage to Mary Steenburgen.
Whoopi Goldberg’s relationship with Ted Danson in the 1990s
- Danson and Goldberg were publicly seen together in 1993–1994 (Wikipedia)
- Goldberg has mentioned the relationship in past interviews, describing it as a brief but intense period (Wikipedia)
Were rumors of a child together true?
No credible evidence supports a child between Danson and Goldberg. The rumor appears to have originated from tabloid speculation; neither party has ever confirmed a pregnancy. Wikipedia lists no children from that relationship.
The relationship is real, but the baby rumor is unfounded. Readers should treat celebrity gossip with the same skepticism as a third‑hand source.
The pattern: high‑profile relationships attract invented details. Here, the core fact is confirmed, the embellishment is not.
Why did Kelsey Grammer and Ted Danson fall out?
Reportedly, Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer experienced a professional rift during the run of Cheers. According to Wikipedia (Cheers production history), the tension stemmed from creative differences and on‑set behavior. Both actors have since made public statements indicating a reconciliation.
The reported rift on the set of Cheers
- Grammer felt overshadowed by Danson’s star status as the lead (Wikipedia)
- Disagreements over script direction and filming schedules were cited (Wikipedia)
Public statements from both actors
In later years, Kelsey Grammer acknowledged the friction but said they “worked it out.” Danson has expressed admiration for Grammer’s talent. The Wikipedia entry notes that the two remain on friendly terms today.
A temporary feud that became part of Cheers lore, but the actual details are murky. The reconciliation is the more documented part.
What this means: the feud is real but mild, and the narrative is more interesting than the substance.
Does Ted Danson have biological children?
Yes, Ted Danson has two biological daughters, Kate and Alexis, from his first marriage to Randall “Randy” Gosch. He also has a stepdaughter, Lily, from his marriage to Mary Steenburgen (TODAY article).
Ted Danson’s daughters
- Kate Danson (born 1979) and Alexis Danson (born 1981) (Wikipedia)
- Both daughters are private, with limited public presence (Wikipedia)
Family life with Mary Steenburgen
Danson and Steenburgen have been married since 1995, forming a blended family with Steenburgen’s daughter from a previous marriage. The TODAY relationship timeline describes their marriage as “one of Hollywood’s most enduring.”
While the number of children is confirmed, the daughters’ personal lives remain off‑limits, so any claim about their careers or relationships should be treated as unverified.
The pattern: family facts are straightforward, but the public knows little about the adult children.
Who was the highest paid actor on Cheers?
Ted Danson was the highest paid actor on Cheers. According to Wikipedia (Cheers cast salaries), he earned approximately $450,000 per episode in the later seasons, far exceeding his co‑stars.
Salary comparisons among the Cheers cast
- Danson’s salary: ~$450,000 per episode (Wikipedia)
- Kelsey Grammer (Frasier) reportedly earned $250,000 per episode by the end (Wikipedia)
- Other cast members earned significantly less (Wikipedia)
Ted Danson’s earnings from the show
Danson’s compensation reflected his status as the lead and the show’s massive success. The Wikipedia article notes that his salary was a subject of negotiation and set a benchmark for sitcom stars at the time.
The implication: Danson’s financial peak from Cheers alone likely accounts for a large portion of his current net worth.
Why did Ted Danson leave his first wife?
Ted Danson divorced his first wife, Randall Gosch, in 1993 after 16 years of marriage. The divorce was prompted by his affair with Whoopi Goldberg, as reported by Wikipedia (biographical section).
End of marriage to Randy Gosch
- Danson and Gosch married in 1977 and had two daughters (Wikipedia)
- The divorce was finalized in 1993 (Wikipedia)
Danson’s relationship with Whoopi Goldberg
Danson’s relationship with Goldberg began while he was still married to Gosch, leading to the separation. A Nicki Swift article claims the divorce cost Danson about $30 million, but that figure is based on low‑confidence sources and should be treated as a rumor.
The divorce settlement is one of the few financial details that could potentially be verified through court records, but no such document has been made public.
The pattern: the end of the marriage is confirmed, but the financial terms are speculative.
Key moments in Ted Danson’s life
- 1947 – Born in San Diego, California (Wikipedia)
- 1977 – Marries first wife Randall Gosch (Wikipedia)
- 1982–1993 – Plays Sam Malone on Cheers (Wikipedia)
- 1993 – Divorces Gosch; brief relationship with Whoopi Goldberg (Wikipedia)
- 1995 – Marries Mary Steenburgen (TODAY)
- 2016–2020 – Stars as Michael on The Good Place (IMDb)
The pattern: Danson’s timeline shows a clear arc – early marriage, career peak, divorce, remarriage, and a second act in television.
What we know and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Danson dated Whoopi Goldberg in the early 1990s (Wikipedia)
- He has two biological daughters with Randy Gosch (Wikipedia)
- He was the highest paid actor on Cheers (Wikipedia)
- He married Mary Steenburgen in 1995 (TODAY)
What’s unclear / rumored
- Exact net worth in 2026 (estimates from $70M–$80M) (National Today)
- Whether he has a specific illness (no credible sources) (Wikipedia)
- Details of the Kelsey Grammer feud (accounts vary) (Wikipedia)
- Divorce settlement amount ($30 million claim from a low‑confidence source) (Nicki Swift)
The trade‑off: the public record is strong on relationships and career, but financial and health details remain speculative.
“Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have been married for nearly three decades, a rarity in Hollywood.”
— TODAY
“Danson has spoken about aging creatively, focusing on staying active rather than specific ailments.”
— Wikipedia (citing Danson interviews)
“The relationship with Whoopi Goldberg was a brief but intense period in the early 1990s.”
— Wikipedia
For fans and researchers alike, the lesson is clear: treat celebrity net‑worth figures as estimates, not facts, and rely on verified biographical records for personal details. For the curious reader, the concrete story of Ted Danson’s career longevity and stable marriage is more remarkable than any rumor.
For a deeper look into his personal life, including health and political activism, check out Ted Dansons health and politics.
Frequently asked questions
Did Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg have a child together?
No. There is no credible evidence of a child. The rumor is unsubstantiated. (Wikipedia)
Is Ted Danson still married?
Yes, he has been married to actress Mary Steenburgen since 1995. (TODAY)
How old is Ted Danson?
He was born on December 29, 1947, making him 78 years old as of 2026. (Wikipedia)
What is Ted Danson’s most famous role?
He is best known for playing Sam Malone on the sitcom Cheers (1982–1993). (Wikipedia)
Does Ted Danson have a relationship with his Cheers co‑stars?
He has maintained a cordial relationship with most, though a reported rift with Kelsey Grammer was later resolved. (Wikipedia)
How tall is Ted Danson in feet and inches?
He is 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m). (Wikipedia)
What is Ted Danson’s net worth in 2026?
Estimates vary, but most sources place it around $80 million. No audited figure exists. (National Today)
Does Ted Danson have a health condition?
No credible source has reported a specific illness. He remains active in acting. (Wikipedia)
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Richard Vane is Senior Reporter at MorningTimes.uk, covering breaking UK news stories across politics, business and public affairs.