Ted Danson Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Ted Danson Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ted Danson is an American actor & activist recognized for his role as Sam Malone on Cheers and his lasting impact on television culture.

Introduction

Ted Danson, born December 29, 1947, has become one of the most recognizable faces in American television, best-known for his portrayal of Sam Malone on the hit sitcom Cheers. Over the span of his multi-decade career, he has amassed an estimated net worth of approximately $80 million, according to multiple sources.  In his personal life, he is married to actress Mary Steenburgen, in a union that has attracted attention for its longevity and blend of celebrity and authenticity. The actor’s birthday is celebrated each year on December 29—his age/birthdate remains part of his enduring identity.

Quick Facts

From Local Ambition to Global Success

Born in San Diego and raised largely in Flagstaff, Arizona, Ted Danson’s childhood was shaped by his father’s work as an archaeologist and museum director, imbuing him early on with curiosity and intellectual nurture.  He initially pursued basketball at Kent School in Connecticut before developing a passion for drama. He enrolled at Stanford University and later transferred to Carnegie Mellon University, graduating with a B.F.A. in Drama. 

His early career saw him in soap operas and commercials, but the breakthrough came when he landed the role of Sam Malone on the NBC sitcom Cheers (1982–1993). That role transformed him into a household name and laid the foundation for his long-term financial success.

Defining moments in Ted Danson’s journey include:

• Casting as Sam Malone on Cheers and transitioning to lead actor status

• Winning his first Emmy and Golden Globe awards for that role

• Moving into next-stage television roles (such as Becker, CSI, The Good Place)

• Engaging in environmental activism, co-founding campaigns like Oceana

• Reinventing his on-screen persona in later-career roles

The Core Pillars of Ted Danson’s Wealth

The core pillars of Ted Danson’s wealth include:

• Television earnings – His compensation during the peak seasons of Cheers set industry standards; for example, sources cite salaries of up to $450,000 per episode during the final seasons. 

• Residuals & syndication – As Cheers and other series continue in reruns and streaming, ongoing income from legacy rights plays a significant role. 

• Film roles and guest appearances – Though his film work was less dominant than television, titles such as Three Men and a Baby contributed to his earnings. 

• Endorsements, voice work & production credits – Later in his career, Danson’s portfolio expanded to include voice-acting, live-action guest spots, and executive production roles, diversifying revenue streams.

Estimated Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

(Note: Values are approximations intended to illustrate the composition of assets rather than exact figures.)

Ted Danson Relationships & Family Life

Ted Danson’s personal life has been as dynamic as his career—with relationships, family, and transitions shaping his story in the public eye.

After two earlier marriages—the first to Randy Gosch in the early 1970s and then to Cassandra (“Casey”) Coates from 1977 until their separation in 1993—Danson met his current wife.  Their relationship has often been held up as a model of longstanding partnership in Hollywood.

He married actress Mary Steenburgen on October 7 (date of marriage) and became part of a blended family that includes his two daughters (Kate and Alexis) from his previous marriage and Mary’s children from her previous marriage. 

Key insights into Ted Danson’s relationships and personal life:

• He shares two daughters, Kate and Alexis, from his marriage to Casey Coates. 

• His relationship with Mary Steenburgen stemmed from a decade-long friendship that turned romantic during the early 1990s; their meeting first happened during an audition in 1983. 

• His earlier separation, and the very public nature of his divorce from Coates, marked a turning point in his personal life, which he has described as motivating his growth. 

• The blended family dynamic is active and engaged; Danson has spoken of his stepchildren and grandchildren with warmth and pride. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Ted Danson leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A deep commitment to ocean conservation: He co-founded environmental organizations (e.g., Oceana), hosted marine-themed TV series, and authored work on endangered oceans. 

• Real estate holdings and asset diversification: Reports indicate significant property investment and a preference for sustainable living. 

• Hobbies and wellness: Danson has shared that meditation, gratitude practices, and maintaining creative outlets are central to his life off-screen.

• Family-centric living: He often emphasizes home, laughter, and domestic routines with his wife and extended family over lavish displays of celebrity. 

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Ted Danson’s public image is anchored in more than one iconic role. He has navigated decades of changing television landscapes, emerging not simply as a sitcom star, but as a respected actor, activist, and industry veteran. His legacy includes:

• A character (Sam Malone) that remains part of pop-culture lexicon and television history.

• Demonstrating longevity in an era of rapid turnover, with successful work in multiple television series over decades.

• Advocacy work that contributes to his reputation as more than just an entertainer—he brings voice and action to environmental causes.

• A high-profile marriage that is frequently cited as an example of commitment and partnership in a turning-over world of celebrity relationships.

His ability to pivot—from comedic lead to dramatic roles—and remain visible and relevant underscores his influence. He remains a valued figure among fans and industry peers, partly because his public persona integrates not just talent but integrity.

Conclusion

Ted Danson’s story weaves together talent, timing, and transformation. Born December 29, 1947, he achieved stardom with Cheers, leveraged that into a diversified career, and now counts an estimated net worth of around $80 million. At the same time, his personal narrative—from early relationships to his enduring marriage to Mary Steenburgen—stays as integral to his identity as his professional accomplishments. His birthday each year marks not just age but a reminder of the journey he’s traversed: from young actor to seasoned icon, from celebrity to activist. In a world of fleeting fame, Ted Danson’s legacy is built on consistency, reinvention, and purpose—and remains as relevant as ever.