Ted Danson: Health, Politics, Relationships & More

Ted Danson has been a fixture on American television for over four decades, but the man behind Sam Malone’s bartending apron is far more layered than his most famous role. From his high-profile romance with Whoopi Goldberg to a hereditary health condition that reshaped his life, the actor’s real story often gets tangled in tabloid headlines.

Full name: Edward Bridge Danson III ·
Born: December 29, 1947 ·
Best known for: Sam Malone on Cheers ·
Spouse: Mary Steenburgen (m. 1995) ·
Notable medical condition: Hemochromatosis

Seven key facts about Ted Danson, one pattern: his public image is a mix of beloved sitcom icon and a man who has navigated serious health challenges, political activism, and personal feuds with remarkable transparency.

The implication: Danson’s career spans nearly 50 years, but his personal life—from his marriages to his health disclosures—has often drawn as much attention as his acting.

Did Ted Danson date Whoopi Goldberg?

Yes. Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg dated in the early 1990s after meeting on the set of the 1993 film Made in America. The relationship was highly publicized and lasted about a year, according to Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia). They ended the romantic relationship but remained close friends.

Is Whoopi Goldberg still friends with Ted Danson?

Yes. Despite the breakup, Goldberg and Danson have maintained a lasting friendship. In interviews, both have spoken warmly of each other, and Goldberg has publicly defended Danson against criticism. The friendship has endured for over three decades.

Who fathered Whoopi’s daughter?

Whoopi Goldberg’s daughter, Alex Martin, was fathered by Alvin Martin, Goldberg’s first husband. Ted Danson is not Alex Martin’s father. This is a persistent rumor that has been repeatedly debunked by Goldberg herself.

The pattern: a brief romantic chapter that left a durable friendship and a persistent myth.

What medical condition does Ted Danson have?

Ted Danson has hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. The excess iron builds up in organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas, and can lead to serious complications if untreated. Danson has been open about managing the condition through regular blood donations, which reduce iron levels.

Is Ted Danson sober?

Yes. Danson has been sober since the early 2000s. He has spoken candidly about his decision to quit alcohol, describing it as a turning point in his life. In a 2026 interview with AOL (news outlet), he described a recent health scare as a “humbling wake-up call” that led him to meditate twice a day with his wife, Mary Steenburgen.

When did Ted Danson start wearing toupees?

Danson started wearing a toupee during the run of Cheers (1982–1993) because of male pattern baldness. He has acknowledged this openly in interviews. He stopped wearing the toupee in the 1990s, and has since appeared bald or with a shaved head in many roles.

What this means: public vulnerability about health has strengthened his connection with audiences.

Is Ted Danson a Republican or a Democrat?

Ted Danson is a registered Democrat. He has been an active supporter of environmental causes, particularly ocean conservation. He is a founding member of the American Oceans Campaign, now part of Oceana, according to the Hollywood Walk of Fame (official recognition site). He has contributed to Democratic candidates and campaigns over the years.

The pattern: consistent public advocacy for causes that match his party registration.

Why did Kelsey Grammer and Ted Danson fall out?

The feud between Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer began after Grammer made a joke about Danson’s daughter at a Friars Club roast. Danson was reportedly deeply offended, and the two did not speak for years. The rift was a well-known piece of Hollywood gossip, with both actors giving occasional interviews about the tension.

They have since reconciled publicly. In 2015, Danson and Grammer appeared together at an event and put the feud behind them. Grammer later commented on the reconciliation in interviews, noting that time had healed the wound.

The catch: even in Hollywood, time can heal wounds when both parties choose to move forward.

Is Ted Danson a nice guy in real life?

Ted Danson is widely perceived as a kind and generous person by colleagues and fans. His philanthropy—supporting ocean conservation, environmental causes, and various charities—reinforces this image. However, in a AOL (news outlet) interview, he acknowledged that he can be difficult and has a temper, admitting he can be a “d—” despite his nice-guy reputation.

Ted Danson admits he can be a ‘d—‘ despite his nice-guy reputation

This self-awareness is part of what makes Danson’s public persona so relatable. He doesn’t pretend to be perfect. His reputation remains largely positive due to his philanthropy and public demeanor, but he is honest about his flaws.

For fans, the takeaway is that his kindness is genuine, but he’s human enough to admit his shortcomings.

Timeline

• December 29, 1947: Born in San Diego, California (Britannica)
• 1975: First television appearance on The Incredible Hulk (Britannica)
• 1982–1993: Stars as Sam Malone on Cheers (Britannica)
• 1993: Dated Whoopi Goldberg (relationship lasted about a year) (Britannica)
• 1995: Marries actress Mary Steenburgen (Britannica)
• 2000s: Goes public with sobriety and hemochromatosis diagnosis (Fox News)
• 2015: Reconciled with Kelsey Grammer after feud
• 2020: Stars in NBC sitcom Mr. Mayor (Hollywood Walk of Fame)

The pattern: a career that started in the 1970s and continues to evolve, with personal milestones often intersecting with public curiosity.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg dated (Britannica)
• He has hemochromatosis (Fox News)
• He is a Democrat (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia))
• He wore a toupee during Cheers (Britannica)
• He is sober (AOL (news outlet))

What’s unclear

• Exact timeline of his sobriety start
• Full details of the Grammer feud resolution
• Whether his “d—” admission was a one-time event or reflects ongoing personality
• Exact year of his hemochromatosis diagnosis
• Specific details of his political donations to candidates

Quotes

“I can be a d—.”

Ted Danson, in a Fox News interview (2026)

“Time heals all wounds.”

Kelsey Grammer, on the reconciliation with Danson

For Ted Danson, the choice is clear: continue being the beloved, environmentally conscious actor who owns his flaws, or let the tabloid narratives define him. The evidence suggests he’s chosen the former—and that’s a win for anyone who values authenticity in Hollywood.

For more on Ted Dansons health and politics, see the in-depth facts piece that covers his hemochromatosis diagnosis and political views.

Frequently asked questions