Ted Danson has long been a towering figure in American television. With a career spanning more than four decades, he has played iconic roles in comedy and drama, building a reputation for versatility, longevity, and professionalism. As of 2025, Ted Danson’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, a reflection of his remarkable acting portfolio, high-profile salaries, and smart real estate investments.
Early Life and Education
Edward Bridge Danson III, better known as Ted Danson, was born on December 29, 1947, in San Diego, California, and is currently 77 years old. He was raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, where his father, Edward B. Danson Jr., served as the director of the Museum of Northern Arizona. Growing up alongside his older sister Jan, Danson developed a strong sense of curiosity and discipline.
He attended Kent School, a prep school in Connecticut, where he was a standout basketball player. Danson began exploring acting during his time at Stanford University, eventually transferring to Carnegie Mellon University to pursue a stronger drama program. He graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama, setting the stage for an illustrious acting career.
Breakthrough Role in “Cheers”
Ted Danson’s career exploded in 1982 when he was cast as Sam Malone on NBC’s Cheers. The character—a charming, womanizing ex-baseball player turned bartender—became one of the most beloved sitcom roles of all time. Although the series struggled in its first season, it eventually became a cultural phenomenon, running for 11 seasons until 1993.
Danson appeared in every season, earning two Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes for his performance. In the final years of Cheers, he became the highest-paid actor on television, earning $450,000 per episode, or roughly $12 million per season—equivalent to about $25 million per season today when adjusted for inflation.
The show’s finale in 1993 drew 80 million viewers, making it the second most-watched TV series finale in history at the time.
Post-Cheers Success and Dramatic Turn
After Cheers, Danson successfully avoided typecasting. He took on dramatic roles, such as in Something About Amelia, for which he received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries.
He continued his television reign with:
- “Becker” (1998–2004) – A hit sitcom where he played a grumpy doctor.
- “Damages” (2007–2010) – A legal thriller where he portrayed the ethically questionable billionaire Arthur Frobisher.
- “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2011–2015) – Where he played D.B. Russell, appearing in 86 episodes and earning $250,000 per episode—adding over $21 million to his career income.
His TV career didn’t stop there. Danson starred in shows like “The Good Place” (2016–2020) as the demon-turned-mentor Michael, earning critical and fan acclaim, as well as “Mr. Mayor” (2021–2022) and regular appearances on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Film Career Highlights
While known for his TV work, Danson has also starred in numerous films:
- Three Men and a Baby (1987) and Three Men and a Little Lady (1990)
- Body Heat (1981)
- Creepshow (1982)
- Saving Private Ryan (1998)
- The One I Love (2014)
- Big Miracle (2012)
- Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
These films added depth to his résumé and diversified his income sources.
Personal Life and Family
Danson has been married three times. His first marriage was to actress Randy Gosch from 1970 to 1975. He then married Cassandra “Casey” Coates, with whom he has two daughters. Their marriage ended in 1993, following a high-profile affair with actress Whoopi Goldberg. The divorce settlement reportedly cost him $30 million, which would be nearly $50 million today after inflation adjustments.
Since 1995, Ted Danson has been happily married to actress Mary Steenburgen. Together, they share a blended family, including stepchildren Lilly and Charlie McDowell. The couple is known for their philanthropic efforts and mutual support of environmental causes.
Real Estate Investments and Lifestyle
Danson and Steenburgen have made significant investments in real estate:
- In Ojai, California, they sold a 9-acre property for $8.75 million in 2019, which they originally purchased in 2005 for $4.5 million.
- In Santa Monica, they own a private compound formed by purchasing two adjacent properties—one for $3.5 million in 2014 and another for $5.2 million in 2019.
- Additional properties include a charming cottage in Nashville and a six-acre estate on Martha’s Vineyard.
These holdings contribute significantly to their overall net worth and reflect a diversified financial strategy.
Advocacy and Activism
Ted Danson is deeply involved in environmental activism. He co-authored the book “Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do To Save Them” and has participated in numerous climate-related protests. In 2019, he was arrested during a climate protest in Washington, D.C., alongside actress Jane Fonda.
His environmental work highlights his commitment to using his platform for meaningful causes.
Final Thoughts
Ted Danson’s $80 million net worth in 2025 is a reflection of a long, adaptable, and principled career in entertainment. From Cheers to CSI, and The Good Place to environmental advocacy, Danson has evolved with the times while staying true to his passions. At 77, he continues to work, influence, and inspire new generations of fans and actors alike.
