Ted Danson Net Worth

Ted Danson’s Net Worth: A Look at the ‘Cheers’ Star’s Fortune

Ted Danson, the beloved actor known for his charming persona and versatile acting skills, has entertained audiences for decades. But have you ever wondered about Ted Danson’s net worth? Beyond his memorable roles in television and film, Danson has built a substantial fortune. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Ted Danson’s net worth, exploring his career, earnings, and personal life. We’ll delve into his iconic roles, lucrative salaries, and the real estate holdings that contribute to his overall wealth.

Early Life and Education

Edward Bridge Danson III, widely recognized as Ted Danson, was born in San Diego, California, on December 29, 1947. His upbringing was primarily in Flagstaff, Arizona, where his father, Edward Bridge Danson Jr., served as an archaeologist and director of the Museum of Northern Arizona. Danson’s early education included attending the prestigious Kent School, a preparatory institution in Connecticut, where he excelled as a star basketball player. His academic journey led him to Stanford University, where he first discovered his passion for acting. To further his theatrical training, Danson transferred to Carnegie Mellon University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama in 1972.

Career Beginnings: From Soap Operas to Prime Time

Ted Danson’s professional acting career began in the mid-1970s. His first paid role was a contract player on the daytime soap opera “Somerset,” where he portrayed Tom Conway from 1975 to 1976. Following this, Danson secured a role in the television series “The Doctors” in 1977, playing Dr. Mitchell Pierson. During this period, he also gained recognition through various commercials, notably as the “Aramis man” for the Estee Lauder fragrance brand, Aramis. Danson’s career continued to evolve with guest appearances on popular television shows such as “Laverne and Shirley,” “B.J. and the Bear,” “Family,” “Benson,” “Taxi,” “Magnum P.I.,” “The Amazing Spider-Man,” and “Tucker’s Witch.” These early roles helped establish Danson’s versatility and appeal to a broad audience.

‘Cheers’ and Stardom: The Role That Defined a Generation

The turning point in Ted Danson’s career came in 1982 when he was cast as Sam Malone, the womanizing former baseball player, in the NBC sitcom “Cheers.” Despite initial struggles with ratings in its first season, the show gradually gained popularity and, by 1986, became one of the top-rated programs on television. “Cheers” ran for 11 seasons, concluding on May 30, 1993. The series finale was a monumental event, drawing an audience of 80 million viewers, making it the second most-watched finale in television history at the time. Danson’s performance as Sam Malone earned him significant critical acclaim, including eleven consecutive Emmy nominations and nine Golden Globe nominations, with two wins for each award. “Cheers” not only solidified Danson’s status as a leading actor but also left a lasting impact on popular culture.

Post-‘Cheers’ Career: Diversifying Roles and Continued Success

After the success of “Cheers,” Danson expanded his repertoire. He ventured into drama, starring in “Something About America,” for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie. He also appeared in the short-lived CBS show “Ink” and the television miniseries “Gulliver’s Travels.” Danson then starred in the CBS sitcom “Becker,” produced by the same company as “Cheers,” which ran for six seasons from 1998 to 2004. He continued to take on diverse roles throughout his career, including appearances in “Damages,” “Bored to Death,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “CSI: Cyber,” “Fargo,” and “The Good Place.” He played the main role in NBC’s “Mr. Mayor” from 2021 to 2022. Danson’s willingness to embrace different genres and characters has kept him a relevant and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

In addition to his television work, Danson has also appeared in a variety of films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Some notable film roles include “The Onion Field” (1979), “Body Heat” (1981), “Creepshow” (1982), “Three Men and a Baby” (1987), and “Saving Private Ryan” (1998). More recently, he has been featured in films such as “The Open Road” (2009), “Big Miracle” (2012), “Ted” (2012), and “Hearts Beat Loud” (2018). These film appearances have added to his diverse body of work, demonstrating his ability to transition between different mediums and genres.

Ted Danson’s Salary: Earnings Throughout His Career

Ted Danson’s financial success is significantly attributed to his high salaries from television roles. During the final seasons of “Cheers,” he was the highest-paid actor on television, earning $450,000 per episode. This amounted to approximately $12 million per season in seasons 9, 10, and 11, equivalent to around $25 million per season when adjusted for inflation. From 2011 to 2015, while starring in the CBS drama “CSI,” Danson earned $250,000 per episode. He appeared in 86 episodes, contributing to annual earnings of about $21 million. At the peak of his “Cheers” salary, he was earning $500,000 per episode, underscoring his substantial earning power in the television industry.

Personal Life: Marriages, Family, and Activism

Ted Danson’s personal life has been marked by three marriages. His first marriage was to actress Randall “Randy” Gosch from 1970 to 1975. He then married producer Cassandra “Casey” Coates, with whom he shares two daughters. His current wife is actress Mary Steenburgen, with whom he has two stepchildren, Lilly and Charlie McDowell. Danson has also been actively involved in environmental causes throughout his life. In March 2011, he released his first book, “Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do To Save Them.” Furthermore, in October 2019, he was arrested and charged at a climate-change protest outside the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., alongside actress Jane Fonda.

Real Estate Holdings: Danson and Steenburgen’s Property Portfolio

Ted Danson and his wife, Mary Steenburgen, have accumulated a diverse real estate portfolio over the years. They own several properties across the United States, primarily in the Los Angeles area. In June 2019, they sold a nine-acre property in Ojai, California, for $8.75 million, which they had purchased in 2005 for $4.5 million through a trust. They also own a different home in Ojai, bought in 2017 for $2.4 million. Additionally, in 2014, they acquired a home in Santa Monica, California, for $3.5 million, and in January 2019, they purchased the adjacent property for $5.2 million to create a larger, private compound. Their property holdings also include a small cottage in Nashville and a six-acre multi-residence spread on Martha’s Vineyard.

Conclusion

Ted Danson’s net worth reflects a remarkable career spanning several decades, marked by iconic roles, significant earnings, and smart investments. From his breakout role in “Cheers” to his diverse ventures in film and television, Danson has built a substantial fortune. His real estate holdings and dedication to environmental causes further highlight his multifaceted life. Ted Danson’s legacy is one of enduring success and widespread recognition in the entertainment industry.