Ted Danson

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Ted Danson
Ted Danson 2008 number 2.jpg
Danson in 2008
Born Edward Bridge Danson III
(1947-12-29) December 29, 1947 (age 76)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Alma mater Carnegie Mellon University
Occupation Actor, author, producer
Years active 1975–present
Spouse(s) Randall "Randy" Gosch (1970–1975; divorced)
Cassandra Coates (1977–1993; divorced)
Mary Steenburgen (m. 1995)
Children 2 (with Coates)

Edward Bridge "Ted" Danson III (born December 29, 1947) is an American actor, author, and producer, well known for his role as lead character Sam Malone in the sitcom Cheers, and his role as Dr. John Becker on the sitcom Becker. He also starred in the CBS dramas CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and CSI: Cyber as D.B. Russell.[1][2] He also plays a recurring role on Larry David's HBO sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm, starred alongside Glenn Close in legal drama Damages and was a regular on the HBO comedy series Bored to Death.

In his 40-year career, Danson has been nominated for 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning two; ten Golden Globe Awards nominations, winning three; one Screen Actors Guild Awards; and one American Comedy Award and has been awarded a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. He was ranked second in TV Guide's list of the top 25 television stars.[3] Danson has also been a longtime activist in ocean conservation. In March 2011, he published his first book, Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do to Save Them, written with journalist Michael D'Orso.

Early life

Danson was born in San Diego, California, the son of Jessica Danson (née MacMaster) and Edward Bridge Danson, Jr., an archaeologist and museum director. He was raised in Flagstaff, Arizona.[4][5] His ancestry includes English and Scottish.[6][7]

In 1961, he enrolled in the Kent School, where he was a basketball star. He became interested in drama while attending Stanford University. He transferred to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama in 1972.

Career

Television

Early career

Danson began his television career as a contract player on the daytime soap opera Somerset. He played the role of "Tom Conway" from 1975 to 1976. He then spent a few years (1977-1982) as a doctor on the daytime soap opera The Doctors. He was also in a number of commercials, most recognizably as the "Aramis man".

He made a number of guest appearances in episodic television in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including spots on Laverne and Shirley, B.J. and the Bear, Family, Benson, Taxi, Magnum P.I., and Tucker's Witch.

Career breakthrough: Cheers

Danson at the 42nd Emmy Awards, September 1990

In 1982, Danson was cast in his most recognizable role, as the womanizing former baseball player and bartender Sam Malone on the NBC sitcom Cheers, wherein he has an on-and-off relationship with college-educated, sophisticated Diane Chambers. Though the show finished last in the ratings in the first season, it was well received by critics, and ratings slowly but surely improved in 1983, and by 1986 Cheers was one of the top ten shows on TV. The show had a run of 11 seasons and its finale (May 20, 1993) was watched by 80 million people, becoming the second most watched finale in television history at that time. It won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series and a Golden Globe for Best Series – Musical or Comedy. The show ran from 1982 to 1993, with Danson receiving 11 consecutive Emmy nominations and nine Golden Globe nominations, ultimately winning two Emmys and two Golden Globes. In 2002, TV Guide named Cheers the 18th Greatest Show of All Time. It was also included in Time Magazine's 100 Greatest Shows of All Time.

Danson also appeared as Sam Malone in guest-starring roles on other sitcoms, such as Frasier (a Cheers spin-off), The Jim Henson Hour, and The Simpsons.

Later career

Danson went on to star in the successful CBS sitcom Becker (produced by Paramount Television, which also produced Cheers), which ran from 1998 to 2004. Danson also plays himself on Curb Your Enthusiasm. He reprised his role of Sam Malone in a second-season episode of Frasier and voiced him in The Simpsons episode "Fear of Flying".

Although he was best known for his work in comedy, he also appeared in an acclaimed drama, Something About Amelia, about a family devastated by the repercussions of incest, which co-starred his later co-star on Damages, Glenn Close. He won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie and was nominated for an Emmy Award. In 1996, three years after Cheers concluded, Danson starred in the short-lived CBS sitcom Ink with his real-life wife Mary Steenburgen. In the same year, they starred as Lemuel Gulliver and his wife in an acclaimed television miniseries of Gulliver's Travels.

Danson returned to series television in the fall of 2006, playing a psychiatrist in the ABC sitcom Help Me Help You, which was canceled at midseason due to low ratings.

In 2006, Danson received a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries for his role in Knights of the South Bronx.

In 2007, Danson starred in the FX Network drama Damages as a corrupt billionaire, Arthur Frobisher. The role earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, but he lost to co-star Željko Ivanek. In the second season, Danson became a recurring character instead of one of the principal cast. Nevertheless, Danson received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, but lost to Michael J. Fox for his guest appearance in Rescue Me.

In 1999, Danson was presented a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

In 2011, Danson appeared in the music video for "Make Some Noise" by the Beastie Boys. He is also mentioned in the song's lyrics.

Danson starred in the HBO sitcom Bored to Death as George Christopher, the laconic, salubrious and sometime downright infantile editor of Edition magazine. Critics often praised Danson as being the highlight of the program, calling his character a "scene stealer".[8][9]

In July 2011, it was announced that Danson would star in the CBS police drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. He played D.B. Russell, a new graveyard shift supervisor who previously headed a crime lab in Seattle, Washington. Tony Shalhoub, Robin Williams and John Lithgow were also considered for the role.[1][2][10]

In March 2013, it was confirmed that Danson had signed a deal extending his stay on CSI for two more years.[11]

Following the cancellation of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, it was announced that his character D.B. Russell would make a move over to the third spinoff show CSI: Cyber in the second season.[12]

In 2015, Danson appeared in the second season of the TV show loosely based on the film of the same name, Fargo. He portrays sheriff Hank Larsson. [13]

Film

Danson has also been featured in numerous films. His most notable film appearances were in Three Men and a Baby with Tom Selleck and Steve Guttenberg, its sequel Three Men and a Little Lady, and Cousins with Isabella Rossellini. He also appeared in The Onion Field (his first film, as the bagpipe playing Officer Ian Campbell), Creepshow, Body Heat, Little Treasure, Just Between Friends, A Fine Mess, Dad, Made in America, Getting Even with Dad, and Saving Private Ryan.

Personal life

Danson with wife Mary Steenburgen in December 2009

Danson and his first wife, actress Randall "Randy" Gosch (now professionally known as Randy Danson), were married in 1970 and divorced in 1975. Danson's second wife was producer Cassandra "Casey" Coates; they were married in 1977. On December 24, 1979, while giving birth to their first daughter Kate, Coates suffered a stroke, and Danson spent several years caring for her and helping her recuperate. They later adopted a second daughter, Alexis. Danson's affair with actress Whoopi Goldberg led to their divorce in 1993.[14] It was one of Hollywood's costliest divorces, reportedly costing Danson $30 million.[15]

On October 7, 1995, Danson married actress Mary Steenburgen, whom he met on the set of the movie Pontiac Moon in 1993, and became the stepfather to Steenburgen's daughter Lilly and son Charles from her previous marriage to actor Malcolm McDowell.

Danson adheres to a vegan diet for both health and ethical reasons.[16]

Roast of Whoopi Goldberg

Danson experienced substantial negative press attention on October 8, 1993, after his appearance in blackface at a Friars Club comedy roast in honor of then-girlfriend Whoopi Goldberg. In his monologue, Danson made extensive use of offensive racial stereotypes, used the word "nigger" more than a dozen times, and ate a watermelon, angering such guests as Montel Williams and Mayor David Dinkins.[17][18] Goldberg defended the sketch, explaining that she had helped write much of the material and referred Danson to the makeup artist who painted his face.[17][19] Danson and Goldberg issued statements emphasizing "the Friars Club tradition of raucous and over the top humor" and describing those offended as newcomers who "were uncomfortable with what to expect."[17] Substantial excerpts from the performance were later printed in Spy.[20] The incident was parodied in Howard Stern's New Year's Rotten Eve with Stern as Danson and Sherman Hemsley as Goldberg.[21]

Environmentalism

Danson's interest in environmental concerns was ignited when he was twelve years old and Bill Breed, then a curator at the Museum of Northern Arizona, introduced Danson and friend Marc Gaede to a game he referred to as "billboarding". Armed with an axe and saw, Breed, Gaede, and Danson ended up destroying over 300 outdoor advertising signs.[22]

Danson's interest in environmentalism continued over the years, and he began to be concerned with the state of the world's oceans. In the 1980s, he was a contributing founder of the American Oceans Campaigns, which merged with Oceana in 2001, where Danson is a board member.[23]

In March 2011, Danson published his first book, Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans And What We Can Do To Save Them, written with journalist Michael D'Orso.[24][25]

Political activism

Danson is a friend of former United States President Bill Clinton, who attended Danson and Mary Steenburgen's wedding. Danson has donated more than $85,000 to Democratic candidates, including Al Gore, John Edwards, Barbara Boxer, Bill Clinton, Al Franken, and John Kerry. He has also donated to the Democratic Party of Arkansas and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Danson and Steenburgen campaigned for Sen. Hillary Clinton during her 2008 Presidential campaign.[26] He attended the wedding of their daughter Chelsea on July 31, 2010.[27]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1979 The Onion Field Det. Ian James Campbell
1981 Body Heat Peter Lowenstein
1982 Creepshow Harry Wentworth
1985 Little Treasure Eugene Wilson
1986 Just Between Friends Chip Davis
A Fine Mess Spence Holden
1987 Three Men and a Baby Jack Holden
1989 Cousins Larry
Dad John Tremont
1990 Three Men and a Little Lady Jack Holden
1993 Made in America Hal Jackson
1994 Getting Even with Dad Raymond Gleason
Pontiac Moon Washington Bellamy
1996 Loch Ness Dempsey
1998 Jerry and Tom Guy
1998 Homegrown Gianni Saletzzo
Saving Private Ryan Capt. Hamill
1999 Mumford Jeremy Brockett
2004 Fronterz N/A
2007 Nobel Son Harvey Parrish
The Amateurs Moose
2008 Mad Money Don Cardigan
The Human Contract E.J. Winters
2009 The Open Road Coach
2012 Big Miracle J.W. McGrath
Ted Himself Uncredited
2014 The One I Love Therapist

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1975–1976 Somerset Tim Conway #2 Unknown episodes
1979 The Amazing Spider-Man Major Collings 2 episodes
Mrs. Columbo Richard Dellinger Episode: "Ladies of the Afternoon"
Trapper John, M.D. Injured Man Episode: "Love Is a Three-Way Street"
B. J. and the Bear Tom Spencer Episode: "Silent Night, Unholy Night"
The French Atlantic Affair Assistant Television film
1980 The Women's Room Norman Television film
Once Upon a Spy Jack Chenault Television film
Laverne & Shirley Randy Carpenter Episode: "Why Did the Fireman..."
Family David Bartels Episode: "Daylight Serenade"
1981 Benson Dan 2 episodes
Magnum, P.I. Stewart Crane Episode: "Don't Say Goodbye"
Dear Teacher Steve Goodwin Television film
Our Family Business Gep Television film
1982 Taxi Vincenzo Senaca Episode: "The Unkindest Cut"
1982–1993 Cheers Sam Malone 275 episodes
1983 Cowboy Dale Weeks Television film
1984 Something About Amelia Steven Bennett Television film
1986 When the Bough Breaks Alex Television film
1987 We Are the Children N/A Television film
1989 The Jim Henson Hour Himself Episode: "Aquatic Life"
1994 The Simpsons Sam Malone (voice) Episode: "Fear of Flying"
1995 Frasier Sam Malone Episode: "The Show Where Sam Shows Up"
1996–1997 Ink Mike Logan 22 episodes
1996 Gulliver's Travels Lemuel Gulliver 2 episodes
1998–2004 Becker Dr. John Becker 129 episodes
1998 Thanks of a Grateful Nation Jim Tuite Television film
Veronica's Closet Nick Vanover Episode: "Veronica's $600,000 Pop"
2000–2009 Curb Your Enthusiasm Ted Danson 13 episodes
2000 Search for Atlantis Himself Television film
2002 Living with the Dead James Van Praagh Television film
2004 It Must Be Love George Gazelle Television film
2005 Our Fathers Mitchell Garabedian Television film
Knights of the South Bronx Richard Television film
2006–2007 Help Me Help You Dr. Bill Hoffman 14 episodes
2006 Heist Tom 2 episodes
2007–2010 Damages Arthur Frobisher 23 episodes
2008 King of the Hill Tom Hammond (voice) Episode: "The Accidental Terrorist"
2009–2011 Bored to Death George Christopher 24 episodes
2010 Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! Little Danson Man Episode: "Greene Machine"
2011–2015 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Director D.B. Russell 86 episodes
2013 CSI: NY Episode: "Seth and Apep"
2015 American Dad! Dr. Ray Petit (voice) Episode: "The Shrink"
Fargo Sheriff Hank Larsson 10 episodes
2015–2016 CSI: Cyber Director D.B. Russell 22 episodes

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Nominated work Result
1983 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Cheers Nominated
1984 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie Something About Amelia Nominated
1985 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film Won
Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Cheers Nominated
People's Choice Awards Favorite Male TV Performer Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
1986 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
1987 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
1988 People's Choice Awards Favorite Male TV Performer Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
1989 American Comedy Awards Funniest Male Performer in a Television Series Nominated
Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated
People's Choice Awards Favorite Male TV Performer Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
1990 American Comedy Awards Funniest Male Performer in a Television Series Nominated
Funniest Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Dad Nominated
Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Cheers Won
People's Choice Awards Favorite Male TV Performer Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Won
Viewers for Quality Television Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series Nominated
1991 American Comedy Awards Funniest Male Performer in a Television Series Won
Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Won
People's Choice Awards Favorite Male TV Performer Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
Viewers for Quality Television Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series Nominated
1992 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated
People's Choice Awards Favorite Male TV Performer Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
1993 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated
People's Choice Awards Favorite Male TV Performer Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Won
1997 Satellite Awards Satellite Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film Gulliver's Travels Nominated
2000 Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Becker Nominated
2001 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated
2003 Satellite Awards Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film Living with the Dead Nominated
2005 Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film Our Fathers Nominated
2006 Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Help Me Help You Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie Knights of the South Bronx Nominated
2008 Golden Globe Awards Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Damages Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Nominated
2009 Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Nominated
2010 Nominated

References

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  4. Ted Danson Biography
  5. http://www.filmreference.com/film/68/Ted-Danson.html
  6. http://www.wargs.com/other/danson.html
  7. Danson stated in an interview with Craig Ferguson that he has Scottish ancestry; Video on YouTube
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  12. http://www.csifiles.com/content/2015/05/petersen-helgenberger-return-for-2-hour-csi-finale-danson-joins-csicyber/
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  16. Runkle Nathan. ""Cheers" to Ted Danson for Going Vegan", Mercy For Animals, 5 February 2012, Archive
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  18. Racial Jokes Spur Apology from Friars New York Times, October 10, 1993
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  21. Howard Stern "In Black Face" as Ted Danson & Da Woopi at YouTube
  22. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. Ted Danson: acting for the oceans – interview with actor and American Oceans Campaign co-founder Ted Danson | E: The Environmental Magazine | Find Articles at BNET.com[dead link]
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Further reading

External links

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