Ted Danson has been a major name on television ever since he burst onto the scene in the 1980s as Sam Malone in the beloved sitcom Cheers. Now 77, he’s remained a steady presence on the screen, with standout roles in Three Men and a Baby, The Good Place, and the NBC comedy Mr. Mayor. But while his professional life has been filled with success, his personal life has been far more complex – marked by three marriages and a highly publicized affair with Whoopi Goldberg. HELLO! takes a closer look at the star’s romantic journey and his marriage today
Who was Ted Danson's first wife?
Ted tied the knot for the first time at the age of 23 to actress Randall 'Randy' Gosch. The two met while undergraduate students and said 'I do' before they even graduated. However, as both of their acting careers took off, the couple lost their connection and their marriage fell apart. Sadly, after only four years together, Randy and Ted called it quits in 1975. Randall is best known for her roles in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Equalizer (1985) and The Scenic Route (1978).
What happened to Ted Danson's second wife Cassandra Coates?
© Getty ImagesTed married with his second wife, producer Cassandra 'Casey' Coates in 1977 and the two welcomed their first daughter together, Kate, two years later. However, complications during childbirth left Casey paralyzed on one side.
Ted spent several years caring for Casey and they later adopted another daughter together named Alexis, but the strain of the injury created a "huge rift" between the two. "We were adjusting to the fact that we weren't the same people we were before it happened," Ted explained to Closer in 2018.
In a 2009 interview with PRO MOTION, Alexis opened up about growing up with a famous father. "It’s not normal or natural to have attention on your family all the time, but I’m truly blessed with the most loving family," she shared.
What happened between Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg?
While still married to Cassandra, Ted was cast alongside The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 movie Made in America and the two began an affair. While the co-stars attempted to keep their relationship a secret, tabloids soon got wind of it and word got back to Casey who swiftly filed for divorce from The Cheers star. In the settlement, his ex-wife managed to walk away with $30 million, making it one of the most expensive celebrity divorces of the time.
© Getty ImagesNew couple Ted and Whoopi embraced the limelight and were often papped out and about together - but their relationship didn't last long, and after just 18 months of dating the two split.
Are Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg still friends?
© Getty ImagesSadly, it doesn't appear as if the pair have been able to stay friends. Commenting on their relationship and subsequent break-up, Whoopi told Closer in: "It was really painful, and it was very public. And the loss of his friendship hurts a great deal. We can never go and have a soda, anywhere," adding: "I'm friends with almost every man I've gone out with, except this man."
Who is Ted Danson's wife Mary Steenburgen?
Following his whirlwind romance with Whoopi, Ted quickly found love again - this time for good. On the set of his next major movie, Pontiac Moon, he met the actress Mary Steenburgen. After just over a year of dating, Ted popped the question and in 1995 the two were married, making the Mr Mayor actor stepfather to Mary's two children from her previous marriage to actor Malcolm McDowell.
© Getty ImagesTed opened up about his and Mary's 25-year marriage on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, revealing how they spent the milestone anniversary. He told host Ellen he and Mary's families, including her son Charlie McDowell who married the actress Lily Collins in 2021, all got tested for COVID before getting together for a "great little celebration". "I want as long as possible in my life with Mary," he also told People in 2021. "I know it will have all of its hard parts but I want to experience love in all those moments."
The feeling is clearly mutual as Mary gushed over her husband to the publication. "There's no hollow in my heart where I don't love him, or where I doubt this love," she said. "There's no secret place where I say we weren't a thousand percent supposed to spend our life together."
In March 2023, Mary's ex-husband Malcolm told People that he is very close to and supportive of the couple. "They're a wonderful couple," he said, while also gushing about how much he enjoys spending time with them at extended family events.
