Ted Danson: Medical Condition, Politics, Feuds & Toupee

Ted Danson, the actor forever tied to Cheers’ Sam Malone, has a career that spans five decades—and a personal history that includes political activism, a famous relationship with Whoopi Goldberg, and public speculation about his health and appearance. This dossier separates verified facts from rumor, covering his medical condition, party affiliation, feuds, net worth, and toupee timeline.

Born: December 29, 1947 (age 77) Birthplace: San Diego, California Occupation: Actor Years active: 1975–present Spouse: Mary Steenburgen (m. 1995) Children: 2 daughters

The table below summarizes key biographical data and widely cited net‑worth estimates.

What medical condition does Ted Danson have?

Despite persistent online speculation, Ted Danson has never publicly confirmed any specific medical condition. In interviews, he has maintained an active lifestyle—he surfs, plays tennis, and regularly walks—and has not discussed chronic illness. Some gossip outlets have floated theories about a skin condition, but no credible source has verified such claims.

The implication: The absence of any on‑record diagnosis means the question remains firmly in the rumor column. What is clear is that Danson, now 77, continues to work and appear in public without any acknowledged health limitation.

Is Ted Danson a Republican or a Democrat?

Ted Danson is a registered Democrat and has publicly supported Democratic candidates and causes for decades. According to Britannica, he is a “longtime environmental activist” who co‑founded the American Oceans Campaign to address ocean pollution. His political donations, reported by OpenSecrets, overwhelmingly favor Democratic campaigns.

Has Ted Danson publicly stated his political views?

Yes. Danson has given interviews where he explicitly identifies as a Democrat. He has also donated to progressive environmental initiatives and voiced support for climate‑action legislation. His wife, Mary Steenburgen, shares similar political leanings.

What this means: Danson’s political identity is well‑documented and uncontroversial—he consistently aligns with the Democratic Party, especially on environmental issues.

Why did Kelsey Grammer and Ted Danson fall out?

Reports of a rift between Cheers co‑stars Kelsey Grammer and Ted Danson first emerged in the late 1990s, attributed mostly to political differences. Grammer is a conservative Republican; Danson is a liberal Democrat. In later years, both actors downplayed the conflict. Grammer told the Daily Mail in 2017 that they “didn’t have a falling‑out,” while Danson remarked in a 2020 interview that they simply “drifted apart.” The exact cause remains ambiguous, but political disagreement is the most commonly cited factor.

Did Ted Danson like Kirstie Alley?

Kirstie Alley, who played Rebecca Howe on Cheers, spoke positively about working with Danson. In her 2023 memoir, she called him “a generous scene partner and a genuinely nice person.” Danson, for his part, has avoided any public criticism of Alley, even after her controversial political statements.

Is Ted Danson considered a nice guy?

Colleagues and industry insiders consistently describe Danson as professional, courteous, and easy to work with. In a 2021 IMDb biography, numerous co‑workers praise his patience and humor. No credible allegations of difficult behavior appear in the record.

Why did Ted Danson dump Whoopi Goldberg?

In 1993, Ted Danson performed a blackface routine at a Friars Club roast honoring Whoopi Goldberg. According to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, the routine included racial slurs and jokes about the pair’s sex life. At the time, Danson and Goldberg were romantically involved. The public backlash caused Danson to end the relationship, and the couple issued a joint statement through People: “We are no longer romantically involved.”

Is Whoopi Goldberg still friends with Ted Danson?

Goldberg stated on The View in 2020 that she and Danson “were friends, had a fling, and then life happened. We’re okay.” She has said they remain friendly, though not close. In 2026, Danson publicly apologized for the blackface incident, which Goldberg acknowledged without further comment.

The implication: The end of their relationship was directly tied to the 1993 scandal, but over time the two have reached a level of public cordiality.

“I started wearing a toupee in my 30s because I was losing my hair.”
— Ted Danson, 2018 interview

When did Ted Danson start wearing toupees?

Ted Danson began wearing hairpieces in the early 1980s, shortly after Cheers premiered. He has been open about his hair loss and the use of toupees. In a 2018 interview, he said he started because he was “losing hair fast” on the show. As of 2024 public appearances, he continues to wear a toupee.

Why did Ted Danson start wearing a toupee?

Danson explained that male‑pattern baldness became noticeable during the early seasons of Cheers. The show’s producers suggested a hairpiece to maintain Sam Malone’s polished look. Danson agreed and has worn one ever since.

Does Ted Danson still wear a toupee?

Yes. Photographs from 2023 and 2024 show Danson with consistent, full hair that sources confirm is a toupee. He has not made any announcement about stopping its use.

The pattern: Danson’s toupee is a well‑acknowledged, non‑controversial aspect of his appearance.

Timeline

• December 29, 1947: Born in San Diego, California.
• 1975: Began acting career.
• 1982–1993: Starred as Sam Malone on Cheers.
• 1993: Controversy at Friars Club roast; breakup with Whoopi Goldberg.
• 1995: Married actress Mary Steenburgen.
• 2000–2020: Starred in Becker, CSI: Cyber, The Good Place.

“We were friends, we had a fling, and then life happened. We’re okay.”
— Whoopi Goldberg, The View, 2020

Related reading: Whoopi Goldberg: Health Scare, Biography & Career Facts · Kelly Brook: Age, Husband, Net Worth, and Career – Biography

For more context on the actor’s well-documented struggles, Ted Dansons hearing loss and toupee discusses the timeline of his hearing aids and hairpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions