Ted Danson Opens Up About His True Self on Podcast
Ted Danson recently shared some surprising insights into his personality during an episode of his podcast, “where everyone knows your name.” The 78-year-old actor candidly admitted to guest Don Cheadle that he sometimes sees himself as a “shithole.”
Danson, who has built a reputation as a nice guy, expressed, “My go-to is to be nurturing, loving, and kind. I really am. But I have a bad personality. I may be mean, but I didn’t realize that until later in life, because I’ve been trained to be very sensitive.” This revelation came after his wife, actress Mary Steenburgen, challenged his self-perception, stating bluntly that he could be “as mean as a dog in a dumpster.” Danson found it hard to believe at first but later recognized her perspective as he reflected on their relationship.
He gained fame as Sam Malone on the iconic sitcom Cheers, earning two Emmy Awards and multiple Golden Globe Awards. Post-Cheers, he appeared in a variety of successful films and reached a new audience through The Good Place, portraying a demon who discovers his conscience. Currently, he stars in the Netflix series “Man on the Inside.”
Steenburgen has joined him in the second season of the series as his love interest. When she heard about the role, she couldn’t contain her excitement, expressing her feelings with a lot of enthusiasm. “I screamed a lot and jumped up and down…because I was so excited to be working with him,” she recalled.
Danson and Steenburgen both trained as actors and appreciate the quality of material they have to work with. They often share laughter and joy about their roles. Their journey began on the set of the movie Pontiac Moon in 1993, and they’ve become a beloved couple in Hollywood. They got married in Martha’s Vineyard in October 1995.
Reflecting on their relationship, Danson recounted a moment in February 2021 when he realized he wanted to propose to Steenburgen because he “can’t imagine not being with her all the time.” Steenburgen echoed these sentiments, saying, “Not to sound corny, but I would sign up for 100 more lives.” She praised Danson for making her a better person and highlighted his unique charm and humor.
In addition to their notable projects together like Pontiac Moon and Man on the Inside, the couple has also appeared alongside each other in works like Gulliver’s Travels and Curve Your Enthusiasm.
