Once something becomes permanently altered, like turning black, there’s no going back.
But for Ted Danson, particularly when it comes to blackface, it seems he has to keep revisiting it endlessly.
Kimmel’s take on tradition was notably spirited. The comedian even went so far as to wear full makeup to impersonate NBA player Karl Malone in a “Man Show” sketch.
Now, more than three decades since he first wore minstrel makeup at Whoopi Goldberg’s Friar’s Club roast, Danson’s actions continue to be a topic of discussion.
“I want to apologize for the rest of my life,” Danson stated during a news briefing. In a recent episode of W. Kamau Bell’s podcast, he referred to his past antics as “arrogant and stupid.”
Unfortunate Gags
This controversial act took place in 1993 at a Hilton Hotel event in New York, where Goldberg was the guest of honor and Danson served as the roastmaster. Reports from that time indicated that Danson’s routine included racially charged jokes and references to his relationship with Goldberg, as well as comments about her mixed-race children.
While it’s difficult to label the performance a success, it certainly offended a significant number of people. New York City’s then-Mayor David Dinkins reportedly left the event prematurely, and TV personality Montel Williams openly criticized the performance.
At first, Danson didn’t address the backlash, but Goldberg came to his defense, suggesting that detractors simply misunderstood the sarcastic nature of the humor. She argued that her unconventional comedic style has always defied societal norms.
“We weren’t aiming for political correctness; we just wanted to be entertaining,” she remarked.
Goldberg also mentioned that she had a hand in writing material for the roast and guided Danson’s choice of makeup artist for the exaggerated appearance.
From “Cheers” to Controversy
“Poor Whoopi had to defend me for years,” the now 78-year-old Danson admitted. He mentioned to Bell that he realizes now that her support doesn’t lessen the seriousness of his actions.
“Intentions don’t matter. It’s the impact that truly counts,” he reflected.
Unlike today’s celebrity roasts, which are often filmed and aired for audiences, the 1993 roast was a private affair. Although photos from the event circulated widely, few video recordings exist.
A documentary released in 1999 featured audio clips from the roast, showcasing the audience’s laughter during Danson’s entrance.
Reflecting on Past Actions
Danson’s recent apology echoes a similar urgency felt in Hollywood in 2020, following the national reckoning with racism sparked by George Floyd’s death. Many networks sought to erase instances of blackface from their programs.
Shows impacted included well-known titles like “The Office,” “Community,” and “30 Rock,” which had several episodes featuring blackface.
Even late-night television hosts, such as Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, offered their apologies for past actions that didn’t hold up against modern sensibilities. Kimmel, in particular, embraced this tradition with enthusiasm. His impersonation of Oprah Winfrey required only face paint, whereas his portrayal of Karl Malone involved full makeup.
Shock jock Howard Stern also came under scrutiny for donning blackface while imitating Danson. He added an exaggerated accent during his performance. Although he hasn’t directly apologized, he expressed his revulsion toward the decision and claimed therapy has helped him grow.
