Ted Danson Discusses the Reality of On-Screen Romance

Ted Danson recently shed light on the less glamorous aspects of portraying romantic relationships on screen. He and his wife, Mary Steenburgen, joined forces for season 2 of “A Man on the Inside.” During their appearance on the “Today” show, they were asked if their long-term relationship—over three decades—made it easier or harder to act as lovers in front of the camera.

Danson shared, “I’m not into love scenes with strangers, actors, so it’s easy for me.” The show’s host humorously noted the comfort of sitting next to your spouse, but Danson countered that it’s not always straightforward.

“No, but it’s true. It feels a bit wrong to be guilty or awkward,” he explained. He expressed discomfort with intimate scenes, prompting Steenburgen to playfully tease him, saying, “Look, I’m not — I’m not, but anyway.”

In response, Danson jokingly covered his ears, wondering if she was going to elaborate further.

Despite the occasional awkwardness, he emphasized that their relationship actually makes the work easier. “I fully allow it because she knows I love her, and you just kind of fall in love with her on camera,” he added.

Steenburgen discussed the unique challenge they face, explaining, “It’s the other way around. Normally, you greet someone new and then act out a romantic scene.” In their case, they had to open up to one another anew for their roles.

They also shared some of their pre-shoot rituals, inspired by renowned acting teacher Sanford Meisner. “Usually, you’d just say ‘break a leg,’ but we both studied… Mary studied with Sandy Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse,” Danson noted.

Steenburgen explained how they invoke Meisner’s name just before shooting to stay connected, claiming it worked effectively. Danson chimed in, saying, “He’s grounding you.”

Reflecting on their relationship, Danson and Steenburgen first met in 1983 and tied the knot in 1995. They each have two children from previous relationships.

In a candid moment earlier this year, Steenburgen mentioned her early impression of Danson. She recalled thinking he resembled his character from “Cheers,” which led her to believe he was a bit of a ladies’ man. “I respected him as an actor, but I had this silly notion he was a smart guy,” she recounted.

However, she quickly recognized how mistaken she was. “Smart men don’t say ‘fuck you’ after making love. I want to apologize to my granddaughters,” she quipped.