Ted Danson and His Speedo Compromise
Ted Danson recently shared a funny story about a compromise he made for his wife, actress Mary Steenburgen. In a podcast episode, he discussed the topic of Speedos with fellow actor Adam Scott. Scott mentioned feeling embarrassed about wearing his Speedo during high school, whereas Danson expressed pride in his own.
The 78-year-old actor revealed that he wore Speedos for about a decade before meeting Steenburgen. He recounted a moment when, during a family vacation, Mary looked at him and simply said, “No.” The kids joined in, thanking her for stopping him from wearing it. It seems he wasn’t quite as confident in that moment.
Danson, who starred in “Cheers,” eventually acknowledged that Mary’s decision was actually the right one, with Scott even praising her wisdom.
The couple first met on the set of “Pontiac Moon” in 1993 and quickly became a beloved Hollywood pair, tying the knot in October 1995 on Martha’s Vineyard.
Danson also shared that Steenburgen has helped him realize aspects of himself he wasn’t fully aware of. He recalled a time when she told him he could be “mean as a dog in a dumpster.” It was a shocking comment for him, but he found it humorous and, ultimately, enlightening. He recognized that, like everyone else, he had his flaws.
Over the years, they’ve collaborated on various projects, including the Netflix show “Man on the Inside,” where Steenburgen played Danson’s love interest. Danson mentioned feeling responsible for ensuring Mary enjoyed her time on set. He even described moments during filming when they found their love rekindled, noting, “It’s magical. We’re in love.” He loved looking into her eyes on camera, feeling connected in both their personal and professional lives.
In interviews, Danson has noted that working with his wife makes it easier to film more intimate scenes due to the guilt and awkwardness he feels with others. It’s clear that their relationship not only flourishes off the screen but also informs their work together, allowing them to share an authentic connection in front of audiences.
