Ted Danson Reflects on Past Blackface Incident
Ted Danson expressed this week that he feels “forever apologetic” for an instance where he wore blackface during a 1993 roast aimed at his ex-girlfriend Whoopi Goldberg.
In a conversation with W. Kamau Bell on a podcast, Danson stated, “I would like to address this and apologize forever.” He emphasized that he wants to continually apologize because he understands some might still be hurt by his actions. “Someone might go on the internet today and say, ‘Oh my god, I feel so betrayed. I feel so angry.’ And that’s what I did,” he said.
Danson previously called Goldberg one of the “most outrageously funny black women in the world” at the Friar’s Club, admitting he was afraid of how she might react.
During the podcast, he noted the tabloids at the time focused on interracial relationships, suggesting they often portrayed them as driven solely by physical attraction. Reflecting on his performance, Danson thought, “If I were black, I’d be able to say all these outrageous things,” and felt it would fit a certain narrative he was trying to address. However, he later realized that his approach ended up feeling “darker” and “angrier” than intended.
He acknowledged he underestimated the seriousness of using blackface, stating, “I thought I could get away with this… there’s no one whiter than me in the world.” It struck him as naive to believe a white man could adequately discuss race relations through such a lens.
Danson further recalled how he prepped for the roast, thinking he could emulate someone like Robin Williams and that it would be humorous. “That was so arrogant and stupid on my part,” he remarked, recognizing the problematic nature of his choices.
About 20% of the audience seemed to appreciate his performance, according to Danson, while around 30% did not. He recounted the incredible tension, saying he felt as though he had “stuck my finger in a light socket” when he realized the backlash.
Bell pointed out that the event was intended to be private, but it quickly made headlines. Danson revealed that the fallout affected his marriage to Mary Steenburgen, as well as his corporate sponsorships, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. “I’m forever sorry,” Danson stated earnestly.
Reflecting on his past intentions, he noted, “What matters is the impact you have on people.” Danson ultimately admitted, “I thought I could run with the big boys, and I couldn’t. I was stupid; this is not my place, I was wrong and I’m hurt.” Bell praised Danson’s honesty and willingness to confront such a sensitive issue, remarking on how significant it is for him to still engage with the topic even years later.
