Ted Danson Net Worth

What Is Ted Danson’s Net Worth?

Ted Danson, born Edward Bridge Danson III on December 29, 1947, in San Diego, California, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $80 million. This impressive figure is primarily attributed to his successful acting career, spanning several decades and encompassing television, film, and stage productions. Danson’s journey began in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he was raised alongside his older sister, Jan. His father’s role as an archaeologist and director of the Museum of Northern Arizona from 1959 to 1975 undoubtedly influenced his upbringing. Ted attended the Kent School, a prep school in Connecticut, showcasing his athletic abilities as a star basketball player. He continued his education at Stanford University, where his interest in acting sparked, leading him to transfer to Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama in 1972.

Cheers and Subsequent Television Successes

Danson’s early career involved minor roles and commercials, including a stint as the “Aramis man” for Estee Lauder. However, his breakthrough came in 1982 with the iconic role of Sam Malone in the NBC sitcom “Cheers.” The show, initially struggling in ratings, eventually became a massive success, running for 11 seasons and concluding on May 30, 1993. The finale attracted 80 million viewers, solidifying its place as one of the most-watched finales in television history. For his portrayal of Sam Malone, Danson received eleven consecutive Emmy nominations and nine Golden Globe nominations, winning two of each award. His salary during the final seasons of “Cheers” reached $450,000 per episode, translating to approximately $12 million per season in seasons 9, 10, and 11. Adjusting for inflation, this equates to around $25 million per season in today’s money.

Following “Cheers,” Danson diversified his roles, demonstrating his acting range in various projects. He starred in “Something About Amelia,” earning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie. He also briefly appeared in the CBS show “Ink” and the miniseries “Gulliver’s Travels.” Danson’s career continued with the CBS sitcom “Becker,” which aired for six seasons from 1998 to 2004. Beginning in 2007, Danson played the role of Arthur Frobisher in the FX Network drama “Damages” for three seasons. Subsequently, he appeared in shows such as “Bored to Death,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “The Good Place.” From 2011 to 2015, while starring in “CSI,” Danson’s salary was $250,000 per episode, totaling approximately $21 million in per-season earnings across 86 episodes.

Film Career and Other Ventures Contributing to Ted Danson Net Worth

In addition to his television successes, Danson has also acted in films, including “The Onion Field” (1979), “Body Heat” (1981), “Creepshow” (1982), “Three Men and a Baby” (1987), and “Saving Private Ryan” (1998). More recently, he appeared in “The Open Road” (2009), “Big Miracle” (2012), “Ted” (2012), “The One I Love” (2014), and “Hearts Beat Loud” (2018). These film roles, along with his numerous television appearances, have contributed significantly to his overall wealth. Ted Danson Net Worth includes earnings from various television series, movies, and residuals over several decades.

Real Estate Holdings

Danson’s real estate portfolio adds to his considerable net worth. Together with his wife, actress Mary Steenburgen, he owns several properties around the country, primarily in the Los Angeles area. In June 2019, they sold a nine-acre property in Ojai, California, for $8.75 million, which they had purchased in 2005 for $4.5 million. They also own another home in Ojai, acquired in 2017 for $2.4 million. In 2014, they purchased a home in Santa Monica, California, for $3.5 million, and in January 2019, they bought the adjacent property for $5.2 million, creating a larger private compound. Additionally, they own a cottage in Nashville and a six-acre property on Martha’s Vineyard. These real estate holdings represent a substantial portion of Ted Danson Net Worth, reflecting sound investment decisions over the years.

Personal Life and Divorce Settlement

Danson’s personal life has also had a financial impact. His divorce from his second wife, Casey Coates, was reportedly one of the most expensive celebrity divorces of all time. As part of the divorce settlement, Danson paid Coates $2 million for every year they were together, totaling $30 million. Adjusting for inflation, this is equivalent to around $50 million today. This significant payout underscores the importance of understanding how personal events can influence an individual’s financial standing. Currently married to Mary Steenburgen since 1995, their combined assets and investments further contribute to their overall financial security.

Danson’s career is marked by both comedic and dramatic roles. He has seamlessly transitioned from playing the charming bartender Sam Malone to more complex characters like the demon-architect Michael in “The Good Place,” showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal. This adaptability has allowed him to remain relevant in the entertainment industry and continue earning substantial income. His consistent presence in popular television shows and movies has cemented his status as a highly sought-after actor and a significant contributor to Ted Danson Net Worth.

Beyond acting, Danson is also an environmentalist. He released his first book, “Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do To Save Them,” in March 2011. In October 2019, he and actress Jane Fonda were arrested at a climate-change protest in Washington, D.C. Although these activities do not directly contribute to his financial assets, they reflect his commitment to social causes, which can indirectly enhance his public image and overall brand.

Ted Danson Net Worth also benefits from his longevity in the industry. With a career spanning several decades, he has accumulated a diverse range of income streams, including salaries from various television shows, film royalties, residuals, and real estate investments. His ability to adapt to changing trends in the entertainment industry has allowed him to remain a relevant and sought-after actor, ensuring a steady flow of income and solidifying his financial stability.

Ted Danson’s Enduring Legacy

Ted Danson’s success is not only measured by his financial achievements but also by his lasting impact on television and film. His portrayal of Sam Malone in “Cheers” remains one of the most iconic characters in sitcom history, and his subsequent roles in shows like “Becker,” “CSI,” and “The Good Place” have further solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented actor. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama has allowed him to remain relevant in the entertainment industry and continue earning substantial income. Ted Danson Net Worth is a testament to his hard work, talent, and business acumen.