Ted Danson: Relationships, Health, and Cheers Conflicts

You probably know Ted Danson as the charming bartender Sam Malone on *Cheers*—but the man behind the barstool has lived a life full of unexpected turns, from public health battles to a controversial Hollywood romance. Here’s what’s fact, what’s fuzzy, and what’s still unfolding in the life of one of TV’s most enduring stars.

Born: December 29, 1947 ·
Age: 77 years (as of 2025) ·
Occupation: Actor ·
Spouse: Mary Steenburgen (m. 1995) ·
Children: 2 daughters ·
Famous Role: Sam Malone on Cheers

Below is a quick-reference snapshot of Ted Danson’s key details.

Did Whoopi Goldberg Date Ted Danson?

The short answer is yes—Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg had a romantic relationship in the early 1990s, and it was one of Hollywood’s most talked-about pairings at the time. The relationship began after Danson’s marriage to his second wife, Casey Coates (a producer), was already strained.Biographical accounts from Britannica confirm the timeline.

Did Ted Danson have a child with Whoopi Goldberg?

No. Multiple sources confirm that Danson and Goldberg did not have children together during their relationship.Wikipedia’s entry on Danson lists his two daughters from his first marriage only, and no credible reports suggest otherwise.

Why did Ted Danson leave his second wife?

Danson’s second marriage to Cassandra “Casey” Coates unraveled after his affair with Goldberg became public. According to biographical notes on Britannica, the marriage to Coates ended in divorce in 1993, the same year his affair with Goldberg was widely reported. Coates and Danson had no biological children together, though Coates was a stepmother to Danson’s daughters.

The implication: Danson’s romantic life has been a rollercoaster, marked by two divorces before finding lasting stability with Mary Steenburgen. His relationship with Goldberg, while brief, left a lasting public impression—and remains one of the most searched aspects of his personal history.

What Medical Condition Does Ted Danson Have?

Ted Danson has been remarkably open about his health—but the specifics are more nuanced than many assume. In a 2024 profile by Katie Couric Media, Danson revealed he was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis at age 25, a chronic autoimmune condition he has managed his entire adult life. The condition causes red, scaly patches on the skin, and Danson has discussed how it affected his confidence during his early acting career.

“I was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis at age 25.” – Ted Danson to Katie Couric Media

Beyond psoriasis, Danson has faced a “health scare” more recently. In a May 2026 interview with USA Today, he described having “a bit of a health scare” but assured fans he was “totally fine.” He and his wife Mary Steenburgen began meditating twice daily in response. The exact nature of the scare has not been publicly disclosed.

“A bit of a health scare” – Ted Danson to USA Today

Is Ted Danson sober in real life?

Yes. Ted Danson has been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction and has been sober since 2003. He has discussed his journey to sobriety in multiple interviews, including one with ABC News where he described the moment he realized he needed to change. Danson has not relapsed publicly and continues to speak about the importance of sobriety, though he has not named a specific program or sponsor.

Why Did Kelsey Grammer and Ted Danson Fall Out?

One of the most persistent behind-the-scenes stories from Cheers involves a reported falling out between Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer after the show ended in 1993. According to interviews and reports from the time, the rift was attributed to personal and professional differences—though neither actor has fully detailed the reasons in public.Wikipedia’s entry notes the tension without specifying the cause.

Over the years, both men have indicated that they have since reconciled. Danson has described Grammer as a talented actor, and Grammer has spoken with respect about their shared time on the show. In 2020, the two appeared together in a virtual Cheers reunion, suggesting any old wounds have healed.

“I have nothing but respect for our time on Cheers.” – Kelsey Grammer (as reported in interviews)

Why does Kelsey Grammer walk strangely?

This question often arises in relation to Grammer’s personal struggles, but it is not directly connected to the Danson feud. Grammer has publicly discussed his past alcohol and substance abuse, which may have contributed to health issues that affect his mobility. However, no medical source ties his gait directly to the Danson relationship.

The pattern: the Danson-Grammer rift is one of the most searched topics about Cheers, yet the factual record remains thin. What’s clear is that both men moved on professionally and personally—and the muddled story is itself a reminder that not every Hollywood feud lives up to the headlines.

Did Ted Danson Like Kirstie Alley?

By all public accounts, Ted Danson and Kirstie Alley enjoyed a warm, professional relationship on and off the set of Cheers. Alley joined the show in its sixth season (1987) as Rebecca Howe, the new manager of the bar, replacing Shelley Long’s character Diane Chambers.

Danson has spoken fondly of Alley in interviews, describing her as a talented comedienne and a friend. She reciprocated the sentiment until her death in 2022.Britannica’s biography notes that Alley’s addition revitalized the show and that the cast chemistry remained strong. There is no credible report of a romantic relationship between them; their connection was strictly professional and friendly.

What this means: while Danson’s relationship with Alley was uncomplicated, it stands in contrast to the tensions with Long and Grammer—highlighting that the Cheers cast was a mix of genuine friendships and lingering rivalries.

Who Didn’t Get Along on Cheers?

No sitcom with a run as long as Cheers (11 seasons, 275 episodes) emerges without some behind-the-scenes friction. The most notable tension involved Shelley Long, who played Diane Chambers. Long left the show in 1987 after five seasons, reportedly frustrated with the character’s direction and wanting to pursue film roles. There were rumored clashes with other cast members, though Long herself has downplayed the extent of the conflict.

The most documented feud is the Danson-Grammer tension described above. Additionally, some cast members have mentioned that the long hours and competitive atmosphere occasionally created friction—but overall, the Cheers cast is remembered for its professionalism and mutual respect.

The trade-off: the “Cheers tension” narrative sells clicks, but the factual record shows a working environment that was professional if not always harmonious. For a show that ran nearly 300 episodes, that’s a remarkably clean record.

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