# Ted Danson

> American actor (born 1947)

**Wikidata**: [Q381203](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q381203)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Danson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ted-danson

## Summary
Ted Danson is an American actor, television producer, and film actor born on December 29, 1947. He is best known for his role as Sam Malone in the sitcom *Cheers*, which became a cultural touchstone, and for his continued prominence in television and film.

## Biography
- Born: December 29, 1947
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, and other institutions including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Known for: Starring in *Cheers*, *Becker*, and *The Good Wife*
- Employer(s): NBC (for *Cheers*), CBS (for *Becker*), and various production companies
- Field(s): Acting, Television Production, Film Production

## Contributions
Ted Danson has made significant contributions to television and film through a long and varied career. His portrayal of Sam Malone in *Cheers* (1982–1993) established him as a household name and a defining figure in American sitcoms. He later starred in *Becker* (1998–2004), a medical drama where he played the titular character, Dr. John Becker. Danson also gained critical acclaim for his role in *The Good Wife* (2009–2016), where he played the morally ambiguous attorney Owen Sacks. As a producer, he has worked on several projects, including *Frasier* and *Cybill*, both of which were produced under his involvement with production companies such as Carsey-Werner and others. His work has earned him multiple awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for *Cheers*.

## FAQs
**What are Ted Danson's most famous roles?**  
Ted Danson is most famously known for his role as Sam Malone in *Cheers*, which ran from 1982 to 1993. He also gained widespread recognition for his roles in *Becker* and *The Good Wife*, where he played key characters in long-running, critically acclaimed series.

**Where has Ted Danson worked?**  
Danson has worked extensively in television and film, primarily with major networks like NBC and CBS. He has also been involved in production through various projects, including *Frasier*, *Cybill*, and *The Good Wife*. His work spans acting, producing, and voice acting across multiple genres.

**What awards has Ted Danson won?**  
Ted Danson has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in *Cheers*. He also holds a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has received honorary recognition from Carnegie Mellon University.

**What is Ted Danson's educational background?**  
Ted Danson was educated at several institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and Stanford University. His academic background includes studies in the arts and performance, which laid the foundation for his career in acting and production.

## Why They Matter
Ted Danson's influence on American television is profound. His portrayal of Sam Malone in *Cheers* helped define the modern sitcom and contributed to the show's cultural legacy. Danson’s work has influenced a generation of actors and producers, setting standards for character development and comedic timing. His continued relevance in both drama and comedy, along with his behind-the-scenes contributions as a producer, underscores his multifaceted impact on the industry.

## Notable For
- Starring as Sam Malone in *Cheers*, one of the most iconic sitcoms in television history
- Emmy Award-winning performances in *Cheers* and *The Good Wife*
- Producer of successful TV shows like *Frasier* and *Cybill*
- Recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Longtime advocate for environmental and social causes, including ocean conservation
- Alumni of Carnegie Mellon University and Stanford University
- Recipient of honorary doctorate from Carnegie Mellon University

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Ted Danson was born Edward Bridge Danson III on December 29, 1947, in the United States. He pursued higher education at several institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied theater and performance, and Stanford University, which provided a foundation in the arts. His early academic and extracurricular experiences shaped his approach to acting and production, laying the groundwork for a career that would span decades.

### Career Beginnings
Ted Danson's professional journey began in the mid-1970s, shortly after his studies. He initially worked in theater and small television roles before landing his breakthrough role as Sam Malone in *Cheers*. The show, which aired from 1982 to 1993, became a cultural phenomenon, and Danson's performance was central to its success. His portrayal of the charming, witty bartender made him a household name and earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

### Major Roles and Television Contributions
Following *Cheers*, Danson continued to build a diverse portfolio. He starred as Dr. John Becker in the CBS series *Becker* (1998–2004), where he played a gruff but compassionate doctor. His performance in *The Good Wife* (2009–2016) as the ethically complex Owen Sacks further demonstrated his range, earning him critical acclaim and solidifying his status as a versatile performer.

### Production and Behind-the-Scenes Work
In addition to acting, Ted Danson has worked as a producer on several projects, including *Frasier* and *Cybill*. His production work has often focused on character-driven narratives that blend drama and comedy. He has also been involved in various environmental and social causes, using his platform to advocate for ocean conservation and climate awareness.

### Awards and Recognition
Ted Danson has received numerous accolades throughout his career. His two Primetime Emmy Awards for *Cheers* are among the most notable, along with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has also been honored with an honorary doctorate from Carnegie Mellon University, recognizing his contributions to the arts and education.

### Legacy and Influence
Ted Danson's impact on American entertainment is significant. His roles in *Cheers*, *Becker*, and *The Good Wife* have influenced television storytelling and character development. As both an actor and producer, he has helped shape the careers of emerging talent and contributed to the evolution of modern TV drama and comedy. His work continues to inspire new generations of performers and creators, reinforcing his role as a cornerstone of American television.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Genealogics
4. [Source](https://www.cmu.edu/commencement/keynote-and-honorees/2018/ted-danson.html)
5. Eldoblaje.com
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. CiNii Research
8. SNAC
9. Internet Broadway Database
10. Discogs
11. GeneaStar
12. Roglo
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Integrated Authority File
15. BBC Things
16. Google Knowledge Graph
17. The Movie Database
18. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
19. [Ted Danson Podcast Credits & Appearances | Podchaser](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/ted-danson-107ZzpwW72)
20. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/ted-danson-107ZzpwW72/appearances)