Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ted Danson
Discover the career path of Ted Danson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Ted Danson is an American actor renowned for his role as Sam Malone in the hit sitcom Cheers, earning him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. His career includes notable performances in Damages and The Good Place, both of which garnered Emmy nominations. Danson's contributions to television were further acknowledged with the 2025 Carol Burnett Award, solidifying his status as a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.
1975: Television Debut on Somerset
In 1975, Ted Danson began his television career as a contract player on the daytime soap opera Somerset, playing the role of Tom Conway.
1977: Role on The Doctors
In 1977, Ted Danson played Dr. Mitchell Pierson on the daytime soap opera The Doctors, having also appeared earlier in 1975 as another character, Dr. Chuck Weldon.
1978: Film Debut in The Onion Field
In 1978, Ted Danson made his film debut in the crime drama The Onion Field.
1982: Casting in Cheers
In 1982, Ted Danson was cast as Sam Malone in the NBC sitcom Cheers, a role that would bring him stardom.
1987: Breakout Film Role in Three Men and a Baby
In 1987, Ted Danson achieved a breakout film role in the comedy Three Men and a Baby.
1991: Hosting Challenge of the Seas
In 1991, Ted Danson hosted the A&E television series "Challenge of the Seas", filming 26 one-hour episodes.
May 20, 1993: Cheers Series Finale
On May 20, 1993, the series finale of Cheers aired, watched by 80 million people.
1998: Starring in Becker
From 1998 to 2004, Ted Danson starred in the CBS sitcom Becker.
2001: Merger of American Oceans Campaign with Oceana
In 2001, the American Oceans Campaign, co-founded by Ted Danson, merged with Oceana, where he became a board member.
2004: End of Becker
In 2004, the CBS sitcom Becker, starring Ted Danson, concluded its run.
2006: Starring in Help Me Help You and SAG Nomination
In 2006, Ted Danson starred in the ABC sitcom Help Me Help You and received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Knights of the South Bronx.
2007: Starring in Damages
In 2007, Ted Danson starred in the FX Network drama Damages as Arthur Frobisher, earning an Emmy nomination.
March 2011: Publication of Oceana Book
In March 2011, Ted Danson published his first book, Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do To Save Them, co-written with Michael D'Orso.
2011: Starring in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
From 2011 to 2015, Ted Danson starred in the CBS drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as D.B. Russell.
2011: Publication of Oceana
In 2011, Ted Danson published his book Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do to Save Them, co-written with Michael D'Orso.
2015: Starring in CSI: Cyber
In 2015 and 2016, Ted Danson starred in the CBS drama CSI: Cyber, a spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
2015: Appearance in Fargo
In 2015, Ted Danson appeared in the second season of the TV show Fargo, portraying Sheriff Hank Larsson.
2015: End of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
In 2015, Ted Danson left CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
2016: Starring in The Good Place
From 2016 to 2020, Ted Danson starred opposite Kristen Bell in the NBC sitcom The Good Place, earning numerous award nominations and wins.
October 25, 2019: Arrest at Climate Change Protest
On October 25, 2019, Ted Danson was arrested along with Jane Fonda at a climate-change protest in Washington, D.C.
2020: End of The Good Place
In 2020, Ted Danson finished his performance on the NBC sitcom The Good Place.
2021: Starring in Mr. Mayor
From 2021 to 2022, Ted Danson had the main role on the NBC sitcom Mr. Mayor, playing a wealthy businessman who runs for mayor of Los Angeles.
2022: End of Mr. Mayor
In 2022, Ted Danson finished his performance on the NBC sitcom Mr. Mayor.
June 2024: Donations to Democratic candidates
As of June 2024, Ted Danson has donated over $177,000 to Democratic candidates and PACs.
2024: Starring in A Man on the Inside
In 2024, Ted Danson started in the leading role of Charles in the Netflix comedy series, A Man on the Inside.
