Ever wondered how much a Hollywood legend like Ted Danson has earned throughout his decades-long career?
From Cheers to CSI, he’s remained one of TV’s most bankable stars.
In this deep dive, PBC unpacks his finances, his biggest paydays, and how smart choices helped him build a legacy—both on screen and in his bank account.
Ted Danson Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Edward Bridge Danson III |
| Popular Name | Ted Danson |
| Birth Date | December 29, 1947 |
| Age | 77 years old (as of March 28, 2025) |
| Birthplace | San Diego, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | English and Scottish |
| Education | Kent School, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University (BFA Drama) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Mary Steenburgen (m. 1995), Casey Coates (m. 1977–1993), Randy Danson (m. 1970–1975) |
| Children | Kate Danson, Alexis Danson |
| Dating | Formerly Whoopi Goldberg |
| Siblings | Jan Haury (older sister) |
| Parents | Jess Danson, Edward Bridge Danson, Jr. |
| Height | 1.89 m |
| Net Worth | Estimated $80 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting (TV/Film), Real Estate, Endorsements |
What is the Net Worth Of Ted Danson in 2025?
As of 2025, Ted Danson’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. His fortune primarily stems from his long and steady television career. At his peak on Cheers, he earned $450,000 per episode—making him the highest-paid actor on TV at the time. That’s the equivalent of about $25 million per season today. His financial path puts him in good company alongside other iconic TV stars.
His fortune also reflects strategic investments, especially in real estate. While Danson’s peers have found different roads to success, his consistent earnings and career longevity keep him relevant in discussions around top-earning stars in Hollywood.
Related personalities and companies:
- Mary Steenburgen
- Casey Coates
- Whoopi Goldberg
- NBC
- CBS
- Kirsten Bell
- Glenn Close
- Paramount Television
- Celebrity Net Worth
- HBO
Explore more about how top celebrities earn their wealth.
Ted Danson Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How he became one of television’s highest-paid actors
He didn’t just play a bartender on Cheers—he became a legend. Ted Danson’s role as Sam Malone shot him into the top earnings bracket in the industry. During the final seasons of Cheers, he earned $450,000 per episode, leading to $12 million per season, which, adjusted for inflation, translates to around $25 million today. This made him the highest-paid actor on television at that time.
How much he earned from his most iconic TV roles
Post-Cheers, Danson didn’t slow down. From CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, where he earned $250,000 per episode, to Becker and The Good Place, his roles remained consistent in both visibility and payout.
Through his portrayal of D.B. Russell on CSI, Ted Danson acted in CSI across 86 episodes. That totals to around $21 million in earnings—a major contributor to his lasting financial profile. His appearances on The Good Place alongside Kristen Bell and Curb Your Enthusiasm further solidified his place in Hollywood’s financial elite.
In semantic relation, Ted Danson appeared in The Good Place, Ted Danson earned from CSI, and Ted Danson received Emmy Awards all tie directly into his television value.
What influenced his long-term financial success
Danson’s ability to jump between comedy and drama was key. He successfully avoided typecasting and found success across genres. This made him bankable beyond just Cheers. Roles on Damages, CSI, and Mr. Mayor proved he could thrive even in an evolving television landscape.
Additionally, he maintained working relationships with NBC, CBS, HBO, and FX, forming powerful bridges across the entertainment industry. His ability to pivot roles, maintain demand, and star in hit after hit underscores why Ted Danson has net worth of $80 million.
How his real estate choices reflect his financial strategy
He didn’t just earn—he invested wisely. Over the years, Ted and wife Mary Steenburgen acquired multiple homes, primarily in California. A property in Ojai, purchased for $4.5 million, was sold for $8.75 million, reflecting not only a solid ROI but a smart long-term wealth strategy.
In Santa Monica, the couple also bought two adjoining homes for $3.5 million and $5.2 million to create a private compound. From Nashville to Martha’s Vineyard, their holdings showcase real estate as a key pillar in Ted’s wealth portfolio.
How life events shaped his financial trajectory
Ted Danson’s personal life also made headlines—and at times, financial waves. His divorce from Casey Coates cost him $30 million, a major financial hit during the early ’90s. It was one of the most expensive celebrity divorces at the time.
His high-profile relationship with Whoopi Goldberg attracted tabloid attention, though it was short-lived. Since 1995, Danson has been married to Mary Steenburgen, and their shared financial ventures have added to his stable profile.
What other sources contributed to his financial profile
Danson’s work extends beyond acting. He famously became the “Aramis man” in fragrance commercials, adding endorsement income. He also published a book in 2011 titled Oceana, highlighting his environmental work. From The Onion Field to Saving Private Ryan, his film career—though not his primary income source—has been consistent.
Moreover, Ted Danson wrote Oceana, aligning his personal values with income-generating opportunities. His activism also sees him participating in climate-change protests and speaking engagements, contributing to his reputation—and to long-term financial stability.
Why his career longevity continues to sustain his earnings
Most recently, Danson continues to earn through roles in The Orville, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and A Man on the Inside on Netflix. He’s kept himself visible, relevant, and employed—Ted Danson appeared in A Man on the Inside, a fact that speaks to his adaptability.
He is reportedly the only actor to appear as a regular in 12 different television series, more than any actor in history. That’s not just staying power—it’s earning power. These roles, recurring or leading, maintain both his public image and his active income streams.
Conclusion
Whether you admire his work or just love celebrity finance, Ted Danson’s journey is worth following.
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