Five Fast Facts About The Good Place Star Ted Danson

There’s no question about it, Ted Danson is one of the most successful television actors ever. While he’s best known for being on the hit comedy Cheers, he’s been on so many great shows, including his current NBC comedy, The Good Place, where he plays Michael.

From his early days to being the King of the Emmys, here are five fast facts you need to know about Ted Danson!

In the Beginning
Danson was born in San Diego, California, but he spent most of his life growing up in Flagstaff, Arizona. He was raised by his father Ned and his mother Jessica. He also has an older half-sister named Jan.

Basketball Star
Before Danson realized he truly wanted to pursue acting, he attended the Kent School, which was a prep school in Connecticut. He played basketball and was very good but ultimately decided to focus on acting.

Breakthrough Role
Though he did a lot of television in the late 70s and early 80s, Danson’s breakthrough role came from playing Sam Malone on the hit sitcom Cheers. He was on the show from 1982 until 1993.

Emmy Gold
Because he has done such great work over the years, it’s no surprise Danson has been nominated for a whopping 16 Emmys! He won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Cheers in 1990 and again in 1993.

Getting Personal
Danson was in a widely publicized relationship with The View host Whoopi Goldberg (the two worked on the film Made in America together) but soon after that fizzled out, he fell in love with actress Mary Steenburgen. The two have been married since 1995 and have two kids. He also has two kids from a previous marriage.