30 Years Strong: Who Is Ted Danson Married To? Inside His 'Deliriously Romantic' Life With Oscar-Winning Wife Mary Steenburgen

For over three decades, the question of "who is Ted Danson married to" has had a singular, definitive answer: the multi-talented, Oscar-winning actress, singer, and songwriter Mary Steenburgen. In a Hollywood landscape where relationships often fizzle, the enduring romance between the Cheers and The Good Place star and his wife remains a genuine, 'deliriously romantic' success story, a fact Danson himself has reiterated as recently as 2024.

As of December 2025, the couple is celebrating 30 years of marriage, a remarkable milestone built on mutual admiration, a shared sense of humor, and a commitment to starting every day together—sometimes as early as 4:30 a.m. for a word game. Their love story is a compelling narrative of finding a second chance at happiness later in life, proving that some of the best Hollywood pairings happen off-screen.

Mary Steenburgen: A Complete Profile and Biography of Ted Danson's Wife

Mary Nell Steenburgen is an American actress, comedian, singer, and songwriter whose career spans over five decades, marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success. She is not just Ted Danson's wife; she is an entertainment powerhouse in her own right.

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• Full Name: Mary Nell Steenburgen
• Date of Birth: February 8, 1953
• Place of Birth: Newport, Arkansas, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Comedian, Singer, Songwriter
• Awards & Recognition: Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress for Melvin and Howard), Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award (Ensemble for The Help).
• Notable Films/TV: Melvin and Howard, Ragtime, Parenthood, Philadelphia, Elf, The Proposal, Book Club series, Orange Is the New Black, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.
• First Marriage: Malcolm McDowell (m. 1980; div. 1990)
• Children (with Malcolm McDowell): Lilly McDowell (b. 1981) and Charlie McDowell (b. 1983)
• Current Spouse: Ted Danson (m. 1995)
• Recent Projects: Book Club: The Next Chapter (2023), upcoming films Let's Have Kids! and Last Train to Fortune.

Steenburgen’s career is defined by her versatility, transitioning seamlessly from dramatic roles to beloved comedic performances. Her recent work, including the highly popular Book Club franchise, demonstrates her continued relevance and appeal in the industry.

The Unexpected Second Act: How Ted and Mary Met and Fell in Love

The relationship between Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen is a perfect example of a Hollywood romance that took its time. They first met in 1983, but their paths didn't truly intertwine until a decade later.

A Fateful Meeting on the Set of Pontiac Moon

Their true connection began in 1993 on the set of the film Pontiac Moon. At the time, both actors were navigating the aftermath of high-profile divorces. Danson had recently ended his second marriage to Casey Coates, and Steenburgen was divorced from actor Malcolm McDowell.

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Danson has often shared that he was in a state of personal turmoil when he met Steenburgen for the second time. She has been credited with helping him heal and find joy again. This shared experience of vulnerability and a fresh start formed the foundation of their deep bond.

They married two years later in 1995. The wedding was a star-studded event, and their commitment has only deepened over the ensuing decades, with Danson famously calling his wife "a gift from God."

The Secret to a 30-Year Marriage: Blended Family and Shared Rituals

Maintaining a happy, long-lasting marriage in the demanding world of show business is rare, but Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have cracked the code. Their secret lies in a combination of deep respect, shared interests, and a beautifully managed blended family life.

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A Beautifully Blended Family

Ted and Mary do not have any biological children together, but they preside over a large, loving blended family.

• Ted Danson's Daughters: Kate Danson and Alexis Danson (with ex-wife Casey Coates).
• Mary Steenburgen's Children: Lilly McDowell and Charlie McDowell (with ex-husband Malcolm McDowell).

Their children are all grown, and the couple now enjoys the role of grandparents to five grandchildren, a role they cherish and which adds another layer of richness to their family life. Charlie McDowell, Mary's son, is a successful director married to actress Lily Collins, further cementing the family's ties to Hollywood.

The Morning Ritual That Keeps Them Connected

In 2024, Danson revealed a charming and surprisingly early morning ritual that underscores their commitment to each other: they wake up at 4:30 a.m. to play word games. This daily, quiet time together, before the demands of their busy careers take over, is a testament to prioritizing their connection.

When asked about the secret to their long-lasting romance in 2024, Danson's simple, heartfelt answer was that the secret is simply being married to Mary Steenburgen. He described her as "one of the greatest human beings" he's ever known, crediting her for his own happiness and stability.

Mary Steenburgen's Hidden Talent: A Career in Music

While most people know Mary Steenburgen as a celebrated actress, many are unaware of her parallel career as a singer and songwriter. This creative outlet is a significant part of her identity.

Steenburgen began writing songs after undergoing a minor surgical procedure in 2007, which she says unlocked a new musical part of her brain. She has since signed with Universal Music and written hundreds of songs, some of which have been featured in her own films and TV shows, including the closing credits of Book Club: The Next Chapter. Her musical talent adds a unique dimension to her already impressive artistic profile.

The enduring marriage of Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen is an inspirational Hollywood anomaly. It is a partnership defined by professional respect, a vibrant blended family, and a love story that continues to evolve and deepen after 30 years. Their relationship serves as a powerful reminder that true connection can be found, and maintained, even under the brightest lights of fame.