Emmy-Winning Actor Ted Danson's Biography
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Ted Danson, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning American actor, is best known for his iconic portrayal of Sam Malone on the beloved sitcom "Cheers" and has since starred in numerous acclaimed television series and films while also being a passionate environmental activist.
Danson's Early Life and Education
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Ted Danson was born on December 29, 1947, in San Diego, California, to Edward Bridge Danson Jr., an archaeologist and museum director, and Jessica MacMaster
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. He grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, where his father worked as an anthropology professor and museum director4
. Danson attended the Kent School in Connecticut, where he excelled as a basketball player1
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. He initially enrolled at Stanford University, where he developed an interest in drama during his sophomore year2
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. Seeking a more robust acting program, he transferred to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama in 19721
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Ted Danson's First Television Roles
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Ted Danson began his television career in the mid-1970s as a contract player on daytime soap operas. He played Tom Conway on "Somerset" from 1975 to 1976 and had roles as Dr. Mitchell Pierson and Dr. Chuck Weldon on "The Doctors" in 1975 and 1977
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. During this period, Danson also appeared in numerous commercials, most notably as the "Aramis man"1
. His early guest appearances in the late 1970s and early 1980s included roles on popular shows such as "Laverne & Shirley," "Taxi," "Magnum, P.I.," and "Tucker's Witch"1
. These early television roles helped establish Danson's presence in the industry and paved the way for his breakout role as Sam Malone on "Cheers" in 1982.5 sources
How Ted Danson Became a Star: Playing Sam Malone on 'Cheers'
Ted Danson's breakthrough role came with his portrayal of Sam Malone on the NBC sitcom "Cheers" from 1982 to 1993. Sam Malone, a former relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox turned bartender and owner of the bar Cheers, is a charming womanizer whose on-again, off-again relationship with Diane Chambers, played by Shelley Long, became a central plotline of the show
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. Danson's performance earned him critical acclaim, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards3
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. The character of Sam Malone was originally conceived as a former football player, but the role was reimagined to fit Danson's physique and persona2
. "Cheers" became a cultural phenomenon, running for 11 seasons and becoming one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history, with Danson's portrayal of Sam Malone being a significant factor in its success2
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