Ted Danson, widely admired for his iconic roles, recently marked his 75th birthday. As he reflects on his life and achievements, he credits his wife, Mary Steenburgen, for being his anchor and guiding light. For Ted, Mary is not just a partner, but a “lifesaver,” whose love and influence brought joy and lasting positive change to his life. Their story is not just one of love, but of support, growth, and overcoming life’s challenges together.
From his unforgettable performances in shows like “Cheers” and “The Good Place,” and films such as “Three Men and a Baby,” Ted Danson has become a fixture in Hollywood. However, behind the scenes, it is his marriage to Mary Steenburgen that stands out as one of the most remarkable parts of his life. After more than 22 years together, their bond remains unshaken. Ted often speaks with deep gratitude about Mary, describing her as an exceptional person, and he considers himself fortunate to have her by his side.
A pivotal moment in Ted’s personal growth came in 1995 when Mary introduced him to transcendental meditation. For Ted, this practice was life-changing. As the pressures of life mounted with age, meditation offered him a way to find calm amidst the chaos. Now, it’s an essential part of his daily routine. Twice a day, Ted engages in silent meditation, focusing on a mantra, which helps him stay grounded and navigate life’s stresses.
Ted’s love for Mary only seems to grow stronger with time. In interviews, he has spoken candidly about how being with her has brought him immense peace. At one point, he said, “It feels like heaven on Earth. If I were to die, I can say, I know what it’s like to be loved and to love.” These words reflect not just their strong connection but also the profound impact their relationship has had on his overall happiness and sense of well-being.
Ted, who has arthritis, also credits meditation for helping manage the discomfort that comes with the condition. Though arthritis is incurable, Ted finds relief through his meditation practice, which allows him to cope with pain and stay mentally resilient. Beyond the physical benefits, meditation has deepened his sense of spiritual peace, giving him a greater appreciation for life’s most important moments—whether it’s spending time with his granddaughters or simply being present with Mary.
Their love story, though strong now, had humble beginnings. It all started in 1983 when they worked on the film “Cross Creek.” Ted had auditioned to play Mary’s on-screen husband, but fate intervened, and he didn’t get the role. Looking back, Ted is thankful he wasn’t cast, as he admits he wasn’t in the right place back then.
It wasn’t until 1993, during the filming of “Pontiac Moon,” that their paths truly aligned. Both recently divorced and content with being single, they bonded over friendship first. Mary initially found Ted complicated, but he was determined to show her his love. In a romantic gesture, he arranged a canoe trip and picnic in Mendocino, California. That trip marked the beginning of a love story that has endured for decades.
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen’s journey shows that love doesn’t always follow a straightforward path. Sometimes, it takes time to find the right person and the right moment. Their lasting relationship is a testament to the power of love, patience, and mutual support, reminding us that true love can stand the test of time.
