Who is Ted Danson’s Wife? Meet Mary Steenburgen

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen are one of Hollywood’s most admired couples. They have been together for more than three decades and continue to inspire fans with their love story. The two often appear together at red carpet events, including the 2025 SAG Awards, where they looked more in love than ever.

Who is Mary Steenburgen?

Mary Steenburgen was born in Newport, Arkansas, to Nell and Maurice Steenburgen. Her mother worked as a school board secretary, while her father was a freight train conductor. She discovered her passion for acting during high school and later moved to New York City in 1972 to pursue her dream.

Her breakthrough role came in the 1980 film Melvin and Howard, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Over the years, Steenburgen has built a diverse career, appearing in dramas like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and comedies such as Elf and 30 Rock. She is also a songwriter for Universal Music Publishing Group and has contributed to several film soundtracks.

How Did Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Meet?

The couple first met in 1983, when both were still married. Their paths crossed again in 1994 on the set of Pontiac Moon, after they had separated from their previous partners. Initially, both had sworn off relationships, but their bond grew slowly. A canoe trip with friends sealed their connection, and by the time they returned, they realized they were in love.

Their Hollywood Love Story

Since then, Danson and Steenburgen have worked together on several projects, including Gulliver’s Travels, Ink, and guest roles on each other’s TV shows. They even appeared as a fictional divorced couple in Curb Your Enthusiasm, which caused some confusion among fans who thought it was real.

The pair officially tied the knot in 1995 and have blended their families beautifully. Danson has two daughters, Kate and Alexis, from his previous marriage, while Steenburgen has a son, Charlie, and a daughter, Lilly, from her marriage to actor Malcolm McDowell.

A Lasting Marriage

Their secret to a lasting marriage seems to be laughter and mutual respect. Steenburgen once said, “He makes me a better person…. I would sign up for a hundred more lifetimes with him.” On their 25th anniversary, she shared a heartfelt message, calling Danson the “goofiest, wisest, kindest dreamboat in the world.”

With both continuing to act and even working together again on Danson’s Netflix series A Man on the Inside, their story shows that true love can thrive in Hollywood.