Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family

Discovering My Family Connection to Actor Ted Danson

Edward Bridge “Ted” Danson, born on December 29, 1947, in San Diego, California, is a world-renowned actor best known for his iconic role in the long-running sitcom Cheers. What many don’t know, however, is that Ted Danson is also my 11th cousin through my paternal lineage.

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A Shared Ancestor: Thomas Lord

Ted Danson and I are both descendants of Thomas Lord, our shared 10th great-grandfather. I descend from Dorothy Lord, while Ted's family line traces back to Ann Lord, Thomas' other daughter. Ted’s lineage to Thomas Lord comes through his maternal side.

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My First Encounter with Ted Danson – Cheers

Like many fans, I first came to know Ted Danson through his portrayal of Sam Malone in the hit sitcom Cheers, which aired for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. The show became a beloved staple in our household, and Ted's comedic timing and charm made him a standout star. He won two Primetime Emmy Awards (1990, 1993) and two Golden Globe Awards (1990, 1991) for his performance in the role.

To this day, the Cheers theme song and characters remain etched in my memory. Watching the show with my family became a tradition—little did we know, we were enjoying the work of a distant cousin.

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From Comedy to Drama – A Versatile Talent

Beyond Cheers, I remember seeing Ted in the classic 1987 comedy film Three Men and a Baby and its sequel, Three Men and a Little Lady. Initially, I only saw him as a comedic actor, until I discovered his dramatic side.

When Ted joined the cast of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as D.B. Russell, I was skeptical at first. However, he quickly became one of my favorite characters. Interestingly, CSI also featured Elizabeth Shue, another of my cousins, who played Julia “Jules” Finlay.

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A Memorable Guest Appearance – Laverne & Shirley

Another nostalgic moment for me was seeing Ted Danson guest star on Laverne & Shirley, where he played Laverne's firefighter boyfriend. It was one of the few episodes with a somber ending, as his character tragically died in the line of duty.

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A Hollywood Legacy

Ted Danson’s acting career began in 1975 as a contract player on the daytime soap opera Somerset. Since then, he has become one of the most recognizable and respected actors in Hollywood, with numerous roles in film, television, and voice acting.

He has been married to actress Mary Steenburgen since 1995, and he has two daughters from his previous marriage to Randall “Randy” Gosch. Their 1993 divorce was one of the most publicized and costly in Hollywood history, reportedly costing Danson $30 million.

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A Hidden Family Connection

It’s fascinating to reflect on how my own father, a devoted Cheers viewer, never knew he was watching a family member on screen. Discovering this ancestral connection has added a personal dimension to the many performances I’ve enjoyed over the years.