Ted Danson Quotes

Powerful Ted Danson for Daily Growth

About Ted Danson

Theodore "Ted" Danson III (born December 29, 1947) is an American actor and environmental activist, best known for his role as Sam Malone in the hit television sitcom "Cheers," a part that earned him six Emmy Awards nominations and one win. Born in San Diego, California, Danson grew up in Springfield, Missouri. He attended Kent State University but dropped out before graduating to pursue an acting career. Early in his career, he appeared in several TV commercials, including a memorable spot for American Express. Danson's first significant role was as architect Joe Miller on the soap opera "Somerset" (1976-1977). However, it was his portrayal of Sam Malone, a womanizing baseball player-turned-Boston bar owner in "Cheers," that catapulted him to stardom. The show ran from 1982 to 1993 and became one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. Post-"Cheers," Danson continued his successful television career with roles in series like "Becker" and "The Good Wife." He also ventured into film, appearing in movies such as "Three Men and a Baby" (1987) and "Made for Each Other" (1999). In addition to his acting career, Danson is deeply involved in environmental activism. He served as the national spokesman for the Nature Conservancy from 1990 to 2012. In 2016, he and his wife, actress Mary Steenburgen, co-founded the charity, the American Oceans Campaign. Ted Danson's career spans four decades, earning him a place among the most respected and beloved actors in Hollywood. His roles, both comedic and dramatic, have entertained generations, while his activism continues to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved."

This quote by Ted Danson emphasizes the importance of experiencing life as a journey rather than a series of problems to be solved. Life, with its complexities and uncertainties, is not something to be analyzed and deciphered but rather lived fully for the richness it provides in experiences, relationships, and personal growth. By embracing this perspective, we can find joy and meaning in every moment, even when faced with challenges or uncertainty.

"I think that's the key to life - finding the balance between humor and gravitas, and being able to switch from one to the other as necessary."

This quote by Ted Danson suggests the importance of maintaining a balance between light-heartedness (humor) and seriousness (gravitas) in life. The ability to transition smoothly between these two contrasting states is seen as crucial for living a fulfilling life, as it allows one to adapt to different situations appropriately. This versatility helps foster resilience, empathy, and the capacity to connect with others on various levels, making for richer, more meaningful relationships and experiences.

"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time."

The quote by Ted Danson, "The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time," signifies that the essence of life lies in relishing each moment as it passes. It encourages us to find pleasure and contentment in our experiences and transitions, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Essentially, he's suggesting that living a fulfilling life is about making the most of every moment, enjoying the journey, and finding happiness along the way.

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." (George Bernard Shaw) - often attributed to Ted Danson due to his role in the television series 'Cheers'.

This quote, often linked to Ted Danson, highlights the importance of maintaining a youthful spirit and active lifestyle throughout one's life. It suggests that aging is not necessarily determined by chronological age but rather by our reluctance or failure to engage in playful, enjoyable activities. The message encourages us to remain active, curious, and engaged with the world as we grow older, as these qualities contribute to a more vibrant and fulfilling life experience.

"Comedy is a wonderful thing, but it's very hard to do. It takes a lot of courage and a willingness to look ridiculous."

This quote by Ted Danson highlights two key aspects of comedy: difficulty and vulnerability. Comedy is challenging because it demands creativity, timing, and the ability to find humor in unexpected situations. The "willingness to look ridiculous" emphasizes the courage and resilience required to embrace potential failure or embarrassment for the sake of a joke. Essentially, Danson acknowledges that comedy requires both artistic skill and personal risk-taking, making it a powerful and rewarding art form.

If you actively do something, it will stop making you feel like a victim and you'll start feeling like part of the solution, which is just a huge benefit to your body and your psyche.

- Ted Danson

Will, Making, Which, Psyche

I think there are probably a handful of real character actors in this business. The rest of us are recycling. So now I'm Sam Malone the editor. I'm Sam Malone the billionaire.

- Ted Danson

Rest, Think, Editor, Handful

Everything I am, everything I've been allowed to do, career-wise, has come out of the opportunity I had with 'Cheers'. I think it's one of the funniest shows ever. They are some of my best friends.

- Ted Danson

Some, Been, I Think, Funniest

'Cheers' was great. They paired me up with Shelley Long on this tiny bar set for the final audition. That was my first really big one, and we just clicked instantly - I still think I got the part because of Shelley.

- Ted Danson

Big, Part, Big One, Shelley

Years ago, we all talked about recycling and not dumping things down your drain and all of that, but talking doesn't help much. Basically, it's going to have to be legislation because the impact is so huge and diversified.

- Ted Danson

Talking, About, Your, Drain

Centuries-old habitats such as coral gardens are destroyed in an instant by bottom trawls, pulverized by weighted nets into barren plains. And global carbon dioxide emissions from human activity affect the ocean, changing the pH balance of the waters in a phenomenon known as ocean acidification.

- Ted Danson

Activity, Habitats, Gardens, Plains

To be successful, you have to be willing to be successful. You have to believe in the law of attraction - that you create your own life.

- Ted Danson

Law, Own, Willing, Attraction

Looking out at the ocean, it's easy to feel small - and to imagine all your troubles, suddenly insignificant, slipping away. Earth's seven oceans seem vast and impenetrable, but a closer look tells another story.

- Ted Danson

Small, Away, Insignificant, Oceans

The industrial way we fish for seafood is harming the marine habitats that all ocean life depends upon. Indiscriminate commercial fishing practices that include miles of driftnets, long lines with thousands of lethal hooks and bottom trawls are ruining ocean ecosystems by killing non-seafood species, including sea turtles and marine mammals.

- Ted Danson

Commercial, Habitats, Lethal, Practices

I try not to see Woody Harrelson because he has become this big movie star, and it grates, so I try and stay away from him.

- Ted Danson

Big, Movie, Away, Big Movie

My most annoying habit is complaining about my aches and pains. It's the new ones that I haven't identified yet that make me nervous. According to my wife, I complain way too much. I may be a borderline hypochondriac, or you could say I am fascinated by the body - at least by mine.

- Ted Danson

About, According, Least, Identified

We're not trying to reinvent the wheel; for any environmental organization to claim sole responsibility for any kind of victory is insane, because everybody attacks these problems as a group.

- Ted Danson

Reinvent, Everybody, Sole, Claim

I'm an actor, so I am always scared. You never know if you are on vacation or that you have been retired and they just didn't tell you.

- Ted Danson

Tell, Always, Been, Vacation

Many people continue to think of sharks as man-eating beasts. Sharks are enormously powerful and wild creatures, but you're more likely to be killed by your kitchen toaster than a shark!

- Ted Danson

Think, Shark, Likely, Kitchen

I think the struggle, whenever you make a film or television movie based on a real person's life, is finding a dramatic arc that will hold an audience's attention.

- Ted Danson

Think, Audience, Based, Arc

I was at our beautiful home in Martha's Vineyard, near Boston, sitting on the porch looking at the ocean when I got a phone called and was asked, 'Would I like to do 'CSI'?' A week later, I'm at a coroner's office in Las Vegas, participating in a quadruple autopsy.

- Ted Danson

Boston, Las Vegas, Martha, Beautiful Home

You should always carry string, according to my archaeologist father, because then you could at least make a trap to catch animals to survive. According to my grandmother, it was clean underwear.

- Ted Danson

Survive, Always, String, To Survive

I became interested in ocean issues in the 1980s when I couldn't take my daughters swimming because of pollution at our local beach. Twenty-five years later, I'm a board member of Oceana, the world's largest international organization dedicated to ocean conservation.

- Ted Danson

Pollution, Became, Largest, International

You have to work with the auto industry, the oil companies, you have to work to develop renewable fuel, whether it's solar or different kinds of fuel or whatever.

- Ted Danson

Work, Fuel, Auto, Auto Industry

I'm almost tempted, when I'm playing a real person, not to meet them. Afterwards, maybe. But, the job is the same. You still have to show up on screen and be alive and real and all that stuff.

- Ted Danson

Alive, Still, Afterwards, Tempted

I feel very strongly that you can't just beat people up anymore; you have to work hand in hand and find ways to compromise, and get big business involved, because it won't happen otherwise.

- Ted Danson

Big, Feel, Very, Big Business

My temperament is not the adventuresome sort that enjoys starting new projects every six months. I love ensemble, nine-to-five stability. There's a family dynamic in making a television show that you don't get on a movie, where you're a hired gun for a few months.

- Ted Danson

Love, Gun, Projects, Stability

I moved into this neighborhood, and I was walking on this beach with my kids, and we came across a sign that said, 'Water's polluted, no swimming.' And I didn't have any answers.

- Ted Danson

Answers, Sign, Moved, Neighborhood

I got my first television at Stanford when I was 20, and I used to watch 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'. He played my father on 'Becker,' and he's still one of my heroes. Along with John Cleese, he's my favourite physical comedian.

- Ted Danson

Father, Show, Dyke, Stanford

I think it's the actor's job - when you think of being typecast or getting out of the shadow of whatever you've had success in - it's up to you as an actor. The industry will always want to hire you for what you were successful in last and what made money. But you can say no to that and look for other parts.

- Ted Danson

Shadow, Other, I Think, Typecast

You reach a certain age, and you realize, 'Wow: there are younger people doing this better than I can, and don't leave me out - I don't want to be left behind. I want to do it, too. Where are you going? I want to be part of it.'

- Ted Danson

Doing, Reach, Behind, Wow

Cloning, wow. Who would have thought? There should be a list of people who can and cannot clone themselves.

- Ted Danson

Thought, Themselves, Would, Wow

One of the hardest things for me to do is watch myself. The first time I see it, I am obsessed with my left ear or my right ear or some other physical attribute, or the fact that I'm 60 or whatever shallow ego thought is running through my head. I'm just destroyed that I'm not Cary Grant or whatever.

- Ted Danson

Through, Some, Other, None

Most of us can now record a whole series with the click of a button. We all have DVD players, and the rise of the DVD box-set means we watch this stuff in two, three-hour sessions. So there is this real appetite out there for lengthy, pretty intricate drama. All that is great news for writers.

- Ted Danson

Two, Out, Whole, Intricate

My day goes from one embarrassing moment to the next.

- Ted Danson

Day, Next, Goes, Embarrassing

My joints hurt. I'm slower. But I remember what it was like to run and play with the boys. I want to be one of the boys.

- Ted Danson

Play, I Remember, Like, Slower

My lessons didn't come at my father's knee. Like all good lessons, they were learned from example.

- Ted Danson

Father, Like, Learned, Lessons

I've never been that guy who says, 'Ooh, I have to play King Lear'. First off, that'd be a disaster anyway. I tend to read something and see who's involved, and then know I want to be part of it. But I don't think I'm through with comedy. I still love to make people laugh.

- Ted Danson

Love, Play, Through, Disaster

We have a project with Unocal here in Los Angeles, where we as an environmental organization, the oil company, and the state all get together to promote the recycling of used motor oil.

- Ted Danson

Here, Motor, Angeles, Together

One of the ingredients that made Cheers work so well was the great ensemble of actors we had. That's the case with any good series.

- Ted Danson

Work, Ensemble, Made, Ingredients

You use and lose a lot of energy being grumpy.

- Ted Danson

Lose, Use, Lot, Energy

To do something funny, you have to have experienced it in real life and digested it in a way that amuses you.

- Ted Danson

Real, Real Life, Something, Experienced

I don't think it's a matter of, do you win the game or not, it's how gracefully do you play it.

- Ted Danson

Play, Think, How, Gracefully

I first saw the ocean as a kid. We would drive from Arizona in the summer and arrive as the sun was starting to come down over the hill near Laguna in southern California. We would always sing a song, and it was a big joyous family moment when we came over the hill.

- Ted Danson

Big, Arizona, Southern, Starting

Address these environmental issues and you will address every issue known to man. And we keep dabbling in things that aren't really that important in the long term.

- Ted Danson

Environmental, Will, Address, Long Term

I was three. My father in jest said that he'd tell the doctor to give me a shot if I didn't behave. Good heavens, I have a mental picture of the living room and the doctor approaching the door. I was terrified.

- Ted Danson

Father, Door, Tell, Jest

How much do you engage yourself in what's truly real and important in life? That's the individual question.

- Ted Danson

Question, Real, Individual, Engage

One person goes off and works in Houston the other person goes off to London and you're on the phone to each other and somebody is paying you to kiss somebody else. It's very bizarre being an actor.

- Ted Danson

Other, Very, Works, Houston

I tell you, the difference for me is between being victimized, terrorized, numbed by reading about different disasters, or reducing the anxiety by getting up and doing something about it, at whatever level.

- Ted Danson

Doing, Level, Disasters, Victimized

I used to have a little silent prayer: 'Dear God, let my ability to get work be the same as my celebrity.' That would be a hard burden: to be a household name and not be able to get work.

- Ted Danson

Work, Silent, Celebrity, Household

We are all in this together. We will all make it or none of us will make it. If everyone cleans up their act except one big ole country, it isn't going to work.

- Ted Danson

Big, Country, Will, Ole

When you have brothers, you learn to be fiercely competitive with someone you love so they won't kill you and you won't kill them.

- Ted Danson

Love, Someone, Brothers, Fiercely

Humor can bring people under the tent. And a good joke can deflect some of the intensity surrounding a serious subject.

- Ted Danson

Some, Tent, Surrounding, Joke

I'm at the right age to work with dead people, but you have to be smart to be a CSI.

- Ted Danson

Work, Dead, Right, CSI

I am so grateful that I accepted the offer to do 'CSI,' but it was like being shot out of a cannon, and it was so different from anything that I have ever done.

- Ted Danson

Grateful, Like, Cannon, CSI

My job playing Sam Malone was to let the audience in, to love my bar full of people. And that informed my life.

- Ted Danson

Love, My Life, Informed, To Love

We are so arrogant, we forget that we are not the reason for evolution, we are not the point of evolution. We are part of evolution. Unfortunately, we believe that we've been created to dominate the planet, to dominate nature. Ain't true.

- Ted Danson

Reason, Been, Arrogant, Unfortunately

We need to start looking at having a way of managing the whole ecosystem, because you can't pick away at it piece by piece, you have to truly start being coordinated and managing our resources as a system. We haven't gotten to that point yet.

- Ted Danson

Away, Ecosystem, Having, Managing

To grow up knowing you're loved is astounding. It's a huge gift to a child.

- Ted Danson

Gift, Grow, Knowing, Astounding

If you take one rivet out of an airplane, it will be all right, it'll keep flying. You take another rivet out of the airplane and it still flies. So what the heck, let's take more rivets out of the airplane, and sooner or later, the airplane drops from the sky.

- Ted Danson

Out, Flies, Another, Airplane

I eat less, stretch, and work out.

- Ted Danson

Work, Stretch, Eat, Work Out

When people are in the midst of really heavy stuff and still have a sense of humor, I admire that.

- Ted Danson

Sense Of Humor, Sense, Still, Heavy

Sharks are in real trouble, and they need all the help they can get.

- Ted Danson

Help, Need, Get, Trouble

The planet will survive. Whether we get to be here and enjoy it, or enjoy life as we've known it, is what's questionable.

- Ted Danson

Will, Survive, Here, Questionable

California is responsible for selling, trading and distributing large amounts of shark fins that come from all over the world.

- Ted Danson

Over, Trading, Large, Shark

The environmental movement, like all political processes, reacts best to disasters. But these are very slow, very gradual disasters in the making.

- Ted Danson

Processes, Gradual, Very, Disasters

Usually if you're the center of a show, part of your job is to host its energy.

- Ted Danson

Center, Show, Part, Host

I feel like I enjoy the company of Whoopi deeply, and my private life is my private life.

- Ted Danson

Feel, Like, Private, Private Life

I am a bit of a Pollyanna - I spend most of my day happy.

- Ted Danson

I Am, Most, Spend, Pollyanna

The pressure isn't on my brain, but on my mouth. I realized Sam Malone said very little, he spoke in little sentences. Which is much more comfortable for me for some reason.

- Ted Danson

Some, Very, Which, Mouth

I am forever grateful for 'Cheers.'

- Ted Danson

Grateful, I Am, Am, Cheers

I'm basically a know-it-all, and I'm writing a book about it. I want it to be called 'Danson on Water' and have me on the cover in this Christlike pose, standing on the water.

- Ted Danson

Book, Want, Pose, Standing

I don't think I'm as educated as Whoopi, so I'm lifting myself to her level. But you know, our view of the world, our view of what we can do, our sense of what it means to be here, are similar.

- Ted Danson

Think, Here, Means, Lifting

You have to be an optimist, right? You have to be critical, then you have to be an optimist. Or else you're really stupid.

- Ted Danson

Stupid, Critical, Else, Optimist

My reward in life for growing up a little bit was that Mary Steenburgen came into my life, and we have been together for 19 years.

- Ted Danson

My Life, Reward, Been, Mary

A friend is someone who will allow me to be a really bad friend and not hold it against me.

- Ted Danson

Bad, Will, Someone, Allow

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