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Ted Danson Reflects on His Upcoming 70th Birthday — “My Key Word These Days Is Gratitude”


Cheers star Ted Danson’s turning 70 in December! In the new issue of Closer Weekly, the actor opens up about his plans for the big birthday and how he continues to stay young at heart.

“Getting all my kids together — that’s what matters,” he told Closer at the Oceana and Walden Woods Project’s Rock Under the Stars with Don Henley and Friends event on Monday, July 17. “I really love my children.”

More than ever, spending time with family — Ted and his wife, Mary Steenburgen, have a blended brood of four — is a priority for the actor. “The older you get, the more gratitude comes into play,” he tells Closer. “My key word these days is ‘gratitude.’”

MORE: Mary Steenburgen Credits Husband Ted Danson for Helping Her Overcome Childhood Trauma

He’s also grateful for his long and successful career. “I love acting. I love being around creative people,” says Ted, who hit it big with Cheers in 1982 and has worked steadily ever since. (He’ll return to Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm in October.) “You have to love what you do,” adds the star, who remains equally as fulfilled at home.

“I’m madly in love with Mary,” Ted raves about his better half, whom he married in 1995. “She’s a remarkable human being and [being with her] feels like heaven on earth. If I were to die, I could say I know what it’s like to be loved and to love.”

MORE: Suzanne Somers Says 70 Is the New Sexy!

It’s a full and rewarding life they’ve built together, but Ted and Mary have a secret weapon to ensure they’re able to enjoy it all. “Naps,” Ted quips to Closer. “Major naps!”

For more on Ted, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive news!

Click through the gallery below to see the cast of Cheers then and now!