Who Is Ted Danson's Wife? Get to Know Mary Steenburgen

Ted Danson and his third wife, Mary Steenburgen, have one of the most romantic love stories in all of Hollywood. Not only have the Cheers alum and the Step Brothers actress created a beautiful blended family of four kids, but the lovebirds have maintained their strong marriage for more than 25 years.

Ted and Mary first met on the set of 1994’s Pontiac Moon. As the Good Place actor recalled during an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, the pair established quite the bond during a five-hour canoe ride while filming the hit adventure drama.

“We paddled in sync,” Ted remembered while chatting with Closer in July 2018. “We went out as friends and by the time we came back, we were in love.”

It was practically love at first sight for Ted and Mary, but the Becker actor said he had many reservations when it came to dating. Because Ted endured two previous failed marriages with ex-wives Randy Danson (1970–1975) and Casey Coates (1977–1993), he insisted he was “done with relationships.”

However, that all changed when he crossed paths with the Back to the Future Part III actress, who was also previously married to her first husband, Malcolm McDowell, from 1980 to 1990. “Ironic how life works in those moments,” Ted gushed to Closer. “Once you throw up your arms and surrender, a lot of times things come your way.”

From that moment on, the Emmy Award winner and the brunette beauty solidified their status as a couple, and after less than one year together, they tied the knot in 1995. At the time of their nuptials, Ted became the doting stepfather of Mary’s two kids, Charlie McDowell and Lilly McDowell — whom she shares with ex-husband Malcolm. Ted is also the dad of his own children, Kate Danson and Alexis Danson, with ex-wife Casey.

It’s been more than two decades since Ted and Mary tied the knot, but the Hollywood couple is going stronger than ever nowadays. While chatting with Closer, the CSI: Las Vegas actor and the Book Club actress dished why they believe their bond is unbreakable.

“We’ve been through it all, and you just need to have a lot of faith in each other,” Mary explained. “By the time we met, we didn’t want any ties in our life, so we’re free and absolutely honest with each other. That helps a lot It’s amazing to have a partner who gets you.”

Keep scrolling to learn five fun facts about Mary!

Mary Works in Hollywood

Like her famous hubby, Mary is also extremely well-known in showbiz. Since making her film debut in 1978’s Goin South, Mary has appeared in more than 100 TV shows and movies. Her acting resume includes credits in Grace and Frankie, The Conners, Orange Is the New Black, 30 Rock, Step Brothers and much more, according to IMDb.

Mary is also a producer, having helped create Best Summer Ever, The Evening Journey, Bye Bye Benjamin, Ink and End of the Line. Per IMDb, she also lent her skills in the sound department in Valley Inn and Happiest Season.

Mary is an Award Winner

In addition to her countless acting credits, the Bless the Harts actress is an award winner. In 1981, Mary took home her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Melvin and Howard. Her portrayal of Lynda Dummar in Jonathan Demme’s 1980 film also earned her a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. She later won a SAG Award alongside the cast of The Help in 2012.

Mary is a Mom and Stepmom

The actress is praised for her many accomplishments in showbiz, but it’s important to point out that Mary is a loving mom and stepmom. She experienced motherhood for the first time when she welcomed her eldest child, Lilly, alongside her ex-husband, Malcolm, in January 1981. They later welcomed their son, Charlie, in 1983, before going their separate ways in 1990.

Mary is also the stepmother of Ted’s two kids, Kate and Alexis. The 3 Men and a Baby actor welcomed his eldest, Kate, with ex-wife Casey in December 1979, followed by their youngest, Alexis, in 1985.

Mary Gets a Little Jealous at Times

Considering Ted is one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, Mary knows her hubby has a big fan base. Still, she can’t help but get a little jealous when a fan is overly affectionate while greeting them in public.

“People think they know Ted from watching TV, so literally a woman has one drink and she comes up and just wants to sit on his lap!” she jokingly told Closer. “I want to punch their lights out!”

Mary and Ted Share a True Love Story

The adorable duo endured their fair share of ups and downs throughout the years like every other couple, but nothing will ever get in the way of Ted and Mary’s romance. “I’m ridiculously in love with him,” she sweetly marveled to Closer. “I find him endlessly fascinating. He surprises me all the time and most of all he makes me laugh.”

As for Ted, the Curb Your Enthusiasm actor still gets “nervous” around his wife of 25 years. “I want to impress her [because] I am the luckiest,” he dished. “When I die, I will have known in this life what it is to love as a human being and to be loved, and I am so grateful.”