Hollywood’s Enduring Love: The Romance of Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen

LOS ANGELES, CA — Actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have maintained a loving relationship for over three decades, showcasing their bond once again at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

The iconic couple, who met while working in the film industry, have consistently supported each other’s careers since their initial meeting while married to other people in the early 1980s. Their romance reignited in 1994, each having recently exited long-term marriages.

Steenburgen, originally from Newport, Arkansas, began her acting career in New York City in 1972. She gained critical acclaim with her breakout performance in 1980’s ‘Melvin and Howard,’ winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In a 2023 interview with Yahoo Entertainment, she recalled the pivotal moment with actor Jack Nicholson that launched her career, explaining, “It was pretty extraordinary. I had been in New York for about six-and-a-half years. I was a waitress.”

Following her early struggles, she found success alongside Nicholson and has since appeared in a range of projects from dramas like ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?’ to comedies such as ‘Elf‘ and ‘30 Rock.’

Danson and Steenburgen’s professional paths have intersected multiple times. They acted together in films including ‘Pontiac Moon’ and ‘Gulliver’s Travels,’ and they have both guest-starred on popular series like ‘The Good Place‘ and ‘Mr. Mayor.’

Danson and Steenburgen’s initial connection was a complicated one. “We both had sworn off relationships,” Steenburgen recalled jokingly in 2018, adding that they met again after having both faced challenges in their previous unions. “We met when we were 40 and 45, and we had lived a bit.”

The couple began their romantic journey shortly after reuniting for ‘Pontiac Moon.’ Danson described how a kayak trip solidified their feelings: “By the time we came back, I’d say both of us were in love.”

Steenburgen has openly praised Danson, recently stating, “Not to sound corny, but I would sign up for a hundred more lifetimes because he makes me a better person.” Their shared life includes blending families, as each of them has children from previous relationships.

Danon shares two daughters with his ex-wife, Casey Coates, while Steenburgen has a son and daughter with her former husband, Malcolm McDowell. “It is a remarkable, remarkable thing to blend a family and have it work the way it does work with our family,” Steenburgen remarked in a 2021 interview with People.

Reflective of their strong bond, Danson celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2020 with a heartfelt message, thanking Steenburgen for making him laugh every day of their union. “You are the goofiest, wisest, kindest, dreamboat in the world,” he wrote.

The couple continues to inspire others with their enduring love and partnership, showcasing a deep admiration that only strengthens with time.