Home Luxe Star Buzz Core 3

The $30 Million Scandal: 5 Shocking Facts About Ted Danson And Whoopi Goldberg's Controversial '90s Affair

• minute read
Contents

The relationship between Hollywood legends Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg remains one of the most explosive and controversial celebrity affairs of the 1990s, a story that continues to generate headlines and discussion even today, in late 2025. What began as an on-set romance while filming the 1993 comedy Made in America quickly spiraled into a media frenzy, resulting in a staggering divorce settlement and an infamous public scandal that nearly derailed Danson’s career. Their short-lived but intense connection is a powerful case study in how public scrutiny and deep-seated controversy can quickly end a high-profile romance.

The core of the fascination lies not just in the affair itself, but in the dramatic fallout, particularly the notorious Friars Club roast incident. Though their romance lasted less than 18 months, the events surrounding it—including a reported $30 million divorce settlement for Danson—cemented its place in Hollywood lore. This deep dive explores the full timeline, the shocking controversy, and where both stars are now, decades after the dust settled.

Detailed Profiles: Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg

To fully understand the magnitude of their controversial relationship, it is essential to first look at the stellar careers and personal lives of both actors at the time they met. They were two of the biggest names in television and film, which only amplified the public interest and subsequent scandal.

Ted Danson Biography & Key Entities

  • Full Name: Edward Bridge Danson III
  • Born: December 29, 1947 (San Diego, California)
  • Current Status: Married to actress Mary Steenburgen since 1995.
  • Key Entities/Projects: Cheers (as Sam Malone), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Fargo, The Good Place (as Michael), Three Men and a Baby.
  • Relationship Timeline: Married to Casey Coates (1977–1993); dated Whoopi Goldberg (1992–1993); married to Mary Steenburgen (1995–Present).
  • Recent News (2025): Danson continues his prolific TV career and is often celebrated alongside his wife, Mary Steenburgen, for their enduring Hollywood marriage and environmental activism.

Whoopi Goldberg Biography & Key Entities

  • Full Name: Caryn Elaine Johnson
  • Born: November 13, 1955 (New York City, New York)
  • Current Status: Single, having stated she prefers to remain unmarried.
  • Key Entities/Projects: EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), The View (Moderator), The Color Purple, Ghost (Oscar win), Sister Act.
  • Relationship Timeline: Married three times (Alvin Martin, David Claessen, Lyle Trachtenberg); dated Ted Danson (1992–1993); also dated Frank Langella.
  • Recent News (2025): Goldberg remains the highly visible moderator of the daytime talk show The View and is consistently involved in new acting and producing projects, including work in Italy recently.

The Relationship Timeline: From Co-Stars to Controversy

The spark between Danson and Goldberg ignited on the set of the 1993 comedy film Made in America, where they played the lead roles. At the time, Danson was still married to his second wife, Casey Coates, and the affair quickly became a major tabloid story. Their on-screen chemistry, which was palpable in the film, spilled over into a real-life romance that captivated the public, largely due to its scandalous nature and the fact that Danson was leaving a long-term marriage.

The relationship was intense but short-lived, lasting only about 18 months. The media frenzy and public scrutiny placed immense pressure on the couple, which ultimately contributed to their split. However, the most lasting and damaging aspect of their time together was a single, highly controversial public appearance that remains a dark mark on Hollywood history.

The $30 Million Divorce and Financial Fallout

When Ted Danson and his wife Casey Coates divorced in 1993, the financial cost was immense. Danson’s split from Coates, his wife of 16 years, resulted in one of the most expensive celebrity divorce settlements of its time, reportedly costing him approximately $30 million. This staggering figure is often cited as the direct financial consequence of his affair with Whoopi Goldberg, highlighting the extreme personal and professional risks involved in their high-profile romance.

The Infamous 1993 Friars Club Roast Incident

The defining moment of the Danson-Goldberg affair, and the event that truly catapulted it into a national scandal, was the Friars Club roast of Whoopi Goldberg in October 1993. The Friars Club, a private New York comedy institution, is known for its raunchy and boundary-pushing roasts, but Danson’s appearance crossed a line that shocked the audience and the nation.

Danson’s Blackface and Racial Slurs

As Goldberg's then-boyfriend, Ted Danson was a featured roaster. He took the stage wearing blackface makeup, large white gloves, and a full afro wig. His 7-minute routine was filled with racially charged jokes, including repeated use of the N-word, which he claimed Goldberg had helped him write. The audience reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly negative, with many attendees walking out in disgust, including high-profile figures like Montel Williams.

Whoopi Goldberg, however, immediately came to Danson’s defense. She took the stage after his performance, explaining that the controversial material was satire and that she had been a collaborator in the routine. She insisted that the routine was intended as a parody of their own highly scrutinized interracial relationship and the racial stereotypes they faced. Despite her defense, the damage to Danson’s public image was severe, and the event remains a notorious example of a celebrity misstep.

Life After the Scandal: Where Are They Now?

Decades later, both Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg have successfully navigated the fallout from the 1993 scandal, solidifying their status as enduring Hollywood icons. Their ability to recover from such a public and controversial event speaks volumes about their talent and resilience.

Ted Danson’s Enduring Marriage to Mary Steenburgen

Just two years after his highly publicized split from Goldberg, Ted Danson met actress Mary Steenburgen. They connected on the set of the film Pontiac Moon and married in October 1995. Their marriage has become a Hollywood success story, lasting over 30 years and counting. Steenburgen is often credited with bringing stability and happiness back into Danson’s life after the tumultuous period of his affair and divorce. The couple frequently collaborates and speaks warmly about their strong, supportive partnership, providing a complete contrast to the drama of the early 90s.

Whoopi Goldberg’s Continued Reign on The View

Whoopi Goldberg, an EGOT winner, continued her remarkable career trajectory. She became the long-running moderator of the popular daytime talk show The View, a role she has held since 2007. Her presence on the show keeps her in the public eye daily, where she is known for her outspoken opinions and ability to moderate complex discussions. Unlike Danson, Goldberg has chosen to remain single since her last marriage, stating that she finds happiness and fulfillment outside of a traditional marital relationship. Her continued success underscores her ability to survive controversy and maintain a powerful, influential voice in entertainment and media.

The story of Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg’s affair is a powerful reminder of the intense scrutiny celebrity relationships face. While the romance was brief and ended under scandalous circumstances, both stars managed to move past the controversy to achieve even greater, more stable career and personal success in the decades that followed.

ted danson whoopi goldberg
ted danson whoopi goldberg

Detail Author:

  • Name : Mrs. Kayla Grady
  • Username : shayna.keebler
  • Email : vivianne19@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 2001-01-01
  • Address : 841 McLaughlin Trail Apt. 561 Jazminfurt, CT 99363-8204
  • Phone : +1-832-782-4226
  • Company : Cummerata LLC
  • Job : Sociologist
  • Bio : Et ratione odio veritatis aut iure provident. Aut incidunt exercitationem unde omnis in soluta. Sequi reprehenderit sunt aliquid doloribus assumenda voluptatum sapiente.

Socials

linkedin:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/creichert
  • username : creichert
  • bio : Qui aliquam sit explicabo minus. Et temporibus pariatur porro itaque. Et non dolorem error aut.
  • followers : 6654
  • following : 2033

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/claud_id
  • username : claud_id
  • bio : Quod occaecati quo qui debitis. Doloribus culpa aperiam error harum sed et. Vel et dolorem voluptatem perspiciatis.
  • followers : 6497
  • following : 707

tiktok:

Random Posts