Ted Danson

Member of Oceana's
Board of Directors

Ted Danson's versatility makes him one of the most accomplished actors in film, stage and television today.  From his feature film roles in “The Onion Field,” “Body Heat,” “Three Men and a Baby” and “Saving Private Ryan” to his starring roles in the television series "Cheers" and “Becker” and hilarious guest roles on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Ted Danson has captivated worldwide audiences with his equally sensational dramatic and comedic performances. 

Raised in Ponderosa Country outside Flagstaff, Ariz, Mr. Danson entered Stanford University and became interested in drama during his second year.  When he transferred to Carnegie Tech, he continued to focus on acting.  After graduation, he was hired as an understudy in Tom Stoppard's off-Broadway production, "The Real Inspector Hound." He relocated to Los Angeles in 1978 to manage the Actor's Institute for 18 months while he taught there.  Six months after his arrival, he earned the role of Officer Ian Campell in "The Onion Field." 

Mr. Danson founded the American Oceans Campaign (AOC) in 1987 to alert Americans to the life-threatening hazards created by oil spills, off-shore development, toxic wastes, sewage pollution and other ocean abuses. AOC merged with Oceana in 2001.  Mr. Danson was honored last year by Oceana when the organization renamed its Ocean Hero Award the “Ted Danson Ocean Hero Award.”