Did Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg’s Affair Really Cost Him $30 Million? The Untold Story of Hollywood’s Most Controversial Romance

How Did Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg Meet?

Have you ever wondered how one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples of the ’90s came to be? The story of Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg began not on a movie set, but on the couch of a late-night talk show.

The pair first crossed paths in 1988 as guests on The Arsenio Hall Show. While the initial meeting was brief, it planted a seed of friendship that would blossom into something far more intense years later.

It wasn’t until 1993, when they were cast as leads in the comedy “Made in America,” that their connection truly ignited. By then, both were at the pinnacle of their careers. Danson was the beloved star of the hit sitcom “Cheers,” and Goldberg was an Oscar-winning actress celebrated for her role in “Ghost.”

The Secret Romance That Shocked Hollywood

Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and it quickly spilled over into a real-life romance. However, there was a significant complication: Ted Danson was a married man.

Danson had been married to his second wife, producer Cassandra Coates, for 16 years. As he and Goldberg began a clandestine affair during the filming of their movie, they attempted to keep their relationship out of the public eye.

But in Hollywood, secrets rarely stay secret for long. The tabloids soon caught wind of the affair, and the news exploded, creating a media frenzy that shocked fans and the industry alike.

The $30 Million Price Tag: Danson’s Costly Divorce

The revelation of the affair was the final blow to Danson’s already strained marriage. When Cassandra Coates learned of her husband’s infidelity, she promptly filed for divorce.

The resulting settlement was one of the most expensive in Hollywood history at the time. Danson was ordered to pay Coates a staggering $30 million, a financial hit that made headlines around the world.

The personal cost was just as high. The divorce marked the end of a long-term partnership that had weathered significant challenges, including a stroke Coates suffered during childbirth years earlier.

The Friars Club Roast Controversy

As if the affair wasn’t controversial enough, the couple’s relationship took another infamous turn in October 1993. At a Friars Club roast held in Goldberg’s honor, Danson appeared on stage in blackface.

His monologue, filled with racial slurs and offensive jokes, left the star-studded audience in stunned silence. Many high-profile guests, including New York Mayor David Dinkins, were visibly appalled.

Goldberg defended Danson, stating that she had helped write the jokes and that it was a satirical bit between them. However, the public backlash was severe and added another layer of scandal to their already tumultuous relationship.

A Brief Romance That Burned Out Fast

Despite the intense media scrutiny and controversy, the relationship between Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg was surprisingly short-lived. Their whirlwind romance lasted for only about 18 months.

The pressures of public opinion, combined with reported disapproval from Danson’s parents, ultimately proved to be too much for the couple to handle. They announced their separation, and both moved on quickly.

Moving On: Where Are They Now?

A year after her breakup with Danson, Whoopi Goldberg married her third husband, Lyle Trachtenberg, though the marriage lasted only a year. She has since remained a prominent figure in entertainment, most notably as a co-host on “The View.”

Ted Danson found lasting love shortly after the split. In 1994, he met actress Mary Steenburgen on the set of the film “Pontiac Moon.” They married in 1995 and have been together ever since, becoming one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples.

Whoopi’s Regrets and Unresolved Friendship

Years later, Whoopi Goldberg would reflect on the relationship with a sense of pain and regret. She described the public nature of the breakup as incredibly difficult.

More than the romance, she mourned the loss of their friendship. “We can never go and have a soda, anywhere,” she once said, noting that Danson is the only ex-boyfriend with whom she is not on friendly terms.

Ted Danson’s Admission: “I Was a Liar”

For his part, Ted Danson has also looked back on that period of his life with remorse. In later interviews, he admitted to emotional immaturity and being “a bit of a liar” in his past relationships.

He acknowledged that he didn’t truly grow up until he was in his 40s, a time when he began to work on himself seriously. His reflections suggest a man who has come to terms with his past mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long were Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg together?

Their relationship lasted for approximately 18 months, from around 1992 to late 1993.

Did Ted Danson really pay $30 million in his divorce?

Yes, his divorce from Cassandra Coates resulted in a settlement reported to be $30 million, which was one of the largest of its time.

Are Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg friends today?

No. Whoopi Goldberg has stated publicly that they are not friends and do not speak.