When Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg became an item in the early 1990s, the entertainment world couldn’t stop talking about it. Two A-listers from very different comedic and acting styles, they seemed like an unlikely pair. But then again, Hollywood has a way of bringing together stars in the most unexpected ways. Their relationship wasn’t just a fleeting fling—it was passionate, public, and ultimately scandalous enough to shake up both of their careers. So, what exactly happened between Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg? And why does their story still come up decades later?

For those curious about the personal lives of their favorite stars, especially when those lives involve drama, scandal, or unexpected twists, this is a story you won’t want to miss. Their romance wasn’t just a tabloid headline—it had real consequences, including a messy breakup, a costly divorce, and a controversial public moment that still gets talked about today. Whether you’re a longtime fan of either actor or just love a good Hollywood tale, there’s a lot to unpack here.

From their on-screen chemistry in *Made in America* to the infamous Friars Club roast that almost ruined Ted Danson’s career, the saga of Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg is full of surprises, missteps, and unforgettable moments. Let’s dive into the details and explore how this couple went from red carpets to tabloid headlines in just a few short years.

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Table of Contents

• Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg: A Brief Biography
• How They Got Together
• The 1993 Friars Club Roast: A Career Misstep
• The End of Their Relationship
• Frequently Asked Questions

Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg: A Brief Biography

Before diving into their relationship, it helps to understand who Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg are as individuals. Both have long careers in show business and have left a lasting mark on television and film.

These two are more than just actors—they’re icons. Danson became a household name thanks to his role as Sam Malone in *Cheers*, while Goldberg made history with her Oscar-winning role in *The Color Purple*. Together, they were a powerhouse duo in the early ’90s, both in love and in the public eye.

How They Got Together

So, how did these two end up together? Well, it all started on the set of *Made in America*, a comedy released in 1993. The film gave them a chance to work together, and sparks flew almost immediately. At the time, Danson was still married to Blythe Danner, which made things a bit complicated. But let’s be honest—Hollywood loves a good love triangle.

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They began a relationship that was both passionate and public. People were talking, the tabloids were buzzing, and fans were either rooting for them or watching the drama unfold. Their chemistry was undeniable, both on and off screen. But as with many relationships in the spotlight, things didn’t last forever.

By 1993, Danson and Goldberg had become one of the most talked-about couples in Hollywood. They attended events together, made appearances on talk shows, and even joked about their relationship in interviews. But just as quickly as it began, the relationship started to fall apart—partly due to the pressures of fame, and partly due to some very public missteps on Danson’s part.

The 1993 Friars Club Roast: A Career Misstep

One of the most controversial moments in the Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg saga was the 1993 Friars Club roast. Roasts are known for being brutally funny, often crossing the line into offensive territory. But Danson’s joke? That was a whole other level.

During the roast for Whoopi Goldberg, Danson showed up in blackface.

Yes, you read that right. He wore blackface and made a series of racially charged jokes about Goldberg while performing at the event. The audience of 300 people watched in shock, some laughing, others clearly uncomfortable. The fallout was immediate and intense.

Many called out Danson for his insensitivity, and the incident nearly derailed his career. He later apologized, explaining that he thought he was making a joke about their relationship, not about race. But the damage was done. The public didn’t see it that way, and neither did critics.

This moment became a defining part of their story—not because it was romantic or exciting, but because it was a major misstep that overshadowed their relationship. It also played a role in the eventual end of their romance.

The End of Their Relationship

By the mid-’90s, the Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg love story had come to an end. They split in 1994, just a little over a year after getting together. The breakup wasn’t just emotional—it was also financially significant.

Because Danson was still technically married when their relationship began, there were legal consequences. His divorce from Blythe Danner was finalized in 1993, but the fallout from the affair with Goldberg was said to have cost him millions in settlement fees. That’s right—his relationship with Whoopi didn’t just cost him a marriage, it also cost him a serious chunk of change.

Despite the drama, both stars moved on. Danson remarried in 2005 and continued his acting career. Goldberg, meanwhile, remained a beloved figure in entertainment, hosting *The View*, making cameos in films, and staying politically active.

While they’ve both had long careers since then, the Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg chapter remains one of the most talked-about celebrity romances of the ’90s. It had everything: passion, controversy, public humiliation, and even a bit of tabloid gold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg ever get married?

No, Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg were never married. They dated for less than two years in the early ’90s, but never tied the knot. Danson was still married to Blythe Danner when their relationship began, which added to the public drama.

Why was Ted Danson in blackface at Whoopi Goldberg’s roast?

Ted Danson appeared in blackface during Whoopi Goldberg’s Friars Club roast in 1993 as part of a misguided attempt at humor. He later apologized, claiming he was trying to make a joke about their relationship, not about race. However, the public and critics saw it as a racially insensitive act, which led to a major backlash.

How did the Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg relationship affect their careers?

Their relationship brought them a lot of media attention, but the Friars Club roast incident negatively impacted Ted Danson’s public image. He faced criticism and lost some endorsement deals. Whoopi Goldberg, while not directly affected by the roast, had to deal with public scrutiny and ongoing jokes about the relationship. Both eventually moved past the controversy and continued successful careers.

If you’re looking to learn more about other celebrity relationships or the history of Hollywood scandals, feel free to Learn more about the biggest celebrity moments of the 90s on our site.

You can also read more about the impact of public missteps on celebrity careers, including how actors like Ted Danson have bounced back after controversial moments.