Does Ted Danson Wear a Wig? The Truth Behind His Iconic Hair
Ted Danson's head of hair has long been a hot topic among fans. In his 1980s heyday as Sam Malone on Cheers, Danson was a poster boy for TV heartthrobs – thick dark hair and all. But legends swirled about toupees and hairpieces. What's the real story? Over the years, Danson has been refreshingly open: he did use dye, comb-overs, and even a small wig for certain roles, but he's since embraced his natural hair, salt-and-pepper and all.
Image source: @teddanson
Did Ted Danson Wear a Wig on Cheers
Ted's most famous role was in Cheers (1982–93), where he played womanizing bartender Sam Malone. In real life, Danson admitted he started the show with a small bald spot, which he concealed with brown hair dye and a comb-over. For Sam Malone, he eventually added a little hairpiece. In press interviews, Danson said that after Cheers was about five years into its run, he began using a small toupee for the character. He also mentioned that networks insisted he dye his hair during Cheers and Becker.
By 1990, the topic became more public. During the 42nd Emmy Awards, Danson playfully revealed his bald spot and joked about wearing a hairpiece. The moment became a fun part of his TV history — and even made its way into the Cheers storyline. In one episode of the final season, Sam Malone removes his hairpiece on screen, acknowledging the truth with humor and confidence.
Other TV Roles and Going Au Naturel
Danson continued coloring his hair on shows like Becker — keeping up the image his characters required. But in the mid-2000s, he made a change. Danson began filming a sitcom where he decided to appear completely natural: no wig, no dye. He later mentioned how happy he was to be gray and to step away from constant styling and coloring.
Image source: @teddanson
Today, Danson's real hair is salt-and-pepper and proudly worn on shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Good Place, and Mr. Mayor. Fans now refer to him as a “silver fox,” and his natural hair has become part of his respected and beloved screen presence.
A Signature Look Through the Years
Hair has become a recognizable part of Ted Danson's image. Early in his career, his thick dark hair helped define his charming, confident character. Today, his distinguished gray hair adds warmth and maturity to the roles he plays. It reflects his evolution in appearance, personality, and career.
FAQs About Danson Bald
Is Ted Danson Bald in Real Life?
Not completely. Ted Danson has a natural receding hairline and some thinning on top, especially visible in his later years. In his Cheers era, he used dye, styling, and occasionally a small hairpiece for his character, Sam Malone. But today, he proudly wears his natural gray hair, and it has become part of his signature look. He doesn't hide it — in fact, he embraces it, and fans have come to love his “silver fox” style.
Are Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Still Married?
Yes! Ted Danson and actress Mary Steenburgen are happily married and are considered one of Hollywood's most genuine and long-lasting couples. They met while filming the movie Pontiac Moon in 1993 and later married in 1995. They often speak warmly about each other in interviews, attend events together, and support each other's careers. Fans love them not just individually, but as a beautiful love story that's still going strong after nearly 30 years.
What Is Ted Danson's Ethnic Background?
Ted Danson is American, born in San Diego, California, and raised in Arizona. His ancestry includes English and Scottish heritage, with deeper family roots tracing back to Northern Europe. While he's widely known as an American actor, his background reflects a mix of European descent — something fairly common among many families in the U.S.
How Old Is Ted Danson?
He was born on December 29, 1947.
What Are His Most Famous Roles?
- Cheers (Sam Malone)
- Becker (Dr. John Becker)
- CSI (D.B. Russell)
- The Good Place (Michael)
- Mr. Mayor, Fargo, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and more
