Ted Danson’s Heartbreak: The Real Reason Why Whoopi Goldberg Relationship Ended

Despite their brief romance lasting less than two years in the early '90s, Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg experienced a costly breakup that not only resulted in a multi-million dollar divorce settlement for Danson but also shattered any possibility of maintaining a friendship with his Made in America co-star.

Their love story became a sensation in the tabloids, sparking numerous speculations about the reasons behind their split.

Some sources suggest that Danson's parents played a significant role in the downfall of his relationship with Goldberg.

Let's delve into the alleged reasons behind this infamous breakup.

Danson, known for his role as the charming womanizer Sam Malone on Cheers, portrayed a very different character in real life.

Despite his on-screen persona, Danson considered himself a devoted family man, drawing inspiration from the enduring marriages of his grandparents and his own parents, Jess and Edward Danson Jr., who were an archeologist and anthropologist, respectively.

In a 1987 interview with People, Danson expressed how he admired his parents' successful marriage and embraced the idea of being committed to his family.

His journey towards marital bliss began when he tied the knot with his college sweetheart, actress Randy Gosch, in 1970, just two years before completing his college education.

However, their union ended in divorce in 1975.

Shortly after, Danson found love again with Casey Coates, whom he married in 1977.

The couple faced a challenging period when Coates suffered a life-threatening stroke during the birth of their first daughter in 1979.

Danson took a hiatus from his burgeoning career to care for his wife and newborn daughter, showcasing his unwavering commitment to family.

Despite rising to fame in the early '90s as one of television's highest-paid actors, Danson remained steadfast in his dedication to his marriage with Coates.

He emphasized their mutual devotion in a 1993 People article, dispelling any notions of straying from their vows.

However, fate had other plans for Danson when he crossed paths with Goldberg on the set of Made in America.

Danson's encounter with Goldberg on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1989 marked the beginning of a forbidden romance that blossomed during their collaboration on the film Made in America in 1993.

Despite still being legally married to Coates, Danson and Goldberg embarked on a clandestine affair that led to a tumultuous breakup between Danson and Coates, culminating in a costly divorce settlement amounting to $30 million due to the absence of a prenuptial agreement.

The controversial end to Danson and Goldberg's relationship unfolded during a publicized event at the New York Friars Club roast of Goldberg in October 1993.

Danson's ill-advised decision to appear in blackface and make racially insensitive remarks sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.

The fallout from this incident contributed to the eventual dissolution of his relationship with Goldberg, tarnishing their once-private affair with public scrutiny and backlash.

While Danson later revealed that his romance with Goldberg had already ended prior to the infamous roast, speculation surrounding the breakup persisted.

Reports emerged suggesting that Danson's parents exerted pressure on him to sever ties with Goldberg, leading to their official separation in November.

Although Danson never explicitly confirmed his parents' influence on the breakup, he acknowledged that the episode marked a tumultuous phase in his life, characterized by adolescent decisions.

In the aftermath of his split from Goldberg, Danson found solace in the arms of his next co-star, Mary Steenburgen, whom he married in 1995.

Their enduring marriage stands as a testament to Danson's commitment to love and family.

Reflecting on his past, Danson acknowledged the pivotal role his parents played in shaping his values and choices, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from their shadow to forge his path forward.

As he navigated through life's complexities, Danson embraced a newfound sense of independence and self-discovery, embodying the resilience that defines his personal journey.