Carnegie Mellon University

Ted Danson

Ted Danson (A 1972, H 2018)

2003 Alumni Lifetime (Distinguished) Achievement Award

Bio

Ted Danson, born Edward Bridge Danson III, originally attended Stanford University, but developed an interest in drama during his sophomore year and transferred to Carnegie Mellon's College of Fine Arts. He landed his career-defining role as Sam Malone in "Cheers" in 1982.

During the show's 11-year run, he earned nine Emmy Award nominations for Best Actor in a Comedy Series, winning the award in 1990 and 1993.