Edward Bridge “Ted” Danson III (born December 29, 1947) is an American actor best known for his role as central character, "Sam Malone," in the sitcom Cheers, and his role as, "Dr. John Becker" on the series Becker. He is currently a regular on Larry David's HBO sitcom, Curb Your Enthusiasm and starred alongside Glenn Close in legal drama Damages. He will next be appearing on a new HBO comedy series, Bored to Death, playing a supporting role, George.

In his thirty year career, Dason has been nominated for fourteen Primetime Emmy Awards nominations, winning two; ten Golden Globe Awards nominations, winning three; one Screen Actors Guild Award nomination; one American Comedy Award and a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Danson was born in San Diego, California, the son of Jessica Danson (née MacMaster) and Edward Bridge Danson Jr., an archaeologist and museum director. Danson is of Scottish and English ancestry. He was raised near Flagstaff, Arizona.