Ted Danson Says He Doesn't Think About His Legacy: "I'm Still Trying to Get It Right"

Ted Danson is living in the moment. While chatting with PEOPLE exclusively at the Television Academy's 2026 Televerse Festival Hall of Fame ceremony on August 13, the Good Place actor, who has worked in TV and film for more than 50 years, shared that he doesn't think about his legacy in the industry.

"I don't do that," Danson, 78, said. "No, too soon." His wife, actress Mary Steenburgen, who was by his side at the event in Los Angeles, then chimed in, "You're too young." "No, I'm still trying to get it right," Danson continued. "We're both working right now on things that challenge us and are kind of hard and exciting and all of that. That's where my focus is. And I think that's where it should be."

Steenburgen, 73, added, "We still have a lot to learn. It's not like you're cooked when you're 73 and 78."

A Family Affair

Danson was inducted following a touching introduction from his wife into the Hall of Fame alongside Sheila Nevins, Trey Parker, Ted Sarandos, Jean Smart and Matt Stone. Reflecting on having Steenburgen do the honors, the Cheers alum said it was "very special." "I thought it was very smart because it becomes a family affair, which is what acting is to us," he told PEOPLE. "We both are cut from the same cloth. We both love acting. We love the jobs. We care about it. We love that we get to be creative at this age. We're very blessed."

He continued, "So to have her give this, be part of it, is kind of perfect because that's our truth." The couple's partnership extends beyond their personal lives; they often collaborate professionally, with Steenburgen joining Danson on his hit Netflix series A Man on the Inside in its second season, playing the role of Mona, a free-spirited musician and fellow professor.

Acknowledgment and Nerves

Danson admitted that "all of this acknowledgement" from his peers makes him "a little nervous." "But it's wonderful. Don't take it away," he said. "But it's a lot to digest, but it's also an opportunity to thank people who have meant so much and given me so much along the way all the writers, directors, producers, crew, actors. So I'm glad."

His humility and gratitude were evident throughout the evening, as he took the time to acknowledge the many collaborators who have shaped his career. His comments reflected a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of the entertainment industry and the many people who have contributed to his success.

A Career of Enduring Success

Danson's career has spanned more than five decades, beginning with his breakout role as Sam Malone on the beloved sitcom Cheers, which ran from 1982 to 1993. He went on to star in several acclaimed television shows, including Becker, The Good Place, and most recently A Man on the Inside.

Back in March, Netflix announced that Danson's hit show A Man on the Inside, created by Michael Schur, has been renewed for a third season. In the mystery-comedy series, which premiered in November 2024, Danson plays widower and retired professor Charles Nieuwendyk, who gets a new lease on life as a detective. Steenburgen joined the series in season 2, portraying free-spirited musician and fellow professor Mona.

A Potential Cameo from Dick Van Dyke

When asked about a potential guest-starring role in the show for his friend Dick Van Dyke, who has been vocal about his desire to do a cameo, Danson told PEOPLE, "If I were in charge, it would happen immediately." "I have no idea, the writers being the writers and creators. But oh, I love that man," he continued, adding, "Yeah, [Mary and I] had the honor of going to his [Van Dyke's] home and doing a podcast with him. It was one of the best days of our lives. It was so cool."

The admiration is mutual. Van Dyke, now 100 years old, has been a source of inspiration for Danson throughout his career. The connection between the two actors highlights the sense of community and mutual respect that exists among performers across generations.

A Life-Changing Moment

In his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, Danson recalled how Van Dyke, 100, sparked his growing interest in a showbiz career. He remembered a day when he was a student at Stanford University and found an abandoned TV on the street in front of his dorm. "Someone didn't want it, but it still worked. So I took it up to my room. It was my first TV. I plugged it in, turned it on, literally just in time to see Dick Van Dyke trip over the ottoman," he shared. "It was magic. I was hooked."

Not long after, Danson "stumbled" into an audition for a Bertolt Brecht play, Mann ist Mann, and landed what he described as "the smallest part you could get and still be in the play." "But the light bulb had turned on," he explained. "I was an actor, and it made all of my life make sense all of a sudden."

A Lasting Legacy

Danson's induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring impact on the television industry. His work has entertained and inspired audiences for generations, and his commitment to his craft continues to drive him forward.

As he looks to the future, Danson remains focused on the work that challenges and excites him. His partnership with Steenburgen, both personally and professionally, has been a source of strength and inspiration, and his willingness to embrace new opportunities ensures that his career will continue to evolve.

For Danson, the Hall of Fame induction is not an endpoint but a milestone, a moment to reflect on the past while continuing to look ahead. As he said, "I'm still trying to get it right." And with the support of his wife and his peers, there is no doubt that he will continue to do so for years to come.