Ted Danson has revisited a controversial moment from his career, reflecting on his performance in blackface during a roast for Whoopi Goldberg in 1993. Danson, who was in a relationship with Goldberg at the time, expressed profound regret over the incident, stating that he will apologise “for the rest of my life.”
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In a recent episode of W. Kamau Bell’s podcast “Who’s with Me?”, the 78-year-old actor candidly addressed his past actions, which have experienced renewed scrutiny in light of contemporary conversations about race and representation. Before the podcast began, Bell acknowledged the sensitivity of the topic, giving Danson credit for being open to discussing it publicly.
The roast at the Friars Club, where Danson performed, was primarily a private affair at the time, later becoming more widely known after its broadcast on Comedy Central. Danson recalled the event, noting, “The most vile, funny stuff came out of people’s mouths.” However, he stated that the intention behind his performance, meant to address interracial relationships, did not excuse its insensitivity.
In his discussion, Danson apologised to Goldberg for the pain she has had to endure over the years due to his actions. He emphasised that he is aware of the hurt caused not just to her but to the broader community as well. His reflection revealed that they had both attempted to avoid participating in the roast, but their attempts fell through.
Danson recounted the mindset he held at the time, explaining that he viewed Goldberg as one of the most outrageous and humorous performers available to him for the roast. He admitted he resorted to “performance theatre,” believing that portraying it in blackface would be acceptable since he was touching upon themes of race. In his reflection, he recognised that his decision was both arrogant and misguided.
The actor described the moment his performance went haywire, stating, “20% of the crowd gets this and thinks it’s pretty cool. 30% of the crowd gets it and f—ing hates it.” He acknowledged that the audience’s reaction was overwhelmingly negative, which only intensified his resolve to continue with the act.
In the aftermath of the roast, Danson’s phone rang incessantly with public backlash, including a call from New York City Mayor David Dinkins. Danson recalled the flood of messages left for him at his hotel room, an early indication of the widespread discontent his actions had caused.
Goldberg publicly defended Danson after the event, describing the aftermath as a situation that “has caused great hurt to a man who doesn’t deserve it.” Despite her support, Danson faced long-lasting consequences for his actions, which also impacted his personal life; his now-wife, Mary Steenburgen, found it challenging to understand his decision to perform in blackface.
As conversations about race became more prominent, particularly during the Black Lives Matter movement, Danson encountered a renewed consciousness surrounding his past. He expressed fear when old footage of his performance resurfaced, prompting him to seek guidance from Heather McGhee, author of “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.” He expressed gratitude for her insight, noting that she offered him an opportunity to learn rather than a simple pass.
Danson candidly acknowledged the importance of understanding the impact of one’s actions, irrespective of intention. He recognised the growth he needed to undergo, admitting, “I thought I could run with the big boys and I couldn’t, and it was stupid and it was not my place and it was wrong and it was hurtful.”
In conclusion, Danson underlined the need for individuals to acknowledge the broader implications of their actions. He remarked, “Your intentions do not matter. The impact you have on people is what matters.” He reiterated his commitment to apologising for his past mistakes, maintaining that he is “forever apologetic.”
W. Kamau Bell commended Danson for addressing the topic and moving forward, highlighting the importance of reconciliation and action. Danson’s reflections serve as a reminder of the lasting consequences of our actions and the necessity to learn, grow, and acknowledge the intricacies of race and representation in society.