Whoopi Goldberg Dated 'Cheers' Star Ted Danson for 18 Months – Inside the Reason behind Their Breakup

American comedians Whoopi Goldberg and Ted Danson made the headlines in 1993 after being involved in a controversial relationship, despite the latter's marital status. Here are some facts about the pair and their short-lived romance.

Over the years, Hollywood has witnessed numerous scandalous celebrity relationships. One of the most infamous affairs that have remained a topic of discussion till today is American actress Whoopi Goldberg's relationship with Ted Danson.

Going back to the 1990s, the pair struck up a controversial romance that not only caused an uproar in the media but also contributed to Danson's divorce in 1993, costing him a lot of money. Continue reading to find out more about their scandalous union.

HOW THEY MET

Goldberg and Danson first met each other during an appearance on the popular late-night talk show, "The Arsenio Hall Show," in 1988.

The latter had ignited a fire when he mentioned that male comedians could be funny and good-looking, and for the female comedians, it was the direct opposite.

On hearing Danson's statement, Goldberg was sure to put an end to his thoughts. The actress made a grand entrance to the show opposing the actor's claims by noting that she was a very sexy and good-looking female comedian.

Danson's statement was the first time anyone publicly hinted that Goldberg was not pretty or feminine. Goldberg eventually made her point known, and Danson told her he would like to work with her.

The pair became amazing friends, and not long after, they featured in the comedy series "Made in America," beginning their controversial relationship.

GOLDBERG AND DANSON'S RELATIONSHIP

Goldberg was single at the time of their relationship, following her 1988 divorce from her second husband and cinematographer, David Claessen. On the other hand, Danson was still married to his wife of sixteen years, Cassandra Coates.

Due to the actor's marital status, he and Goldberg decided to keep their affair hidden. All attempts to keep their relationship a secret proved abortive as news quickly got out to the public, eventually reaching the ears of Coates, who was utterly disappointed.

Not long after the news of Danson's affair spread, Coates filed for divorce. She also gained custody of their two children, alongside a whopping sum of $30 million, making it one of the most expensive divorces of all time.

After the duo's divorce, Goldberg and Danson made their relationship more public, speaking good of each other. However, the actress was also in the habit of defending her man, even though it sparked reactions from people.

Danson once did a blackface during a show, and in addition, he used racial words, which was not considered hilarious by many. Not long after, Goldberg came to his defense, revealing that her career was built around destigmatizing racial terms.

After her breakup with Danson, she tied the knot for the third time with her acting colleague, Lyle Trachtenburg, in 1994.

The lovebirds continued their relationship, but it was short-lived as it lasted only 18 months before they went their separate ways. Two days after their split, the pair's representatives cited the relentless chase by the paparazzi as the cause of Goldberg and Danson's breakup.

The comedians maintained a close friendship, which did not last long, with Danson cutting all ties. The television personality spoke to Closer about how bad she felt about her breakup and friendship status with Danson.

Goldberg said the experience was public, and the loss of the friendship they shared hurt a lot. The Hollywood icon had maintained good relationships with almost every man she had dated, except Danson.

DANSON FINDS LOVE AGAIN

Goldberg and Danson's separation appeared not to have affected the pair's love life as the former found love again in the arms of American actress Mary Steenburgen.

The Hollywood stars first met on the set of "Pontiac Moon" in 1993. At the time of their meeting, Danson and Steenburgen were going through traumatic experiences in their personal lives.

They offered each other help, and two years later, walked down the aisle. Danson is head over heels in love with his wife and considers her as a remarkable human being.

The couple has been married for 26 years and is still waxing stronger as the days go by. During an interview with Us Weekly, Danson described his marriage as heaven on earth.

He loves his wife's smiles, laughs, her sense of fairness, and her willingness to take great risks in achieving success. He also finds her very sexy, despite her advance in age.

Above all, Danson feels like if he passes away today, he knows what it means to love and be loved. On the other hand, Goldberg appears not to be successful with marriage.

GOLDBERG'S FAILED MARRIAGES

After her breakup with Danson, she tied the knot for the third time with her acting colleague, Lyle Trachtenburg, in 1994. Unfortunately, Goldberg and Trachtenburg's marriage was short-lived, and the pair got divorced one year after.

Martin had gotten pregnant at age 14 and welcomed a daughter, Amarah Skye.

Decades after her third divorce, the former spoke candidly about her marriages and what they meant to her. She admitted to getting married because it was expected of her, not because she wanted it.

Goldberg made up her mind to get divorced because she was tired of living up to people's expectations. She believes she is happier on her own and can have enough time with anybody she wants to, without getting married.

Goldberg may not have the title of a wife, but she is a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. The actress became a mother to her first child and daughter, Alexandria Martin, at an early age, and when she was 34, she had already become a grandmother.

Martin had gotten pregnant at age 14 and welcomed a daughter, Amarah Skye. Twenty-four years after Goldberg welcomed her granddaughter, she became a great grandmother to Charlie Rose. Despite her marital status, Goldberg remains a source of inspiration to many women.