Ted Danson Apologizes for 1993 Blackface Roast of Whoopi Goldberg
Originally published Jun 4, 2026
By Ellise Shafer · Variety
AI-generated summary based on Variety · Aggregated by Filmarian · Human-reviewed and approved on Jun 4, 2026
Key points
- Ted Danson apologized for roasting Whoopi Goldberg in blackface in 1993.
- He called the act 'so arrogant and stupid' and said he will apologize for the rest of his life.
- The incident took place at the New York Friars Club during a comedy roast event.
- Danson discussed the issue on W. Kamau Bell's podcast 'Who's With Me?'
- The actor acknowledged the harm caused and the importance of accountability.
Ted Danson has expressed deep regret for a 1993 incident in which he roasted Whoopi Goldberg in blackface at the New York Friars Club. Speaking on W. Kamau Bell's podcast 'Who's With Me?', the actor said he will 'apologize for the rest of my life' for the offensive performance. Danson described the act as 'so arrogant and stupid,' acknowledging the harm it caused. The incident occurred during a comedy roast event and has resurfaced in recent discussions about racial sensitivity in entertainment. Danson, known for his roles in 'Cheers' and 'The Good Place,' emphasized the importance of accountability and learning from past mistakes.
Read the original story: Variety