Ted Danson, the beloved star from the iconic sitcom "Cheers," recently recounted a memorable and unconventional first encounter with former President Bill Clinton. The actor shared this amusing anecdote while moderating a panel featuring both Bill and Hillary Clinton at the History Talks event in Philadelphia over the weekend.
A Longstanding Friendship
Danson opened the panel by highlighting the deep-rooted connection between his wife, actress Mary Steenburgen, and the Clintons. According to reports from Variety, Steenburgen, who hails from Arkansas, was introduced to the couple by her father during the late 1970s when Bill Clinton served as the state's governor. Over the years, she developed a close bond with the political power duo.
The White House Introduction
When Danson and Steenburgen's relationship grew serious in the 1990s, it was only natural for her to introduce him to her inner circle. "One of the first things she did was take me to meet her dear friends in the White House," Danson revealed to the audience. He described how President Clinton escorted him around a corner, flanked by three Secret Service agents who were intently watching him. The former president then posed a direct question: "He asked me what my intentions were."
Turning to Clinton on stage, Danson humorously inquired, "My first question is to you, Mr. President. Do you think that was fair?" After a brief pause, Clinton responded with a chuckle, "No, but it was effective. And I didn't think I had to be fair." He added warmly, "As it turned out, you became the best thing that ever happened to her."
Beyond the Protective Gesture
Despite coming across as an overprotective figure in this story, Bill Clinton played a significant role in Steenburgen and Danson's lives. In 1995, he had the honor of walking Steenburgen down the aisle at their wedding, symbolizing his approval and support for their union.
Danson further elaborated on the unique friendship between his wife and the former president during a 2013 interview with "CBS This Morning." "They were best friends," he said, emphasizing the closeness of their relationship. "It's hard to believe still to me sometimes how close we all are, because it sounds kind of pretentious, but they are best friends – I mean – I watched her give him a 'noogie' in the Oval Office."
This lighthearted moment underscores the genuine and playful dynamic between Steenburgen and Clinton, blending Hollywood glamour with political circles in a way that continues to captivate public interest.
