Ted Danson Reflects on the 1993 Friars Club Roast and Its Lasting Impact
Over thirty years have passed since the infamous 1993 Friars Club roast, but Ted Danson still finds himself reflecting on one of the most controversial moments of his career. At the time, he was attempting to deliver a sharp, satirical commentary on race relations, but what followed became a public relations disaster when he performed in blackface.
Danson had spent months preparing the routine with his then-partner, Whoopi Goldberg, believing it would be a bold and thought-provoking take on interracial relationships. However, the immediate backlash was intense—so much so that Danson later described the experience as “sticking my finger in a light socket.” Despite his good intentions, the performance fell flat and left many feeling deeply offended.
On a podcast episode with W. Kamau Bell called Who’s With Me?, Danson discussed the infamous roast of Whoopi Goldberg. He explained that he saw the routine as a form of satire on race relations, particularly given his relationship with Goldberg at the time. “My brain was going, okay, here is one of the most outrageous, funny Black women in the world at that point,” Danson said, adding, “I’m supposed to be roasting her, and I’m not a stand-up.”
He aimed to create a commentary on race and relationships, believing that his material was both provocative and thoughtful. However, things quickly spiraled out of control. After reviewing other comedians’ works, Danson bizarrely decided that blackface was the answer. “I looked at all these tapes, and it’s like, well, if I were Black, I could say all these outrageous things. I’m not,” he explained, reflecting on his misguided logic.
The result was a severe misjudgment that led to widespread criticism. Danson had hoped for praise, but instead, he found himself disgraced. The incident remains one of the most contentious moments of his career.
More Than 30 Years Later, Danson Is Still Apologizing
Danson realized something was wrong almost immediately during the performance. He recalled that the experience felt as though he had “stuck my finger in a light socket.” A significant portion of the audience didn’t understand the humor he was trying to convey. Instead of appreciating the clever jokes, people were upset and angry.
Looking back over thirty years later, Danson still feels the weight of that night. He has admitted that even now, people online discover the story and lash out at him. “I need to, and I want to apologize for the rest of my life,” he said, explaining that someone today might stumble upon the footage and feel betrayed or angry. “And I did that.”
The 1993 roast is still viewed as one of the most problematic moments in Danson’s career. Now, he reflects on it from a place of responsibility, focusing on how others felt rather than making excuses for his decisions.
Key Takeaways from Danson’s Reflection
- Danson believed the roast was a satirical commentary on race relations.
- He prepared the routine with Whoopi Goldberg for months, but the performance backfired.
- The use of blackface was a critical misstep that led to harsh backlash.
- Danson admits he will continue apologizing for the rest of his life.
- The incident remains a significant part of his career and personal reflection.
As the years pass, the lessons learned from this moment continue to shape Danson’s approach to comedy and public engagement. While the past cannot be changed, his willingness to acknowledge and take responsibility for his actions speaks volumes about his character.
