Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have been chosen as the recipients of the prestigious Bob Hope Humanitarian Award by the Television Academy. This honor will be bestowed upon them during the upcoming 77th Emmy Awards ceremony on September 14th.
This marks a significant moment as it is the first time the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award has been presented since 2022, and it is also the first time it will be given to a couple. The Television Academy selected Danson and Steenburgen for their lifelong dedication to philanthropy, activism, and their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on a global scale. The duo’s off-screen legacy shines just as brightly as their celebrated television careers.
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award was established in 2002 and has previously been awarded to notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Danny Thomas (posthumously), George Clooney, and Sean Penn. This prestigious honor is presented by the Television Academy’s Board of Governors to individuals in the media industry whose actions have a lasting impact on communities and exemplify the altruism and positive influence exhibited by Bob Hope throughout his career.
Ted Danson is being recognized for his environmental advocacy and ocean conservation efforts. He co-founded the American Oceans Campaign (AOC) to raise awareness about issues such as oil spills, offshore developments, and pollution. Danson’s work with organizations like Oceana and his testimony before the House Committee on National Resources have been instrumental in championing the protection of our oceans. Additionally, he has supported causes such as animal rights, climate change, and malaria prevention.
Mary Steenburgen has been actively involved in various charitable organizations, including Artists for a Free South Africa, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and No Kid Hungry. She is a strong advocate for arts education in schools and has spoken at conferences to emphasize its importance. Together with Danson, she co-founded Angels at Risk, a nonprofit focused on preventing drug and alcohol abuse among children and teenagers.
In addition to their philanthropic work, Danson and Steenburgen have been vocal supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and were honored with the Nancy Pelosi Equality Ally Award. The Television Academy Chair, Cris Abrego, praised the couple for their dedication to uplifting the planet and its people with grace, integrity, and purpose.
Both Danson and Steenburgen continue to make their mark in the entertainment industry, with Danson starring in the Netflix comedy “A Man on the Inside” and Steenburgen set to appear in the upcoming film “The Dink” as well as the second season of “A Man on the Inside.”
The 77th Emmy Awards, hosted by Nate Bargatze, will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live on September 14th. Viewers can tune in to CBS or stream the event live on Paramount+.
