Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have been selected to receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, recognizing their lifelong commitment to philanthropy and activism.
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen to Receive Bob Hope Humanitarian Award
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, the married actors and philanthropists, have been selected by the board of governors of the TV Academy to receive its prestigious Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. This recognition honors “a lifetime of extraordinary philanthropy, activism, and unwavering commitment to global good” and will be presented during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on Sunday, September 14.
About the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award is presented to individuals in the media industry whose actions have a lasting impact on communities and whose philanthropic efforts reflect Bob Hope’s decades-long altruism and positive influence on society. Since its inception in 2002, past recipients have included notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Danny Thomas (posthumously), George Clooney, and Sean Penn. Danson and Steenburgen, who have been married since 1995, are the first couple to be honored with this award.
Commitment to Philanthropy
According to Cris Abrego, chair of the TV Academy, “Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have long used their voices — and their hearts — to champion causes that uplift the planet and its people. From environmental advocacy to humanitarian relief, they lead with grace, integrity, and purpose. The Television Academy is proud to honor their extraordinary legacy of service with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.”
Ted Danson is a dedicated environmentalist and ocean conservation activist. He co-founded the American Oceans Campaign (AOC) in 1987 to raise awareness about the dangers posed by oil spills, offshore developments, toxic waste, sewage pollution, and other ocean abuses. The AOC merged with Oceana in 2001, and Danson has since served on Oceana’s board of directors and testified before the House Committee on National Resources on behalf of ocean conservation. He has also supported various philanthropic organizations, including the ASPCA, Climate U.S. PAC, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Malaria No More, and Young Storytellers.
Mary Steenburgen has worked with numerous organizations, including Artists for a Free South Africa, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Heifer International, No Kid Hungry, and Oceana. She is a passionate advocate for increasing funding for the arts in schools nationwide and recently served as a keynote speaker at the 2024 Ohio School Board Association Capital Conference, emphasizing the importance of arts education in public schools. Through her efforts, she has helped raise funds, mobilize support, and influence policy changes across various issues.
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Founding Angels at Risk
In 2007, Danson and Steenburgen co-founded the nonprofit organization Angels at Risk with activist Susie Spain, addressing the crisis of children and teenagers at risk for drug and alcohol abuse. The organization advocates for early prevention education in schools and creates programs designed to foster communication between teens and parents.
Support for the LGBTQ Community
Danson and Steenburgen are also vocal allies of the LGBTQ community. Last year, they received the Nancy Pelosi Equality Ally Award at the 2024 Equality PAC National Pride Gala in Washington, D.C. This prestigious award recognizes extraordinary allies who have consistently supported LGBTQ individuals and their rights.
Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com
