Whatever Happened to the Cast of the ’90s Sitcom ‘Frasier?’
Frasier is one of those shows that is so beloved and charming that many often forget that it is technically a spin-off of the popular show Cheers. Psychiatrist Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) first made his appearance around the bar in Boston. Following a divorce and a new gig in Seattle, Frasier was born. Frasier ran for 11 seasons and won a record-breaking 37 Primetime Emmy awards during its time on air between 1993-2004.
Despite a satisfying ending that saw Frasier following his heart and moving to Chicago to be with his girlfriend Charlotte, there is a reboot of sorts in the works with Paramount+. The streaming service and Grammer himself have confirmed that the show will take a look at what Dr. Frasier Crane is up to in recent times, with a new, more diverse cast. Ahead of its premiere, let’s find out what happened to the cast of the original sitcom.
Kelsey Grammer (Dr. Frasier Crane)
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While Grammer is a big name in Hollywood and has even been seen on reality television, he continues to be best known for his role in Cheers and Frasier. His tumultuous marriage appeared briefly on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with his ex-wife Camille prior to their split in 2010. Grammer went on to appear in blockbuster films such as 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past and Transformers: Age of Extinction along with television shows 30 Rock, The Simpsons, Boss, and Partners.
He’s set to reprise his role as Dr. Frasier Crane in the reboot along with a new role in the religious drama Jesus Revolution, all while being a producer on several projects. When asked about becoming his character again after 20 years, he admitted to Yahoo! News that it was “like putting on a favorite jacket.” He’s now married to Kayte Walsh and has seven children, including actors Spencer Grammer and Greer Grammer.
David Hyde Pierce (Niles Crane)
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Who could forget Frasier’s often snobby and neurotic but ultimately hilarious brother, Niles? David Hyde Pierce played the role so well that he was asked to join the reboot but politely declined due to the fact that he wasn’t interested in playing the character again. After Frasier ended, Hyde Pierce moved on to theater, playing Sir Robin in Spamalot and Horace in Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly! Several years later, he returned to television and film, starring in 2010’s The Perfect Host, 2017’s Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, and 2022’s Julia. Hyde Pierce is now set to star in a bit of a different role as Father Conor in the upcoming horror film The Georgetown Project. In 2007, he confirmed that he is gay and wed his husband, television writer, director, and producer Brian Hargrove just a year later.
John Mahoney (Martin Crane)
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John Mahoney played a retired cop and father to the Crane brothers. He often gave his sons and his caretaker, Daphne Moon, a hard time and goofed off with his beloved dog Eddie. After Frasier ended, he dabbled in voice work and appeared as Poppy in the 2007 film Dan in Real Life. In 2011, he joined his old pal Jane Leeves when he was cast in the series Hot in Cleveland. His final role was in a 2015 episode of Foyle’s War. Sadly, Mahoney passed away in 2018 at the age of 77. The Frasier reboot is rumored to address his character’s death.
Jane Leeves (Daphne Moon)
Miranda Penn Turin/Fox/Everett Collection
Jane Leeves received an Emmy nomination in 1993 for her role as Martin Frasier’s caretaker, Daphne Moon. Fans may be surprised to learn that she almost didn’t receive the role as the production team originally wanted Rosie Perez to play the character. When Frasier ended, Leeves took a break from acting before finding success again in shows such as Desperate Housewives and Hot in Cleveland with the late Betty White and many of her former Frasier co-stars. Leeves currently plays Kit Voss in the medical drama The Resident and is set to star in an upcoming ABC project which has yet to be fully announced. She has been married to Marshall Coben since her days in Frasier and they have two children.
Peri Gilpin (Roz Doyle)
Hallmark Entertainment/Everett Collection
Peri Gilpin played Roz Doyle, the producer of Frasier’s radio show. While the two often butted heads and fans rooted for them to fall in love, the characters ultimately remained great friends. Just like Leeves, Gilpin’s role almost went to another big star. Lisa Kudrow was set to play the part but ultimately went on to star in Friends. After Frasier, Gilpin has continued to act regularly, appearing in shows such as Medium, Desperate Housewives, Make it or Break It, and Hot in Cleveland. Her most recent role was playing Allison’s mother, Donna in Kevin Can F**k Himself. Much like her Frasier co-star, Gilpin has been married since her Frasier days to Christian Vincent and has two children.
Moose (Eddie the dog)
NBC/Everett Collection
Besides the five main cast members, Eddie the dog appeared in the most episodes of Frasier, 163 to be exact. In real life, Eddie was named Moose and worked for 10 years of his life, best known for playing Martin Crane’s beloved pet in Frasier. He can also be seen in an episode of The 5 Mrs. Buchanans, High Society, and My Dog Skip, prior to his death in 2006 at the age of 15. Moose’s son Enzo can also be seen in Frasier from time to time, generally as his stunt double. What good boys!
Who is your favorite character from Frasier? Are you excited to watch the reboot streaming soon on Paramount+?
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