Ten Questions with Kelsey Grammer

As a seasoned movie buff with a lifelong fascination for the silver screen and its intricate tapestry of characters, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgic excitement when it comes to the return of Frasier. Having followed Kelsey Grammer‘s journey through four decades as the pompous yet lovable Dr. Frasier Crane, it’s fascinating to see him revisit his roots in Boston and explore new relationships with his son and Harvard University.

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Over four decades, starting from a bar, moving through a radio station, and finally into academia, Kelsey Grammer, now 69 years old, has been embodying the character of Dr. Frasier Crane – a pompous, sharp-witted yet sensitive individual with a delicate ego. In the current version of Frasier, he’s back in his hometown of Boston to be near his son and Harvard University. As the revival of Frasier finishes its second season, RT had the opportunity to chat with Grammer about fresh starts, the political climate in America, and if he would ever share a drink at a bar named Cheers.

Frasier finished in 2004 but came back in 2023. What were you looking to do differently this time?

In this new phase of life for Frasier, he stands on the brink of unfamiliar territory – the role of a present father, a role he never held before, reminiscent of his own father. The primary goal was to reunite him with his son Freddy and help them navigate a bond similar to the one Frasier shared with his father. Additionally, the writers aimed to keep the storyline contemporary while also introducing a genuine friend for Frasier. Although he had his brother Niles in the previous series (portrayed by David Hyde Pierce), their relationship was more familial than friendly.

You recruited British sitcom legend Nicholas Lyndhurst for that role — why him?

His mind never stops churning, giving off the impression that something exciting is brewing. You can’t help but wonder, “What will he come up with next?” He’s truly exceptional, ranking among the greatest actors globally. Since my wife is British, I was familiar with Only Fools and Horses. The sound of her laughter drew me to those old re-runs, leaving me puzzled and asking myself, “What’s all this about?” Eventually, I got acquainted with the terms “dipstick” and “Rodney”.

Well, for us it’s just part of a car, but in the UK, it means several other things, I think!

How did you two meet?

In a 2019 staging of “Man of La Mancha” at the London Coliseum, our paths crossed, leading to an unexpected romance. Two men can sometimes find themselves bonding in such a way – it’s like they say, “A hearty greeting to a new friend.” For years, we had been admirers from afar, and attending that production brought us together. Working alongside Nicholas was a delight, and it seemed our mutual appreciation grew stronger from there, leading us to forge a genuine friendship ever since.

Given that you have seven kids, with ages spanning from eight to forty, did you use your personal experiences as a parent when creating this series?

In my personal experience, some moments from Frasier’s life and family history feel surprisingly relatable. When such scenes strike a chord within me, they stand out as if lifted from reality. However, these scenes aren’t deliberately structured to mirror my own experiences, but rather, they carry an authentic, powerful impact that makes them seem genuine.

Was there any consideration given in the revamp to have Frasier encounter romance, or perhaps explore locations outside of Boston instead?

Previously, plans included having him relocate to another city for the purpose of reuniting the original cast and introducing new characters. However, this arrangement became too complex, and David expressed reluctance about it. Consequently, we respected his decision and reconsidered our approach. We realized that Frasier had some incomplete business in Boston.

Will Frasier ever clash with modern times and become a victim of cancel culture?

It’s possible we’ll address the issue. There’s a chance he could be falsely accused, and he’d find some means to make them pay. This might well be a justified response to a potential incident that could’ve occurred anytime.

Things are obviously tumultuous in the USA right now — are you planning on reflecting that?

What’s next for Frasier?

2024-11-07 21:07

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