John Mahoney, The Actor Who Played Martin Crane in 'Frasier', Has Died Aged 77

The actor John Mahoney, who was most famous for playing Martin Crane in the TV series Frasier, has died aged 77.

He became famous for playing the father of Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) and Niles (David Hyde Pierce) in the popular American sitcom for 11 seasons between 1993 and 2004.

As well as starring in Frasier, he was also involved in many films throughout his life, including two films directed by the Coen Brothers - Barton Fink and The Hudsucker Proxy. He was also in the popular films Say Anything and Reality Bites.

Born in Manchester in 1940, he was evacuated during the Second World War to Blackpool, Lancashire.

He then moved to the USA after the war and made a career teaching. For some years, he was also the editor of a medical journal.

He took up acting classes in the 1970s and was urged by acting legend John Malkovich to join the Steppenwolf Theatre. From there he went on to the film industry.

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Over the course of his career he won many awards for his work on the stage, including a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor.

He was also nominated for two Golden Globes and an Emmy for his work on Frasier.

During his long career he was also a very talented voice actor. He played major roles in a lot of animated movies such as Antz, The Iron Giant, and Kronk's New Groove.

He also famously appeared on The Simpsons alongside his Frasier co-stars, Kelsey Grammer and Hyde Pierce, playing Robert Terwilliger, Sr. - the father of Sideshow Bob (played by Grammer) and Cecil Terwilliger (Hyde Pierce).

After Frasier he continued to appear in American TV shows and films including In Treatment, Burn Notice, and Hot in Cleveland. He also continued to act on the stage until 2017 when he played his last role in The Rembrandt.

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He died aged 77 in a hospice in Chicago. His passing was announced by his manager and said he had died after a short illness. The cause of death has not yet been announced.

He never married throughout his life, despite having several relationships.

The casting director of Frasier, Jeff Greenberg, tweeted: "I've not known a kinder man nor more brilliant actor. We were all blessed to have spent 11 glorious years together."

RIP John.

Topics: Death, DIED, TV and Film, Celebrity, UK Entertainment, US Entertainment

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a freelance journalist and LADbible contributor. He graduated from University of London with a BA in Philosophy before studying for a Masters in Journalism at the University of Salford. He has previously written for the M.E.N Group as well as working for several top professional sports clubs. Contact him on [email protected]

@TPWagwim