In Frasier, who plays Martin's girlfriend Sherry Dempsey?

In *Frasier*, Martin Crane’s girlfriend Sherry Dempsey is played by Marsha Mason.

Sherry is introduced as a bartender at McGinty’s, Martin’s favorite bar, and becomes his girlfriend during the series. Her loud, flamboyant personality and strong opinions immediately distinguish her from the more restrained Crane family. Frasier and Niles often clash with her, while Martin appreciates her directness and energy.

Mason’s performance gives Sherry a confident, worldly presence that makes her an effective foil for both Martin and his sons. The relationship lasts through the show’s fourth and fifth seasons, although Sherry eventually separates from Martin after repeated conflicts with the family.

Sela Ward, Amy Brenneman, and Laura Linney all appear elsewhere in the *Frasier* universe, which can make the casting options seem plausible. Brenneman plays Faye Moskowitz, one of Frasier’s romantic interests. None of those actresses plays Sherry; that role belongs to Marsha Mason.