Who played Dr. Frasier Crane?

Who played Dr. Frasier Crane? Kelsey Grammer played Dr. Frasier Crane. Grammer first appeared as the character in Cheers in 1984, during the show's third season, where Frasier was introduced as Diane Chambers's psychiatrist and romantic interest.

The role was initially expected to last only a few episodes. Grammer's performance proved popular with the producers, so Frasier became a regular character. He remained on Cheers through its 1993 finale and then moved directly into the spin-off Frasier, which premiered later that year.

Frasier Crane is a fictional psychiatrist, not a real-life doctor portrayed in a documentary or unscripted program. In the spin-off, he relocated from Boston to Seattle, hosted a radio advice show, and lived with his father Martin and brother Niles. Grammer also reprised the role in the 2023 revival of Frasier.

A common mix-up is confusing Grammer with David Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier's younger brother Niles Crane. John Mahoney played their father, Martin Crane, while Tom Hanks was never part of the principal Cheers or Frasier cast.