R.I.P. John Mahoney, the beloved father of 'Frasier'

The veteran stage actor was 77.

AP Photo / REED SAXON

John Mahoney, who played dear dad Martin Crane on the sitcom Frasier, has passed away at the age of 77. TMZ broke the news on Monday evening. Mahoney died in hospice care in Chicago, according to his publicist. He was 77 years old.

The British born actor moved to America as a young man and settled in the Chicago area, where he became a prominant performer in the theater scene. He joined the Steppenwolf Theatre thanks to the encouragement of John Malkovich. 

Over the 11 seasons of Frasier, Mahoney garnered numerous accolades, from the Golden Globes, Emmys and SAG. The popular Cheers spin-off was his first regular role on a television series. Previously, he had appeared on a Cheers episode himself, albeit in a different role. In "Do Not Forsake Me, O' My Postman," he played an ad man named Sy Flembeck who is hired to write a jingle for the bar. However, he writes all his songs to the tune of "Old McDonald."


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3 Comments

Runeshaper 55 months ago
I really liked him in Frasier. You know, someone in Atlantic City once mistook my grandfather for John Mahoney. This man was quite sure that grandpa was John LOL I can still remember grandpa smiling, and it was quite similar to John's.
ccsings 63 months ago
I met him briefly at a "Poets and Actors" event at the height of "Frasier's" popularity. (By the way, the inimitable, late, great Gwendolyn Brooks was one of the poets there, and it was awe-inspiring to be in her presence as well). Mr. Mahoney was very gracious and humble -- I told him "you're gonna win (the Best Supporting Actor Emmy) this year!" He said "I hope so!", with a large grin on his face throughout. He has also been something of an inspiration to me as well, since he started professionally acting relatively late, I believe at age 37 or so. It's never too late to follow your dreams, friends! May he continue to rest in perfect peace.
Runeshaper ccsings 55 months ago
Great story!
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