Kelsey Grammer Movies
For better or worse, leading actor Kelsey Grammer's name will probably forever be associated with the pompous, garrulous, and self-absorbed but lovable psychiatrist Frasier Crane, a character Grammer has played on television since he first appeared on the NBC sitcom Cheers, in 1984, as a love interest for Shelley Long. Though Frasier was not intended to become a series regular, Grammer's performance of the blowhard neurotic charmed audiences and he remained with Cheers through its 1993 demise. At the beginning of the 1993-1994 television season, Grammer's character was resurrected in his own show and moved from Boston to Seattle, where he became a radio psychologist and faced a whole slew of folks just waiting to poke metaphorical pins in his hot air balloon. Thanks to excellent performances and top-notch writing, Frasier became as big a hit as its predecessor. Grammer won three Emmy awards and has been nominated for an unprecedented seven more (twice for Cheers, once for his guest appearance on a 1992 episode of Wings, four times for Frasier).Born on St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Grammer knew extreme tragedy in youth. Following the shooting death of his father when he was a boy, he was raised in New Jersey and then Florida, by his mother and grandfather. His grandfather died before Grammer became a teen. When he was 20, his sister was abducted and violently murdered. Five years later, he lost two half brothers in a diving accident. As a young man, Grammer found comfort in Shakespeare; with his acting debut in a high school production of The Little Foxes came an interest in pursuing drama as a career. He enrolled in Juilliard, but dropped out after two years to work at San Diego's Old Globe Theater, where he gained three years' invaluable experience performing in Shakespearean and classical dramas; afterward, Grammer performed in productions across the country. He eventually made it to Broadway, where he appeared in various productions, including Othello.
Prior to playing Frasier, Grammer appeared occasionally on television and had regular roles in three soap operas, including One Life to Live. He continues to occasionally guest star on other series. Fans of the animated satire The Simpsons will recognize his periodic voice characterization as the venomous Sideshow Bob. Miniseries and telemovies in which he has appeared include London Suite and Beyond Suspicion. Grammer made his feature film debut with a small role in Top of the Hill (1989) and had his first starring role in the much-panned comedy Down Periscope (1996). In addition to his Emmy kudos, Grammer has received an American Comedy Award, two Golden Globes, and a People's Choice Award. In 1995, he published his autobiography So Far. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Trevor Einhorn returns as Frederick, the son of radio shrink Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer). During one of Frederick's visits to Seattle, Frasier becomes concerned that the boy is too wrapped up in his video games. The only "cure" for this obsession, reasons Frasier, is a good old-fashioned father-son bonding experience -- namely, and much to the delight of Frasier's own dad Martin (John Mahoney) -- a camping trip. Needless to say, however, neither of the younger Cranes is quite up to the rigors of roughing it -- certainly not Frasier! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) are in for quite a time when they attend a Seattle Supersonics basketball game. Come halftime, and one of the two brothers wins the opportunity to make a half-court shot -- leading to a bout of nervousness on the part of one of the two, and jealousy on the part of the other. Jane Leeves was on maternity leave during filming of this episode, and does not appear. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
KACL station manager Kenny Daly (Tom McGowan) is down in the dumps over his failing marriage. Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) tries to help Kenny deal with this situation -- only to inadvertently go out on a date with Mrs. Daly (Illeana Douglas). Elsewhere, Daphne's "binge eating" is getting out of control, forcing her to take drastic action. This last subplot was cooked up to explain away the noticeable weight gain of actress Jane Leeves, who was pregnant at the time of filming. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
An action drama centering on the media circus, 15 Minutes focuses on a New York homicide detective named Eddie Flemming (Robert De Niro), a famous figure known for his heroic on-the-job manner. A tabloid news anchor (Kelsey Grammer) attempts to get the scoop on Flemming's latest beat when a pair of Eastern European criminals (Karel Roden and Oleg Taktarov) find a way to manipulate the media by filming their exploits, which they believe they can sell to bloodthirsty journalists and make themselves rich. In the wake of a double murder, Flemming teams up with Jordy Warsaw (Edward Burns), an arson investigator assigned to help locate the murderous pair. Meanwhile, Flemming must contend with his news reporter girlfriend Nicolette (Melina Kanakaredes) as he and Jordy find themselves enveloped in a lurid series of events that threatens to jeopardize their safety. Kim Cattrall, Avery Brooks, and Vera Farmiga are also featured in the cast. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert De Niro, Edward Burns, (more)
Like its predecessors, this installment to the popular Laughing Out Loud series offers viewers the experience of a standup comedy club from the comfort of home. This production features a variety of comedians performing some of their funniest bits; among those included are Jerry Seinfeld, Kelsey Grammer, Adam Sandler, Mark Alexander, John Caponera, John Ferrantino, Judy Tentua, Carol Leifer, Rosie O'Donnell, and Jeff Foxworthy. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
The ninth season of Frasier serves up the "payoff" for the setup established at the end of Season Eight. Once again, Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) is stuck at a romantic crossroads, torn between his devoted lover Claire (Patricia Clarkson) and his loose-cannon high school sweetheart Lana (Jean Smart). As he thrashes out this dilemma, the viewer is treated to a fantasy sequence featuring Frasier's ex-wife Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) and his former Cheers vis-à-vis Diane Chambers (welcome back, Shelley Long!) This season features the series' 200th episode, in which Frasier celebrates his 2000th broadcast as radio station KACL's resident phone-in therapist. Later, Kristin Chenoweth guest-stars as Frasier's new agent Portia Sanders, who is even more obnoxious than his former agent Bebe Glazer (Harriet Sansom Harris),if such a thing is possible. Our hero also has a run-in with Lilith's con-artist brother Blane (Michael Keaton), who claims to have turned over a new leaf and "found God". Meanwhile, Frasier's retired-cop dad Martin (John Mahoney) gets a job as night watchman, and soon has cause to regret it. Martin also tries to patch up a feud between Frasier and his neighbor Cam (Brian Stokes Mitchell) by pretending to be in love with Cam's mother Cora (Emily Yancy)--or is he just pretending? In other romantic news, the relationship between Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and Daphne (Jane Leeves) reaches a new plateau when they decide to move in together--only to un-decide when Daphne's overbearing relatives show up en masse. Similarly, Niles' elaborate preparations to propose to Daphne are squelched by the omnipresence of her whining mother (Millicent Martin). Season Nine is distinguished by several of Frasier's most memorable episodes. "Three Blind Dates" features West Wing's Allison Janney as an artist who goes out with Frasier and ends up despising him. In "Deathtrap", Frasier and Niles try to solve what they think is a murder while visiting their childhood home. And best of all, "Cheerful Goodbyes" reunites Frasier with his former Cheers compadres Cliff (John Ratzenberger), Carla (Rhea Perlman) and Norm (George Wendt). The season finale finds Niles trying to reunite Daphne's estranged parents, which causes a rift between himself and Daphne--but not so big a rift that the aren't able to run off and elope rather than go through with the lavish wedding that their families have planned: an elsewhere, longtime verbal scrappers Frasier and Roz (Peri Gilpin) end up sleeping together--much to the surprise of both! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, (more)
The Crane household is set on its ear when social-climbing Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) hires a "veddy" proper British butler named Ferguson (Victor Garber). Not only is he the perfect gentleman's gentleman, but Ferguson is also knowledge on all matters ranging from social decorum to gourmet food -- and he isn't afraid to express his opinions, albeit ever-so-respectfully. Ferguson, however, draws the line at any familiarity between employer and employee -- which does not rest well with the very "familiar" Daphne (Jane Leeves). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Niles' fractious lady friend Dr. Mel Karnofsky (Jane Adams) has no qualms about exploiting the long-standing rivalry between Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and Frasier (Kelsey Grammer). In fact, it was Mel's idea to pit brother against brother in a wine-tasting competition -- proof positive that it is high time Niles be told that Mel is definitely not the woman for him. As for the Crane boys' dad, Martin (John Mahoney), he is having trouble making peace with himself after sleeping with the widow (Anita Gillette) of one of his oldest friends. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The Crane boys -- Frasier (Kelsey Grammer), Niles (David Hyde Pierce), and Martin (John Mahoney) -- prepare to set out from Frasier's apartment to attend a New Year's Party. Several hours pass, but the Cranes have still not arrived at the party, having been stymied by all manner of silly delays (including a grease fire). Somehow or other this situation is complicated by an impromptu trip to Idaho and an inadvertently stolen vehicle. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Four African-American women deal with dating, relationships, and the many perils of being single in this sophisticated situation comedy series. Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross) is a successful 29-year-old lawyer who is bright, principled, and interested in finding the right man, but she isn't about to bend over backwards to catch him. Maya (Golden Brooks) is Joan's assistant, who is eager to learn but lacks her mentor's grace and eloquence. Lynn (Persia White) is a self-styled bohemian who knew Joan in college and has an interest in New Age philosophies as well as free love. And Toni (Jill Marie Jones) is an unabashed man chaser who is interested in anyone who's male, good looking, and has a healthy bank account. Mara Brock Akil, a writer for the series Moesha and The Jamie Foxx Show, served as both writer and executive producer for Girlfriends; actor Kelsey Grammer also was a member of the show's production team. Girlfriends first aired on the UPN network on September 11, 2000. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Season seven of Frasier came to a rousing finale with the now-legendary "Winnebago" elopement of Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) and Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves), just as Daphne was poised to wed Niles' lawyer Donny Douglas (Saul Rubinek). This of course does not rest well with Donny, who immediately initiates a lawsuit against Daphne, nor with Niles' vis-à-vis Melinda Karnofsky (Jane Adams), who has trapped the younger Crane in a humiliating sham marriage. But at least now Niles and Daphne are unafraid to tell the world that they were meant for each other all along. Meanwhile, Niles' older brother, radio shrink Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), reluctantly becomes "mentor" to station KACL's young and bumptuous new owner, Silicon Valley billionaire Kenny Daly (Tom McGowan). Later on, Frasier dates the sharkish lawyer Abby (Teri Polo), who is defending Daphne against Donny; the troublesome "Dr. Mary" (Kim Coles) returns to aggravate Frasier when he hosts Seattle's annual Christmas parade; and Frasier's son Freddy (Trevor Einhorn) endures a chaotic camping trip with his dad and his grandfather Martin (John Mahoney). In other Season Eight highlights: "Sliding Frasiers" is a takeoff of the theatrical feature Sliding Doors, offering two alternate version of Frasier and Niles' Valentine's Day adventures; Roz (Peri Gilpin) incurs Frasier's jealousy when she replaces him as narrator for her TV space documentary, hiring astronaut-politician John Glenn instead; and Jean Smart returns as Frasier's contentious high school sweetheart Lana Gardner (formerly named Lorna Lynley, at least until the NBC legal department got involved), in a two-parter in which Frasier discovers the latest love of his life, a woman named Claire (Patricia Clarkson). In the season finale, Frasier plans a romantic vacation with Claire in Belize--only to learn to his horror that Martin, Niles and Daphne plan to go along for the ride. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, (more)
This episode weaves together three separate subplots all connected to Valentine's Day. First, Niles (David Hyde Pierce) tries to make a good impression on his date by ironing just the right crease in his trousers -- and nearly burns down his apartment. Second, Frasier isn't quite certain whether the radio station's flirtatious new publicist Cassandra Stone (Virginia Madsen in her first series appearance) is coming to his apartment for business or pleasure. And finally, Daphne (Jane Leeves) bemoans her lack of a Valentine date to an understanding -- and equally lonely -- Martin (John Mahoney). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Bebe Neuwirth once more steps into the shoes and mercurial personality of Dr. Lilith Sternin, volatile ex-wife of Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer). When Frasier invites Lilith to Thanksgiving dinner with the Crane family, she is delighted, but Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and Martin (John Mahoney) are less so, especially when Frasier's son (Trevor Einhorn) seems to be conniving to get his parents back together. Martin, in fact, has two major gripes about the upcoming holiday festivities -- his second complaint centering on Daphne (Jane Leeves) and her weird menu selections. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Season Seven of Frasier opens as Daphne Moon (Janes Leeves), cockney caregiver for the Crane brothers' ex-cop dad Martin (John Mahoney), prepares to marry Niles' nutty lawyer Donny Douglas (Saul Rubinek)--if Martin and Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) will cease their meddling that is. Soon thereafter, Frasier's prickly producer Roz (Peri Gilpin) finds out how macho radio sports-talker Bulldog (Dan Butler) truly feels about her (truly, he'd love to feel about her--all over!); Frasier's ex Lillith (Bebe Neuwirth) and their son Frederick (Trevor Einhorn) descend upon Seattle for Thanksgiving; and, of utmost importance, Daphne's wedding plans hit a snag during the series Christmastime two-parter when it finally dawns upon her that Niles (David Hyde Pierce) is madly in love with her (funny, she's just about the only person in the solar system who hasn't already figured this out!) Also: Jean Smart makes her first appearance as Frasier's short-fused high school sweetheart Lorna Lynley (Smart would return, but her character would be rechristened Lana Gardner for legal reasons); Martin finds himself in the uncomfortable position of posing as the gay lover of his own son just to avoid meeting someone he'd rather not see; Kim Coles guest stars as Roz' temporary assistant, a woman who drives Frasier crazy by calling herself "Dr. Mary" and dispensing advice to his listeners--but whom Frasier is afraid to complain about because she is black. As the season closes, the day of the Daphne-Donny wedding arrives, and with it Daphne's overbearing mom Gertrude (Millicent Martin) and her mooching brother Simon (Anthony LaPaglia). And of course the last episode is a "cliffhanger"--and WHAT a cliffhanger, as Daphne runs away from her own wedding in the company of...aw, come on, you know who! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, (more)
Season seven of Frasier begins as Martin Crane (John Mahoney) celebrates another birthday. As a means of recalling happy days gone by, Martin's sons, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) and Niles (David Hyde Pierce), watch videotaped copies of their childhood home movies in which their late mother, Hester, is a key player. It so happens that Frasier's birthday party guest is his new girlfriend Mia (Rita Wilson) -- and as the evening and the home movies unwind, it becomes distressingly obvious that Mia is the living image of Hester Crane! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of their friends from the toy box return in this computer-animated sequel to the 1995 hit Toy Story. This time around, Andy, the young boy who is the proud owner of most of our cast of characters, is off at summer camp, giving the toys a few weeks off to do as they please. Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) is unaware that in the years since his model went out of production, he's become a rare and valuable collector's item. An avid toy collector (voice of Wayne Knight) decides that he wants Woody for his collection and swipes him, so Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Hamm (voice of John Ratzenberger), Rex (voice of Wallace Shawn), Slinky Dog (voice of Jim Varney), and Mr. Potato Head (voice of Don Rickles) venture forth to rescue their kidnapped friend before Andy returns. Along with most of the original voice cast, composer Randy Newman returns with a new score and new songs. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
A handful of Walt Disney's best loved characters appear in this direct-to-video release, which tells three different tales of the holiday season. First, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck are enjoying Christmas Day with their nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, when the boys wish that every day could be Christmas. Their wish comes true, and before long, they learn why the holiday only comes once a year. Next, Goofy has to teach his son about the real meaning of Christmas after Junior catches Dad impersonating Santa Claus. And Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse appear in an updated version of the O. Henry classic The Gift of the Magi, in which they both give up a prized possession in order to give their beloved something special for Christmas -- with unexpected consequences. Kelsey Grammer narrates. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Directed by Iwerks' granddaughter, this documentary seeks to highlight the cinematic accomplishments of Ub Iwerks, a forgotten genius overshadowed by the towering presence of Walt Disney. The details include his early life in Missouri, his teaming up with Disney, and the creation of his most famous work: Mickey Mouse. The film provides an in-depth look into the world of American animation during the '20s and '30s, including some rarely seen animated gems. After Iwerks left Disney to set up his own company, he became one of the key innovators of animation and helped train a future generation of cartoon masters, including Chuck Jones. Also featured are interviews with film critic Leonard Maltin and animators Mark Kausler and John Lasseter. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelsey Grammer
Ace animator Don Bluth directed this direct-to-video follow-up to his 1997 hit Anastasia, concentrating on the adventures of Bartok the Albino Bat (voice of Hank Azaria). Bartok and his best friend, Zozi the Bear (voice of Kelsey Grammer), are now making their way as street performers, but they find themselves drawn in when Prince Ivan is kidnapped by the wicked Ludmilla, who wants to get rid of the man who stands in her way as heir to the throne. Bartok and Zozi decide they must come to Prince Ivan's rescue, and they confront the evil and powerful witch Baba Yaga. Along with Azaria and Grammer, who repeat their roles from the original, Bartok the Magnificent features voice performances from Jennifer Tilly, Catherine O'Hara, and Tim Curry. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hank Azaria, Kelsey Grammer, (more)
George Orwell's political fable about corruption and betrayal in post-revolutionary Russia gets a new look in this version that employs a cast of real animals alongside digitally manipulated critters and lifelike beasts crafted by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. At the Manor Farm, the alcoholic master Mr. Jones (Pete Postlethwaite) is cruel to his animals and has horribly mismanaged the property. One night, the wise but elderly pig Old Major (voice of Peter Ustinov) gathers the animals and speaks of a remarkable dream, in which the animals throw off their tyrannical human masters and learn to reap the fruits of their own labors. After Old Major's death, two other pigs, Snowball (voice of Kelsey Grammer) and Napoleon (voice of Patrick Stewart) lead a revolution that drives Jones from his land and leaves the animals in charge of their own destiny. After their revolt, Snowball and Napoleon rule side by side, but Napoleon soon becomes drunk with power and squeezes Snowball out of authority, eventually turning the other animals against him. With Boxer (voice of Paul Scofield), a simple-minded but loyal and physically powerful horse, as a role model, Napoleon leads the animals on a campaign of self-denial and hard work that will bring them security and freedom; however, it soon becomes obvious that Napoleon is growing fat while the other animals are starving, and he is quickly becoming the sort of creature he once waged war against. Animal Farm received its American premiere on the TNT cable TV network in October 1999; it opened as a theatrical release in several other countries shortly afterward. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Pete Postlethwaite, Kelsey Grammer, (more)
An artist struggles against the vulgarity of the film industry and the eccentricities of his friends and loved ones in this independent comedy. Caleb (Bradford Tatum) is a promising sculptor who is contacted by noted filmmaker Richard Verk (Kelsey Grammer) with an unusual assignment -- he needs someone to construct a prosthesis of a woman's genitals for an upcoming project. This is the last sort of job Caleb is looking for, but the pay is good and with a house payment due, he swallows his pride and accepts the offer. Caleb's girlfriend Erica (Meredith Scott Lynn) is not at all pleased; an aspiring actress, she has serious issues with the film industry's sexual objectification of women, and prefers not to be confronted with a symbol of this when she comes home at night. It doesn't help that Caleb and Erica's sex life has been in something of a slump and they've been quarrelling about their physical needs -- or that their new neighbor Camille (Lauren Fox) is obviously infatuated with Caleb. Meanwhile, Caleb's friend Jason (Jason Priestly) has problems of his own; his significant other of all of two days is pregnant, and just when he decided he liked the idea of bringing up baby, she decides to have an abortion. Standing on Fishes was written and directed by its stars Bradford Tatum and Meredith Scott Lynn (Tatum also wrote the screenplay) and was shown at the 1999 South by Southwest Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bradford Tatum, Meredith Scott Lynn, (more)
The Christmas season affords Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) yet another opportunity to advance his love life -- or bollix it up. It all starts when Frasier is rescued from an embarrassing shopping blunder by a certain Mrs. Helen Moskowitz (Carole Shelley). This leads to a deepening relationship between Frasier and Helen's attractive daughter Faye (played by future Judging Amy star Amy Brenneman). The trick now is to convince Mrs. Moskowitz's that Frasier is Jewish! This episode won an Emmy Award for writer Jay Kogen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
British director Vadim Jean helmed this British-Canadian family comedy about former private eye Howard Spitz (Kelsey Grammer), who writes hardboiled detective novels. Unfortunately, Spitz's creative juices are drying up. His agent Lou (Joseph Rutten) suggests a switch to self-help manuals, but after Howard meets children's author Theodora Winkle (Kay Tremblay) and gets input on kid lit from Samantha Kershaw (Genevieve Tessier), he begins writing about cow detective Crafty Cow, and the character is a success. However, Howard doesn't like children, so he hires an actor (Patrick McKenna) to substitute for him at public appearances. Howard, Samantha, and Samantha's single mom Laura (Amanda Donohoe) then leave on a trip to find Samantha's dad in L.A. Shown at the 1998 Mill Valley Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelsey Grammer, Amanda Donohoe, (more)
No longer a fish out of water in Seattle, Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) begins this season believing that his life is going smoothly, for once. The rug is pulled out from beneath him, however, when the most recent in a string of KACL-related events -- this time, the radio station is changed to a salsa format -- leaves him without a job. Much of the season's first half follows a thoroughly disconcerted Frasier as he goes back and forth between pining after his former job and searching for a new one. Though he is eventually hired back, the rest of the season is hardly an easy path. There's Niles (David Hyde Pierce), whose long-standing attraction to Daphne (Jane Leeves) leaves him lonelier and more confused after she becomes romantically involved with his divorce lawyer (Saul Rubinek); Martin (John Mahoney), who has his own romantic ups and downs; and, of course, Frasier, who has switched his focus from his woes with KACL to deciding which of the two women he is currently dating makes a better candidate for a long-term relationship. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, (more)
Although his marriage to Maris is all but kaput, Niles (David Hyde Pierce) is still too chicken to declare his love for Daphne (Jane Leeves). Just when he has worked up enough courage to ask Daphne for a date, Niles gets cold feet, begging off by claiming to be having dinner at his home with another woman. Alas, this deception threatens to explode in Niles' face when Daphne shows up at his apartment offering to prepare dinner for his imaginary date. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide























