Beloved ‘Frasier’ Actor Passes Away

Veteran actor John Mahoney passed away this Sunday after a short illness. The 77-year-old’s death was announced by his publicist.

Mahoney had an expansive acting career but was best known for his roles as Marty Crane, the father of Niles and Frasier Crane on the beloved long-running NBC sitcom.

Peri Gilpin, who played Roz on Frasier, tweeted out her sorrow over Mahoney’s passing. She encouraged fans to watch his performances and remember the man she thought so highly of.

Mahoney was born in England but moved to the United States after World War II. His sister was a war bride and sponsored him. He served in the United States Army and became a citizen in 1959. He taught English in college and was a medical orderly before deciding he wanted to become an actor.

At 37, he decided to make a career out of acting. At the time, many felt this was too old for a career change, but the stage was calling Mahoney and he listened. He started on the stage before heading to film. He was an ensemble member of the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago for 39 years.

He acted in numerous films, television shows, and a tremendous amount of plays, but to most people, he will always be retired cop Marty Frasier. In the tweeted video clip below, he gives advice about seeking happiness to Frasier. It’s a rather profound scene given the fact that Mahoney changed careers later in life.

It’s hard to think about Marty Crane without remembering Eddie, the ever-present Jack Russell terrier that he loved so much. Eddie was a loyal companion to Marty and the feeling was reciprocated. The hilarious video below shows how much Eddie and Marty have in common in regards to communicating with Niles and Frasier.

Share this if you are praying for John Mahoney’s friends and family during their time of grief!

Source: CNN