John Mahoney Has Left The Building

I love comedy, and one of my great indulgences, when I have the time, is to watch Channel 4 on a weekday morning when 3 episodes of Frasier are screened over 90 minutes. It is my absolute favourite on every level. I am particularly fond of the episodes written by Christopher Lloyd.



And so I was saddened to learn this morning of the passing of John Mahoney, the English-born and highly esteemed actor who played the role of Martin Crane, Frasier's father. Like every character in the show, Martin was indispensable to every plot. This was the most beautifully written and played character.

Interestingly, Mahoney didn't even want to read for the part; he had bad experiences with tv sitcoms in the past. However, when he did read the first script he realised that this role would define his career.

I tend to analyse comedy somewhat, and the beauty of Frasier is that it rewards repeat viewings. There are episodes I have watched at least 3 times, and always I find something new. Funnily, when Frasier Crane first appeared as a character in Cheers I didn't like him at all. The character was somewhat out of place, and I found him an irritating distraction. I would now say that I would consider Frasier to sit alongside Fawlty Towers as one of the greatest comedy series of all time.

The dynamics between Martin, a disabled former police officer, and the other characters were just wonderful. His dog, Eddie, was a prop utilised to perfection. But what I have always enjoyed most of all is the relationship between Martin and his housekeeper, Daphne, played brilliantly by Jane Leeves.

An intensely private man - even his co-stars knew nothing of his personal life - he passed away in a Chicago hospice after a short illness. He will be much missed, but he will continue to make us laugh for decades to come.