John Mahoney ('Frasier's' Father) Guarded His Privacy: A Look Back 7 Years After His Tragic Death

Photo byClassic TV Preservation Society

It's been six years since actor John Mahoney succumbed to a brain disease and lung cancer. Best known as Martin Crane, Kelsey Grammar's beloved TV father on the original Fraiser sitcom (NBC, 1994-2005), Mahoney was 77 years old when he died. This is his story.

A Closer Look

John Mahoney was born in Blackpool, UK, where his pregnant mother had been evacuated to escape Nazi bombing raids. He relocated to Chicago as a young man, served in the U.S. Army for three years, and lost his British accent.

In his 40s, he became an actor, inspired by fellow thespians John Malkovich and Gary Sinise who invited him to join the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He remained a member for 39 years and a subsequent participant in the Chicago theatre world.

Irish Roots, Private Life

John Mahoney came from an Irish family, who cherished and encouraged privacy. When Frasier ended, he returned to Chicago and the Steppenwolf Theatre.

The irony, of course, is that Frasier remains one of the most popular and successful sitcoms in history. When the series ended in 2004, 33 million tuned in for its finale. With 37 Emmy awards, the series held the record for most Emmy wins by a scripted series until HBO's Game of Thrones took the crown in 2016.

Rebooted in 2023, the new Frasier isn't the same without John Mahoney.