Kelsey Grammer explains how 'Frasier' revival honors Kirstie Alley

Kelsey Grammer Pays Tribute to Late Co-Star Kirstie Alley as 'Frasier' Returns to Our Screens

As the highly anticipated return of "Frasier" approaches, Kelsey Grammer has taken the time to pay tribute to his late co-star Kirstie Alley, who played bar manager Rebecca Howe in the iconic NBC sitcom "Cheers." Alley passed away last December at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of award-winning performances and unforgettable characters.

Grammer, who played psychiatrist Frasier Crane in both "Cheers" and "Frasier," spoke to USA Today about Alley's impact on the show and his hopes for the new version of "Frasier." While Rebecca Howe never appeared in the spinoff, Grammer says that her spirit still lives on in the show's new incarnation.

"When Kirstie died, I was pretty upset about it because I really loved her," Grammer said. "She was a magnificent person and gave a wonderful performance in 'Cheers.' She was remarkable – I mean, the stuff she could pull off. So I did say to the writers of this incarnation of 'Frasier,' I said, 'If we find a character that can do what Kirstie Alley did in 'Cheers,' we will be a very lucky group of people.' So it is in the back of our minds."

Alley joined the cast of "Cheers" in its sixth season, replacing Shelley Long as bar manager. Grammer remembers the impact she had on the show, saying, "They brought in this new girl, Kirstie, and she lit up the room...I just adored her."

"Frasier" ran for 11 seasons and was a ratings phenomenon, drawing in over 25 million viewers for its series finale. While there was talk of doing another season or two, Grammer says that it was ultimately decided that 11 seasons was the perfect number.

However, the recent success of TV reboots such as ABC's "Roseanne" has led Grammer to believe that "Frasier" still has something to offer modern audiences. The revival will see Frasier return to Boston, where "Cheers" was set, and introduce new characters such as Alan Cornwall (Nicholas Lyndhurst), a university professor and Frasier's college friend.

"His chief relationship was really with his brother in the previous show, and Niles is not going to be part of it. So I'm very excited about the idea that he actually has an equal: a person who's his pal," Grammer said.

Despite the absence of some original cast members, Grammer is excited about the new version of "Frasier" and the opportunity to bring the beloved character back to our screens. He describes it as Frasier Crane's "fourth act," and hopes that it will be just as funny and entertaining as the original series.

Before "Frasier" returns, Grammer can be seen in the faith-based drama "Jesus Revolution," in which he plays pastor Chuck Smith. The film is set to be released in theaters on February 24th.

As fans eagerly await the return of "Frasier," it is clear that the legacy of the show and its unforgettable characters lives on. While we may never see Rebecca Howe on our screens again, her spirit will undoubtedly be felt in the new version of the show, as Frasier embarks on his latest adventure with a new cast of characters by his side.As the news of the "Frasier" revival continues to excite fans of the classic sitcom, it's clear that the show's original cast members will be missed. However, Kelsey Grammer, who plays the titular character, is promising to deliver a fresh and funny take on the beloved show. In a recent interview with USA Today, he shared some insights on the upcoming series and how it will pay tribute to the late Kirstie Alley.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the "Frasier" revival is who will be joining the cast. Grammer revealed that several new characters will be introduced, including Alan Cornwall, a college friend of Frasier's who will be played by Nicholas Lyndhurst. While some fans may be disappointed that original cast members such as David Hyde Pierce (Niles Crane) won't be returning, Grammer believes that the new characters will bring a fresh perspective to the show.

One of the most exciting aspects of the "Frasier" revival is the opportunity to pay tribute to the late Kirstie Alley, who played Rebecca Howe on "Cheers" and later on "Frasier." Grammer and Alley had a close friendship, and he has made it clear that her spirit will be present in the new series. He told USA Today that if they find a character that can do what Alley did in "Cheers," they will be a "very lucky group of people." While it's unclear exactly how they will pay tribute to Alley, fans can expect the new series to honor her in some way.

Despite the absence of some of the original cast members, fans can rest assured that the humor and heart that made "Frasier" a classic will be present in the revival. Grammer is excited to explore a new chapter in Frasier's life, and he's confident that fans will enjoy the journey. "Frasier Crane's fourth act" will see the character returning to Boston, where "Cheers" was set, and reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Grammer believes that Frasier's new friend Alan will be a great addition to the show, and he's excited to see how their dynamic will unfold.

Of course, as with any revival or reboot, there are always concerns about whether the new series will live up to the original. However, Grammer is confident that the new series will be a success. He points to the recent revival of "Roseanne" as proof that classic characters can still resonate with modern audiences. While the "Frasier" revival will have a different feel than the original series, fans can expect the same level of humor, heart, and clever writing that made the show a classic.

As fans eagerly await the "Frasier" revival, they can look forward to seeing Kelsey Grammer on the big screen in the upcoming faith-based drama "Jesus Revolution." In the film, Grammer plays Pastor Chuck Smith, a key figure in the Jesus People movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film tells the story of a group of young people who are inspired to turn their lives around after encountering Jesus, and Grammer's character plays a crucial role in their journey.

While "Jesus Revolution" is a departure from the comedic roles that Grammer is best known for, he sees the film as an opportunity to explore a different side of his acting abilities. "It's an amazing story," he told USA Today. "It's something I never thought I would do, but the story was so powerful, I just had to be part of it." For Grammer, the opportunity to play a real-life figure who played a significant role in the Jesus People movement was a chance to delve into a different type of character and tell an inspiring story.