John Mahoney passed away this week from cancer at the age of 77. Originally born in the UK, Mahoney earned his US citizenship serving in the armed forces. A veteran of the stage his entire acting career, Mahoney was one of film’s best character actors in the 1980s and 1990s in films like Say Anything, In the Line of Fire, and The American President before transitioning to television. His career-defining role was in the most successful spin-off in television history, Frasier, playing the cranky father of fussy psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane for 11 seasons. Mahoney spent most of the rest of his career as a high-caliber addition to limited series and guest starring in shows while splitting time returning to his roots onstage. His legacy as one of television’s most beloved and memorable fathers is perhaps best summed up by the reaction to his death by actor Kelsey Grammer, who played his son for over a decade. “He was my father,” Grammer said. “I loved him.”

John Mahoney’s 10 Best Movies
1. Frasier (1993-2004, NBC) Martin Crane
2. In the Line of Fire (1993) Sam Campagna
3. The American President (1995) Leo Solomon
4. Primal Fear (1996) John Shaughnessy
5. The Iron Giant (1999) General Rogard
6. Say Anything (1989) James Court
7. Eight Men Out (1988) William “Kid” Gleason
8. Moonstruck (1987) Perry
9. Dan in Real Life (2007) Poppy
10. Barton Fink (1991) W.P. Matthew
Honorable Mention: Frantic (1988) US Embassy Official

Oscars, Golden Globes & Emmys

Oscar Wins (0): None

Oscar Nominations (0): None

Golden Globe Wins (0): None

Golden Globe Nominations (2): Frasier (1994, 2001)

Emmy Wins (0): None

Emmy Nominations (2): Frasier (1999, 2003)

My Favorite Mahoney Scene:
“It’s Only a Chair” Frasier Season One (1994)

Next Film: Mahoney’s final appearance in television or film was in 2015 in a guest appearance on the BBC drama Foyle’s War.