LOS ANGELES — Kelsey Grammer, known for his role as Dr. Frasier Crane, expressed his hopes of having longtime “Cheers” co-star Shelley Long appear in the reboot of the hit series “Frasier.” Grammer, 68, who portrayed the pompous psychiatrist Frasier Crane in both “Cheers” and its spinoff “Frasier,” shared his desire for the return of Long’s character, Diane Chambers, during a recent appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
The iconic ’80s sitcom “Cheers” featured the intellectual Diane and Frasier who were engaged before ultimately breaking up. Grammer’s character then moved to Seattle, along with his father Martin Crane and brother Dr. Niles Crane, where the spinoff series “Frasier” took place.
In the revival of “Frasier,” which premiered last year, Grammer’s character returned to Boston to reconnect with his adult son Freddie, portrayed by Jack Cutmore-Scott. During his interview with Clarkson, Grammer described how much Diane’s character meant to him, stating that his love for her was integral to Frasier’s personality, adding humor to the show.
Shelley Long had previously appeared in three episodes of “Frasier” from 1994 to 2001, and several other original series characters returned for the reboot, including Bebe Neuwirth as Dr. Lilith Sternin and Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle. However, David Hyde Pierce, who played the role of Dr. Niles Crane, declined to join the reboot, stating that he wanted to pursue other projects and believed that the show did not need his character anymore.
Grammer expressed excitement about the new direction of the show and the introduction of new characters, stating that he believed the reboot was doing well with its fresh additions. With the success of the “Frasier” reboot, Grammer’s wish for Shelley Long’s involvement could potentially bring back fond memories for fans of both “Cheers” and “Frasier.”
In conclusion, Kelsey Grammer, the star of the “Frasier” reboot, expressed his desire to have Shelley Long, his former co-star from “Cheers,” make an appearance on the show. The iconic characters of Diane Chambers and Frasier Crane captivated audiences in the ’80s, and Grammer believes that their reunion could create a compelling storyline. While other original cast members have returned for the reboot, David Hyde Pierce declined the opportunity, but Grammer supports the show’s fresh direction and new characters. With its successful revival, “Frasier” fans eagerly await any updates regarding a potential reunion between Diane and Frasier.