The last couple of years have seen the deaths of some unforgettable figures in showbiz, known for their work on everything from the big screen to the small screen to the stage. Now we have some sad news about one of the most beloved actors from the hit sitcom Frasier. John Mahoney, who played Martin on the long-running comedy, has passed away. He was 77 years old.
John Mahoney died on Sunday, February 4 at the age of 77. No details are currently available about the cause of death, but his passing was likely not unexpected by those closest to him. Mahoney's publicist confirms that the actor was in hospice at the time of his death, according to TMZ. He died in Chicago, Illinois.
Although John Mahoney enjoyed a long and successful career in film, television, and theater, he's undoubtedly best known for playing Martin Crane over the 11 seasons of Frasier from 1993-2004. Martin was an army veteran and retired Seattle police detective who moved in with his son after being shot in the hip while on the job and forced into retirement. Unable to live by himself due to his injury, Martin makes a home with his son and becomes close with his live-in physical therapist, Daphne Moon.
As Martin Crane, John Mahoney delivered a lot of the laughs over the years of the show, not least because of how different he was from both of his children. He became an indispensable part of the series, and we can be sure that Frasier would not be nearly beloved as it is or perhaps lasted as long as it did without Mahoney on board. Check out one of his most entertaining scenes:
Prior to his passing, John Mahoney's most recent work on the small screen was a part in an episode of the British period detective drama Foyle's War in 2015, which was set in the era around World War II. His most recent comedic performances came from the sitcom Hot in Cleveland. On Hot in Cleveland, Mahoney played a character by the name of Roy for six episodes. Fans of Mahoney's from his Frasier days got to see him back at his comedic best on that show. We can be sure that he'll be missed by those who knew him and were fans of his work.
Our thoughts here at CinemaBlend are with the friends, family, and loved ones of John Mahoney in what must be a difficult time. If you're now in the mood to rewatch (or watch for the first time) episodes of Frasier, you're in luck. The entire series is available streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Be sure to check out one of these streaming services to see John Mahoney in action as Martin Crane. For other viewing options, don't forget to swing by our midseason TV premiere guide.
