Juicy Insight: The Real Reason Kelsey Grammer Excluded Daphne from Frasier

Summary

Grammer initially rejected the idea of having Jane Leeves' character, Daphne Moon, on Frasier, fearing it would hurt the show's success.

Daphne's role on Frasier was a resounding success, enriching the show's plot and introducing a beloved character who confronted Frasier's haughtiness.

Regrettably, Daphne will not be part of the Frasier reboot, although there is a chance for a special appearance if there is sufficient demand. As the reboot is set in Boston, it seems improbable that Daphne will make an appearance.

Daphne Moon, portrayed by Jane Leeves, is a beloved and integral character in the renowned sitcom Frasier. However, Kelsey Grammer initially rejected the idea of her being part of the show. Frasier centers around the life of a recently divorced psychiatrist who moves to Seattle to host a radio show, but its essence lies in the exploration of family dynamics. When Frasier's father, Martin, a retired police officer, moves in with him, their contrasting personalities begin to find common ground. This prompts the arrival of Daphne, who becomes Martin's live-in physical therapist. Although Frasier is initially reluctant to embrace Daphne's quirky nature, his equally snobbish brother, Niles, is instantly captivated.

Despite Daphne Moon's rapid rise to iconic status in the television sitcom, Kelsey Grammer initially had reservations about incorporating Jane Leeves' character into Frasier. As a spinoff of Cheers, the writers were under immense pressure to create a worthy successor to the beloved Boston-based sitcom. Grammer, who reprises his role as Dr. Frasier Crane, already harbored doubts about returning to the character and was apprehensive that Daphne could adversely affect the show. The show's co-creator has openly acknowledged the reasons behind Grammer's initial objections, ultimately admitting his error. This raises the question of whether Jane Leeves will make a comeback in the Kelsey Grammer Frasier reboot.

Kelsey Grammer's Problem With Daphne

Grammer was initially hesitant to approve the character of Jane Leeves for Frasier, as he worried that having an English "housekeeper" would resemble the sitcom Nanny and the Professor, which he disliked. Despite arguments from the creators that Frasier and Daphne's relationship was different, Grammer was still reluctant to read the script with Leeves. He asked the creators to wait outside while he worked privately with Leeves. After just a minute, Grammer emerged and quickly left, saying only two words: "She's in."

Daphne Ended Up Being A Hit

Frasier icon Kelsey Grammer may have been initially apprehensive about Jane Leeves, but his concerns proved unfounded. Daphne, with her quirky tendencies and claims of psychic abilities, quickly became like family to Frasier, and Niles' long-standing infatuation blossomed into a perfect relationship. Daphne's presence played a significant role in Frasier's success, as it added depth and avoided the clichéd stereotype of a Hispanic maid. Throughout the series, Daphne grounded the snobbish psychiatrist and their friendship remained strictly platonic, a rarity in sitcoms involving opposite-sex best friends. Grammer later admitted that his fears vanished once he began working with Leeves, resulting in one of the most exceptional dynamics in sitcom history. Jane Leeves appeared in 257 out of 263 episodes of Frasier, only taking a brief break in season 8 for maternity leave.

Will Daphne Be In The Frasier Reboot?

Niles Crane has already been confirmed to not be included in the Frasier reboot; unfortunately, the beloved character of Jane Leeves, Daphne, will also be absent (via Today). Kelsey Grammer, who stars in Frasier, mentioned that Daphne will not appear in the reboot, stating, "If there is an opportunity for a brief cameo and they express interest, we might consider something like that. However, the landscape has changed." The Frasier reboot will be set in Boston instead of Seattle, making it unlikely for Daphne to have a role. Nevertheless, the challenge for the reboot will be to make the audience move past the iconic character and embrace the new storyline.