Kelsey Grammer reveals why David Hyde Pierce won’t be on ‘Frasier’

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Kelsey Grammer admits David Hyde Pierce didn’t want to return to the ‘Frasier’ revival.

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The 67-year-old actor is reprising his role as Frasier Crane in the beloved “Cheers” spin-off sequel series, but David, who played his brother Niles on the sitcom, has decided not to get involved.

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Kelsey told PEOPLE magazine:

The original idea for the revival, which had been in the “six or seven years” pipeline, was to bring back all the so-called “legacy cast”, including Kelsey and David, as well as Peri Gilpin (Roz Doyle). Jane Reeves (Daphne Moon) and the late John Mahoney (Martin Crane) passed away in 2018.

However, Kelsey, who is set to begin rehearsals with a new cast in February 2023, admitted that David’s decision changed plans for the Paramount + series.

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He explains: It’s a whole new life for him. ”

Fans aren’t quite sure what to expect when Kelsey, who has played him for 11 seasons as a radio psychiatrist in Seattle, returns as Frasier.

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However, the actor teased:

“I am very excited about it and we will always respect the past.

“We have to respect the fact that John Mahoney has passed away and Martin is no longer with us.

Meanwhile, they also explain the lack of other staples from the original run.

He added: But a new world for Frasier was one of new friendships, and there were still some new twists and turns he didn’t know about. ”