A STAR of hit comedy Frasier has shared why they will never return for the reboot series – claiming ‘it wouldn’t feel right’.
A revival of the beloved sitcom – with Kelsey Grammer returning as Frasier Crane – began streaming on Paramount+ in October 2023.
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Airing from 1993 to 2004, the show – a spin-off of Cheers – followed Frasier as he returned to his hometown Seattle as a radio host.
One star who won’t be returning in the sequel series is Wendie Malick.
She played Ronee Lawrence, Frasier‘s childhood babysitter – who went on to marry his dad Martin.
Speaking to TV Insider, Wendie admitted a return “wouldn’t feel right” following former co-star John Mahoney’s death.
John, who played Martin Crane, died back in 2018 aged 77.
Wendie said: “I just don’t think it would feel right.
“I had such a connection to John Mahoney playing his love interest and finally marrying him that I’m not sure that I want to revisit that.
“That was something that was such a lovely ride, and that season was so much fun and I was honoured to be part of it.”
Offering a shred of hope to fans, she concluded: “Never say never, but that’s my gut feeling.”
Meanwhile, Wendie isn’t the only original series star absent in the Paramount+ revival.
David Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier‘s brother Niles, has also yet to make an appearance.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, David opened up about his decision to not reprise the role.
He said: “I never really wanted to go back.
“It’s not like I said, ‘Oh, I don’t ever want to do that again.’ I loved every moment.
Best 90s comedies
By Conor O’Brien
The 90s had no shortage of laugh-out-loud TV comedies for viewers to enjoy. Here is a look at some of the very best:
- Friends (1994 to 2004): This iconic NBC sitcom starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc as a group of pals living in New York City. The show followed them through life, love and general chaos of late 20s/early 30s. It ran for 10 seasons.
- Sex and the City (1998 to 2004): Following the lives of four female friends living in New York City, Sarah Jessica Parker led the cast as newspaper columnist Carrie Bradshaw. The show aired for six seasons on HBO.
- Mr. Bean (1990 to 1995): Starring Rowan Atkinson as his beloved title character, the series follows Mr Bean as he faces struggles in everyday tasks. The show collectively consists of 15 episodes, aired on ITV. Its success led to feature films Bean (1997) and Mr Bean’s Holiday (2007), as well as an animated iteration.
- The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (1990 to 1996): Before his successful film career, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air was Will Smith’s big acting break. He played a streetwise Philadelphia teenager sent to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in Bel Air, California, after getting into a fight. The show ran for six seasons on NBC.
- Frasier (1993 to 2004): Originating as a spin-off of Cheers, the successful comedy Frasier saw Kelsey Grammer reprise the title role. It fleshed out the fan favourite’s life, with the addition of his brother and father. The show aired for 11 seasons on NBC – and a revival began airing on Paramount+ in 2023.
- The Royle Family (1998 to 2012): Co-written by Craig Cash and the late Caroline Aherne, this classic British sitcom centred on a television-fixated Manchester family, the Royles. Led by father Jim (Ricky Tomlinson) and mother Barbara (Sue Johnston), much of the action takes place in the family’s living room.
- Home Improvement (1991 to 1999): In Tim Allen’s first starring role, he headed up of the cast of this beloved ABC comedy. The comedian played Tim “Tool Man” Taylor, a self-proclaimed expert in power tools and DIY – often with disastrous results. Along the way, Tim also receives guidance from his wise neighbour Wilson (Earl Hindman).
“It was that I wanted to do other things.”
Returning cast members so far include Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle and Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith Sternin.
The new cast comprises Nicholas Lyndhurst, Jack Cutmore-Scott, Toks Olagundoye, Jess Salgueiro and Anders Keith.
Frasier is available to stream on Paramount+.
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