DALLAS, Apr 9, 2004/ FW/ --- After 20 years of portraying Dr. Frasier Crane, Kelsey Grammer (see photo at left) is giving the famous radio psychologist a sabbatical. On May 13, the final episode of the award-winning sitcom will air its final episode, Paramount Network Television announced last Wednesday.

Frasier, which was first aired on September 23, 2004 on NBC, has won 31 Emmy’s so far during its 11-year run.

A spin-off of “Cheers,” another sitcom, “Frasier” is based on the character of Dr. Frasier Crane who moved back to Seattle, his hometown after years of living in Boston (the setting of Cheers) and divorcing his wife Lilith, who has also made guest appearances in the show.

Kelsey Grammer who plays Frasier had given life to the character in three TV shows – Frasier, Cheers and Wings, wherein he had been nominated for 12 Emmy’s. Grammer had won three Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes for his portrayal of the Ivy-league trained, intellectual, egotistical yet very lovable Dr. Crane.

Portraying the character for 20 years, tied on with actor James Arness in “Gunsmoke,” Grammer reached a milestone in television history.

Known for its great dialogues and one-liners, Frasier had even made fun of the fashion world.

In one episode, Frasier was bemoaning the “loss” of one of his pairs of shoes wherein he exclaimed to Niles, “They’re Joan & David.” And Niles retorts, “You named them?”

An early episode, when Niles was still married to his absentee wife Maris (who never appeared in the show by the way but always talked about), Niles was telling everyone that Maris had gone to the Holy Land.

In a casual conversation with Frasier, Niles told his brother that Maris was in Dallas. Frasier immediately said, “But I thought you said that Maris went to the Holy Land.” And Niles immediately replied, “Yes, Dallas, the holy land of shopping. The first Neiman Marcus was established there.”

One great aspect of the show is that everyone can play the “straight man” to a comedic situation. So, to the viewers, it is always a pleasant surprise who is playing comedian in a “situation.”

Each character, Frasier, Niles (Frasier’s brother played by David Hyde Pierce), Martin (Frasier & Niles father played by John Mahoney), Daphne Moon (home-care worker played by Jane Leeves) and Roz Doyle (radio producer played by Peri Gilpin) are gifted comedians in their own right. Put them all together in one show, and you have seen the result – a critically acclaimed long running series.

(Photo at right: Cast of Frasier)