With his new movie,Jesus Revolutioncoming out on February 24, it only seems right to dive in and see the marvelous works ofKelsey Grammer.InJesus Revolution, Grammer plays the real-lifechurch pastor icon, Chuck Smith, who founded the Calvary Chapel movement in the 1960s, and is moved to expand his church after meeting a hippie of faith, played byThe Chosen’sJonathan Roumie.
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Grammer has not always played such wholesome individuals in his career, though. His roles have ranged from a cartoon killer sideshow act inThe Simpsonsto a super intelligent mutant in theX-Men series, and everything in between. Grammer continually demonstrates how much talent he holds.
10’The God Committee' (2021)
WithThe God Committee, Grammer plays a doctor who is part of a committee charged with making the difficult decision about which of three individuals will receive a life-saving heart transplant.The stress and anxiety follow these committee membersfor years, as the film follows them.
Along with Grammer, on the committee isJulia StilesandJaneane Garofalo. Seeing the emotional depth of each of these characters is truly a beautiful thing to watch as each demonstrates a sincere heart of compassion. The emotional struggles they face are both devastating and inspiring.
9’The Simpsons' (1989-Present)
In one of the longest-running shows on television,The Simpsonswas wherethe amazingly awful character of Sideshow Bobwas created. Grammer voiced this wildly murderous and horrifically inappropriate character with perfection.
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He attempted to frame his clown boss, Krusty the Clown, but is foiled by Bart, and Bob ends up going to prison. While there, Bob begins a long-standing feud with Bart as well as plotting his demise. Despite Bob’s consistent villainy, he always comes to his senses… or just gets arrested again.
8’Down Periscope' (1996)
In one of Grammer’s most whimsical films,Down Periscopeis an excellent mixture of silly, goofy, and downright ridiculous! Grammer portrays Lt. Commander Thomas Dodge attempting to get promoted to captain of the submarine command program.
Along with Grammer is a truly dynamite and eclectic cast ofLauren Holly,Rip Torn,Bruce Dern,Harland Williams,William H. Macy, and many others. This film shows that even subject matter that can be seen as rather serious can be approached with a sense of humor, as well.
7’Cheers' (1982-1993)
It was in this delightful show where we first got the honor of meetingDr. Frasier Crane. He was a somewhat soft-spoken and nerdy intellectual, but his dweeby mentality broke right into our hearts and became so beloved by any and all who watched as he graced the screen.
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For many the years as he starred onCheers, he became a fan favorite of the bar where everybody knows your name. He went on to star as the same character on his own show, as well as guest star as the same on other shows, also. His quirkiness was so beloved thathe is coming back for a rebootlater this year.
6’Anastasia' (1997)
In one of his most endearing roles, Grammer here lends his voice to the character of Vladimir Vasilovich, a former nobleman-turned-con artist. Along with his con-artist friend and partner in crime, Dimitri (John Cusack), they work together to try and con Anastasia’s grandmother.
As the story continues, though, truths are revealed and surprise even the con artists. Cusack and Grammer learn and grow so much through this story, andthey become involved in the beautiful truthof the history and excitement learning the truth of the Romanov family mystery.
5’Frasier' (1993-2004)
The famous radio psychologist, Dr. Frasier Crane is a household name. What began as an ancillary role on the showCheers, became a wildly successful spin-off spearheaded by Grammer playing the titular character. The popularity of the show wasonly eclipsed by its sheer hilarityand silly antics.
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It is interesting to note that Grammer’s portrayal of Frasier Crane was nominated for Best Actor or Supporting Actor Emmy Awards across three separate shows. Outstanding Supporting Actor for bothCheersand a guest appearance onWings, and Outstanding Lead Actor forFrasier.
4’X-Men' Franchise: ‘The Last Stand’ (2006), ‘Days of Future Past’ (2014)
In these films from theX-Menfranchise, Grammer played the character of The Beast/Hank McCoy to absolute perfection. As ahighly intelligent biochemist with PhDs in biophysicsand genetics, Beast often serves as a field medic and in-house physician for the whole team.
In portraying Beast, Grammer seems to have brought in some of his intellectual acumen from his years of perfecting the Frasier Crane character. While others have portrayed the character of Beast, none have done so with such absolute perfection as Grammer did in these films.
3’Boss' (2011-2012)
In a departure from the majority of his work, Grammer here portrays a current Governor of Chicago struggling with an early diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies. As he struggles to conceal the diagnosis from everyone around him, he also attempts to find a suitable replacement for him.
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Along with a cast being rounded out byJonathan Groff,Connie Nielsen,Hannah Ware, andMartin Donovan,Boss, while short-lived, was one that packed quite an emotional punch. Lasting only two seasons but winning Grammer a Golden Globe for Best Actor, it is truly worth binging.
2’Like Father' (2018)
This is truly an inspiring redemption story.Kristen Bellis a workaholic who has her husband walk away from the altar because he realized she would never be able to commit to him fully. Grammer is her deadbeat and estranged father. They reconnect, and they learn to grow together and individually.
After her almost-husband walks away from the altar, Bell and Grammer’s characters decide to go on the pre-paid honeymoon cruise together in an attempt to become close once again. Through a series of wacky hijinks and silly antics,the two become close and their relationship redeemed.
1’Reach Me' (2014)
InReach Me, we see an ensemble cast of Grammer along withSylvester Stallone,Kyra Sedgwick,Terry Crews,Kevin Connolly,Thomas Jane, andLauren Cohanas a diverse group of individuals inspired by a recent self-help book. Despite a knockout cast, the film struggled greatly with critics.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a horrificallydismal approval rating of a staggering 4% only. While the cast is amazing, and the concept for the film is fairly original and inspiring, the story struggles with coherence. Despite all of that, however, it is still a marvelous performance from Grammer.
