April 29th 2024.
Frasier first graced our screens in 1993, and for 11 seasons we were captivated by the witty banter and comedic genius of Kelsey Grammer as the titular character, alongside Peri Gilpin, David Hyde Pierce, and Jane Leeves. The show was a spin-off of Cheers, another beloved sitcom, and quickly became a fan favorite.
But did you know that there was almost another spin-off added to the Frasier universe, focusing on one of the show's most surprising characters? That's right, Jean Smart, who played Frasier's high school crush Lana Gardner, revealed that there were plans to give her character a show of her own. Lana appeared in a total of seven episodes throughout seasons seven and nine, and her explosive temper and unexpected reappearances made her a standout character.
Jean Smart shared that she was told the creators were considering a spin-off for Lana and her son, but ultimately the idea was scrapped due to financial feasibility. The show would have had to pay not only the producers of Frasier, but also those of Cheers, making it too costly. Despite this missed opportunity, Jean still had a blast playing Lana and even won two Emmy awards for her guest appearances.
Lana first made her debut in season seven, when a flustered Frasier was pleasantly surprised when she agreed to go on a date with him, years after their time in high school together. However, his crush quickly deteriorated after witnessing her explosive temper. In season eight, Lana blackmailed Frasier into tutoring her son in exchange for a friend's phone number, leading to more comedic moments between the two.
Last year, Kelsey Grammer reprised his iconic role for a revival of the show that was met with mixed reactions. However, Kelsey expressed feeling "vindicated" when the show was renewed for a second season, stating that he knew they could do it well and didn't want to just recreate the same show. He also teased that there may be more surprises in store for Frasier's story.
Perhaps Lana could make a comeback in the upcoming episodes? Only time will tell. Do you have a favorite Frasier moment or character? Share with us in the comments. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, we'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with the entertainment team at The Agency by emailing us, calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We can't wait to hear from you!
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