John Mahoney was an American actor who is best known for his role as Martin Crane on the television series Frasier, as well as appearances in movies like Barton Fink and Moonstruck. Born on June 20, 1940, in Blackpool, England, he later became a prominent figure in American theater and film.
Personal and Family Life
John Mahoney was born to Margaret and Reg Mahoney, and he was the youngest of eight children. Due to the bombings in Manchester during World War II, his family moved to Blackpool for safety. Mahoney’s family eventually returned to their hometown after the war. He moved to the United States as a young adult to visit his sister and later decided to stay, becoming a U.S. citizen after serving in the Army.
Career
Though he had a long-standing interest in acting, Mahoney did not pursue it seriously until he was nearly forty years old. He began taking acting classes at St. Nicholas Theater and eventually joined the Steppenwolf Theatre, where he found great success. Mahoney received a Tony Award for his performance in The House of Blue Leaves in 1986 and later became widely known for his role in Frasier from 1993 until 2004.
Death and Legacy
John Mahoney passed away on February 4, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois, after battling a brain disease and lung cancer. His work in theater, television, and film has left a lasting impact, and he is remembered for his gravelly voice and his ability to portray complex characters, often playing roles older than his actual age.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Barton Fink | 1991-08-01 | W.P. Mayhew |
| Primal Fear | 1996-03-06 | Shaughnessy |
| Say Anything… | 1989-04-14 | James Court |
| Moonstruck | 1987-12-16 | Perry |
| The Russia House | 1990-12-21 | Brady |
| The Iron Giant | 1999-08-06 | General Rogard (voice) |
| Reality Bites | 1994-02-18 | Grant Gubler |
| Frasier | 1993-09-16 | Martin Crane |
| Cheers | 1982-09-30 | Sy Flembeck |
| In Treatment | 2008-01-28 | Walter Barnett |