Movies

From Ballet to Benny Hill to Frasier: The Secret Past of Britain’s Highest-Paid Actress, Jane Leeves

BBG News

Jane Leeves rose to fame almost immediately after she started playing the character Daphne Moon on the hit TV show Frasier, making her a familiar face in many homes across America.

From the start, the British actress, aged 64, became part of the cast and portrayed the role of a Mancunian physiotherapist and live-in housekeeper, who was employed by Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) to assist his father Martin (John Mahoney).

In the television comedy series, the character Niles Crane, portrayed by David Hyde Pierce, develops an intense infatuation for Daphne. The show chronicles their blossoming romantic relationship, which unfolds gradually over time, eventually leading to their wedding.

Although she declined to participate in the 2023 revival of the show, Jane has continued her presence within the entertainment industry since the conclusion of the original Frasier in 2004.

On the other hand, many fans might be unaware that Jane, previously recognized as Britain’s top earning actress, conceals a lesser-acknowledged past.

In 1983, Jane first appeared on screen in a minor role for the British comedy TV series, “The Benny Hill Show.

As a native of East Grinstead, Sussex, I followed my passion for dance and honed my skills as a budding ballerina. However, a fateful ankle injury redirected my focus, leading me to embrace the world of acting instead.

At eighteen, fresh from drama school, she secured an audition with Benny for the role of a dancer in his Hills Angels troupe, who wore revealing costumes.

In an interview from 2010, she mentioned that they requested her to try out for him, and since I obliged, I visited his residence, which now seems a bit imprudent, she shared.

Fortunately, he didn’t have any overly suggestive qualities, if you catch my drift. We went through the drawings together, and subsequently, I appeared on his program.

At the age of 21, when Jane’s career didn’t develop as she had hoped, she gathered her belongings and moved to Los Angeles instead.

Looking back at my past self, I can’t help but reflect: “Oh, how naive and foolish I was – thank goodness! Back then, all I desired was action, and when one is so young and determined, there’s no stopping you from diving headfirst into things.

In Los Angeles, she enrolled in acting workshops and often volunteered to tidy up following rehearsals when meals were part of the scene, merely for a small bite. This led her to study alongside Ellen DeGeneres, Winona Ryder, and Jim Carrey in the same class.

At one time, Jim resided in his vehicle, yet he remained incredibly endearing. I remember pondering: “His comedic performances are entertaining, but he ought to try dramatic acting instead. It’s a good thing he ignored my suggestion.

In a playful manner, it’s hard to imagine many jobs surpassing Frasier, which Jane once referred to as one of those extraordinary periods filled with endless laughter.

Previously, I had received invitations for two distinct projects – one titled ‘The Incredigirls’, featuring myself and Nicolette Sheridan (from Desperate Housewives), and another established series called ‘Nurses’. My representative advised me to join the existing show, but my admiration for Cheers and Kelsey Grammer led me to choose Frasier instead.

Making that career move proved to be Jane’s most rewarding decision. It led to her being nominated for Emmys and Golden Globes, and after securing a three-year contract reportedly valued at approximately £20million, she became the highest-paid British actress in the industry at the time.

Reflecting on the tough goodbye, Jane humorously added: “It took quite some time for everyone to move past the conclusion of the series.

For a period of ten years, I had some truly extraordinary adventures that I will never forget. There were moments when I’d awaken with tears in my eyes, wishing that those wonderful times could continue.

For over a decade, countless viewers found themselves captivated by the humorous and pretentious escapades of the character Frasier Crane, portrayed by Kelsey Grammer on the show, which they eagerly tuned into each week.

The spin-off series, stemming from the popular sitcom Cheers, achieved an unprecedented 37 Emmy nominations, earning both critical praise and widespread popularity.

The story trailed along with Crane, sharing the journey with his polished yet stiff brother Niles (portrayed by David Hyde Pierce), their working-class father Martin (John Mahoney), who had a disability, and Martin’s loyal dog Eddie, played by the renowned canine actor Moose.

In this situation, it fell to Daphne – a person who served as both Martin’s physical therapist and the housekeeper for the Crane family – to provide some practical wisdom. As Jane put it, there was an appeal in her down-to-earth nature that resonated with others.

Jane explains that it was the producers who chose the unique accent she used during the show, a comparison made by one critic to that of an American version of Bet Lynch.

The chosen accent had a flavor of being raised in Manchester, yet carrying a hint of living in the United States for some time.

The time spent there was simply delightful! We’d often crack jokes on set, not the refined kind like those from Frasier, instead, they were rather uncouth. We used to play pranks on Peri Gilpin, making fake phone calls claiming to be her gynecologist, reminding her of her upcoming check-up. It was immature, but it would have us in stitches.

Instead of portraying himself like the stiff character Frasier on screen, Kelsey actually embodied a laid-back surfer vibe off-camera, often strolling around the set casually dressed in shorts and sandals.

Were there lots of on-set crushes?

‘Well, because Niles and Daphne got together in the end, I had a soft spot for David.’

Additionally, Frasier coincidentally facilitated their introduction, connecting her with Marshall Coben, a high-ranking executive at Paramount Pictures, where the series was produced.

According to Jane, it was during a Christmas gathering where our paths first crossed. Somebody played cupid and brought us together, and from that moment on, we were captivated by one another’s presence.

From the moment I laid eyes on her, it sparked an instant connection within me. Later on, he confided that the idea of us together was beyond his wildest imaginings; he needed a push from another superior who firmly advised, “You’re going to ask her out.

A few days passed before he finally asked me out for a drink, to which I replied, ‘Fancy tonight?’ I managed to keep my calm and composed demeanor! A year later, we got married.

The couple tied the knot in December 1996 and now have two children – Isabella and Finn.

In the narrative of Frasier, her initial pregnancy with Isabella was portrayed as a struggle with weight gain due to stress related to her relationship with Niles’ character.

Demonstrating the tight bond she shares with her Frasier colleagues, Peri Gilpin was present during Isabella’s birth and serves as her godmother. These close friends even reside adjacent to one another in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, David Hyde Pierce and the late John Mahoney are Finn’s godfathers.

From 2010 to 2015, Jane starred as Joy Scroggs in the TV Land comedy show, “Hot in Cleveland.” The series ran for six seasons and a total of 128 episodes before it concluded in 2015.

2018 saw her starring as orthopedic surgeon Kit Voss throughout the full six-season span of the medical drama “The Resident”.

Read More

2025-04-25 20:23

Previous post Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO DAIMA DLC Part 1 Pack Now Available With Five Characters
Next post Midleton Very Rare Presents Final Silent Distillery Whisky Collection