'Frasier' star John Mahoney passes away, Hollywood tributes pour in

Best known for his role as Kelsey Grammer's dad on Frasier, actor John Mahoney has died at the age of 77.

Mahoney, who played Martin Crane, father of Frasier Crane and Niles Crane, on the long-running sitcom, died Sunday in Chicago after a short illness, reports CNN.

Born in Blackpool, England in June 1940, his acting career spanned more than 30 years and included roles on television and film, with movies including Barton Fink, The American President and Flipped.

He won a SAG Award and received two Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations for his work on Frasier.

The sitcom's casting director, Jeff Greenberg, tweeted, "I've not known a kinder man nor more brilliant actor. We were all blessed to have spent 11 glorious years together." 

The great John Mahoney passed away today at age 77. I've not known a kinder man nor more brilliant actor. We were all blessed to have spent 11 glorious years together. pic.twitter.com/hn3SZwuEy4

— Jeff Greenberg (@JeffGreenbergCD) February 5, 2018

Comedy actors and others paid their respect to the veteran actor. 

I have looked up to #JohnMahoney for so many years for so many reasons. He has always been an inspiration to me. He will continue to be.

— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) February 6, 2018

John Mahoney has moved on. A Great actor. Incredible wicked sense of humor. And someone who made a huge difference in my life and many others. #RIPJohnMahoney #respect https://t.co/SHNHtff6QJ

— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) February 6, 2018

As good as it ever gets #JohnMahoney pic.twitter.com/9LZBP65K9P

— max greenfield (@iamgreenfield) February 6, 2018

Only met John Mahoney once, but it was as star struck as I get. His credit card gets declined in Say Anthing is a whole acting class.

— Thomas Lennon (@thomaslennon) February 6, 2018

Here's to you, John Mahoney! You make the unforgettable look easy. @johncusack, @ioneskye1, @canyonjim pic.twitter.com/jB1PTQmUaQ

— Cameron Crowe (@CameronCrowe) February 6, 2018

I was so honored to work with the legendary John Mahoney on “The Broken Heart’s Club.” I was so nervous because “Say Anything” is one of my favorite films ever. He could not have been a kinder man. #RIPJohnMahoney pic.twitter.com/DFp8Dpj6uz

— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) February 6, 2018

RIP John Mahoney! Great actor

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) February 6, 2018

John Mahoney was one of our great actors. His art, his kindness and his love of life truly helped shape Steppenwolf Theatre. He will be deeply missed. My condolences go out to John's family.

— Jeff Perry (@jscandalp) February 6, 2018

Fans of the sitcom also paid tribute with their artwork.  

RIP John Mahoney. Best duo in television #Frasier pic.twitter.com/slDxNomijL

— Part Slime (@secretflotsam) February 6, 2018

John Mahoney, R.I.P pic.twitter.com/vJWdGWkQCL

— RVA Coffee Stain (@RVACoffeeStain) February 6, 2018