Updated | Jane Leeves, who played Martin Crane's housekeeper and physical therapist Daphne Moon in Frasier, has issued a statement mourning Mahoney.
"John was the dearest, sweetest man I have ever known," Leeves told Rolling Stone. "His wicked sense of humor, usually whispered in your ear or spoken just loud enough that only you could hear could bring you to tears. And his smile. Oh my God. He was lit from within. How lucky I am to have had him in my life. I loved him so much and will miss him so terribly."
Previously: John Mahoney, who played Kelsey Grammer's father in the hit sitcom Frasier, has died aged 77.
The English-born actor died in Chicago Sunday, his publicist told The Hollywood Reporter. The Chicago Tribune reported Mahoney died from complications with throat cancer.
Mahoney played Martin Crane, the cantankerous father of Grammer's Frasier and David Hyde Pierce's Niles, in the popular NBC during its 11 season run from 1993 through 2004.
His role in Frasier earned Mahoney two Emmy nominations for best supporting actor in 1999 and 2003. He was also nominated twice in the same category at the Golden Globes and the Frasier cast were regularly nominated for best ensemble in a comedy series at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Mahoney won a Tony award in 1986 for his stage work in the play The House of Blue Leaves.
Peri Gilpin, who played Roz Doyle in Frasier, led the tributes to Mahoney on Monday night.
She tweeted:
John singing at my wedding. Watch Moonstruck, Say Anything and/or Frasier or anything you can with him in it and raise a glass to John. Remember him well. pic.twitter.com/Tj3i5B4x13
— Peri Gilpin (@GilpinPeri) February 6, 2018
Scrubs star Zach Braff said he was "honored" to work with Mahoney and "he could not have been a kinder man."
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
Ben Stiller tweeted Mahoney had an "incredible wicked sense of humor."
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
Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and more also honored Mahoney:
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
RIP, John Mahoney. Thank you for many years of laughter. We'll miss you Marty Crane. pic.twitter.com/QaJu9YpmdO
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) 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
John Mahoney was 37 when he started acting.
— John Ross Bowie (@JohnRossBowie) February 6, 2018
Thirty-seven.
Go do that thing you’re thinking about. #RIP
RIP John Mahoney! Great actor
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) February 6, 2018
It is with our deepest sorrow that we share the news that ensemble member of 39 years John Mahoney passed away. Tonight’s opening night performance of You Got Older has been cancelled. We are instead inviting all to gather in Front Bar this evening. All are welcome to join us. pic.twitter.com/k8yrrR7ICA
— Steppenwolf Theatre (@SteppenwolfThtr) 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
As good as it ever gets #JohnMahoney pic.twitter.com/9LZBP65K9P
— max greenfield (@iamgreenfield) February 6, 2018
Our old friend and Steppenwolf theatre colleague John Mahoney passed away yesterday. So many wonderful plays together over the years. A wonderful actor I’ll never forget his 1985 performance in Orphans (Chicago and New York).
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) February 6, 2018
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