Actor John Mahoney died Monday in hospice care in Chicago. He was 77. Mahoney was best-known for his role as a curmudgeonly but loving father on the hit NBC sitcom Frasier, but he was also an early member of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre where he performed in more than 30 productions over the years. 

Mahoney was born in England and spent much of his childhood there before immigrating the United States, and Chicago in particular. It wasn’t until his 40s that Mahoney became a professional actor. In addition to his TV and live theater work, he also appeared in films like Moonstruck and Barton Fink.

Tributes to Mahoney have been pouring in about Mahoney was not only a top-notch and versatile actor but also a genuinely nice guy who touched many people’s lives. 

GUEST:

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune theater critic