10 Breakout TV Characters Who Went From Bit Parts To Series Regulars
2. Dr. Frasier Crane (Cheers)
As one of the longest-running TV characters of all time, Dr. Frasier Crane, played by Kelsey Grammer, was originally slated to only appear in a handful of episodes of Cheers.
Initially meant to be a vehicle to push other characters’ story arcs, the show's producers were so blown away, they expanded Grammer’s role and, by the end of Season 3, Frasier became a permanent fixture amongst the Cheer's bar patrons and amongst the ensemble cast.
Of course, the character's success didn't stop there, and he went on to become one of the most beloved heroes in TV history —both on Cheers and off—as Grammer racked up accolades for his role as the radio host.
Jumping to his own, hugely successful spin-off show, Frasier became a TV staple and, four Emmy Award and two Golden Globe wins later, brought the character further than anyone ever thought possible.