9 Famous TV Characters Who Were Originally Much Smaller Roles

2. Frasier Crane - Cheers

The Character: Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar) was one of the regulars at the titular bar from the sitcom Cheers. A psychiatrist by trade, Frasier was a bit of an intellectual superior to the other bar patrons and didn't miss an opportunity to remind them of that fact. After Cheers ended, the character went on to headline his own series, aptly called Frasier, following his career as a radio "shrink" living in Seattle.

What Almost Happened? Frasier was first introduced in the third season of Cheers as a romantic interest of Diane (Shelley Long) and was only supposed to last a few episodes. However, producers were so fond of Grammar's portrayal of the high-class doctor, the role was extended for the rest of the season. Once the fourth season kicked off again, the creators found a way to keep Frasier around until he eventually became a fixture at the bar every week.

How'd It Turn Out? It's no easy feat to join the cast of a beloved show in the middle of its run, but Frasier fit so perfectly with the rest of the characters, you'd think he was there from day one.

Perhaps a more impressive accomplishment, the subsequent Frasier series remains one of the few examples of a successful television spin-off. Much of the credit has to be given to Kelsey Grammar, who seemed born for the role.