USA TODAY International Edition
Grammer has faith in his film ‘ Jesus’
Kelsey Grammer won five Emmys and three Golden Globes for his work in “Frasier,” “The Simpsons” and “Boss.”
But the decorated actor says his greatest work might be the Christian drama “Jesus Revolution” ( in theaters Friday). Don’t believe him? Just ask his wife, Kayte Walsh.
“It’s really uplifting. It’s a good movie,” Grammer says. “My wife and I saw it together. She was just dissolved in tears and said, ‘ It’s the best thing you’ve ever done.’ ”
In the faith- based film, Grammer portrays real- life pastor Chuck Smith, who, with the help of street preacher Lonnie Frisbee ( Jonathan Roumie). reignites his struggling church by inviting young hippies and rock music into the fold. Grammer himself was raised Christian Scientist and remembers the “Jesus movement” of the 1960s and ’ 70s.
“They were energized and optimistic, and I thought that was a great thing to see,” says Grammer, 68, who will next star in the Paramount+ revival of “Frasier” later this year. He talks more about the movie and his scrapped ABC comedy with Alec Baldwin, who is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in a shooting death on the “Rust” movie set. ( Edited and condensed for clarity.)
Question: What did you find most radical about the way Chuck welcomed the counterculture into the church?
Kelsey Grammer: What Chuck did went back to one of the basic precepts of Christianity, which is inclusion. He thought, “Well, I’m doing it this way and people aren’t listening,” so he finally surrendered. He said, “You show me a hippie and I’ll listen.” Sure enough, it became a very dynamic relationship between him and Lonnie Frisbee. It became a great adventure, which is still going on. His ( Calvary Chapel) church
branched into 1,000 churches around the country, and it still exists. Christian contemporary music is going gangbusters, and ( the Jesus movement) put that at his doorstep.
Were you a “square” growing up, as they say in the film? Or were you more of a hippie?
I was squarish, but I also thrived in the more current movements of my generation at the time. ( Laughs.) I had long hair, I was a surfer, but I also was a pretty dedicated scholar. I wasn’t a pothead, as we used to call it – I was sort of a standard alcoholic yahoo. I’d go and have a beer or two, you know?
I celebrated with my peers the idea that we could love each other and love well, and that it would enhance our lives. I think that’s the most attractive part of this movement still. There’s a religious component of it through Christ, but Christ was the first hippie. “Love your enemies” – I mean, that’s extraordinary stuff.
How has your own relationship to faith evolved over the years?
I’ve had hiccups. I’ve had some tragic times. I have wrestled with those and worked my way through them: sometimes rejecting faith, sometimes rejecting God even, in a period of being pretty angry about it, like, “Where were you?” That kind of thing. But I have come to terms with it and have found great peace in my faith and in Jesus. It’s not cavalier – Jesus made a difference in my life. That’s not anything I’ll apologize for.
As someone who enjoyed you and Alec Baldwin on NBC’s “30 Rock,” I was disappointed when ABC passed on your planned sitcom a couple of years ago.
I was sad to see that, too. It was a good show. Whatever – they make their decisions based on what they think is important. We were funny, I think people would’ve really enjoyed it. And so much has happened since then. I love Alec. We are from contrary sides of the political aisle, but that doesn’t actually mean anything, honestly. We’re like- minded people. ( Laughs.) That’s what’s important and there sure was some funny stuff.
Have you been in touch at all with Alec this past year?
No. My heart goes out to everyone involved. A difficult thing has happened, and consequences come along for the ride. I’m here and I’m still a friend of his. I hope it all goes as it’s meant to go.
Although the ABC show didn’t pan out, did it ultimately open the door for you to do a “Frasier” revival?
“Frasier” was in the works at the same time. It’s going to be on Paramount+ and I’m thrilled. I’m excited to play Frasier again. He’s pretty seamless – he went right back on like a nice set of clothes.
Aside from Frasier Crane, is there an unexpected role people recognize you for?
Certainly Sideshow Bob ( from “The Simpsons”) lives forever. He’ll go on who knows how long. Thousands of years from now, people may be worshiping Sideshow Bob. He’s an extraordinary character. Tom Kane from ( Starz drama) “Boss” was also a great character. One of my favorites. I played the mayor of Chicago and got some nice kudos for that performance. And then unfortunately, ( the show got canceled after two seasons). We had about five seasons laid out that I think would have been pretty eye- opening television, but we didn’t have a chance to finish it.