Pratik Handore
Paramount+’s ‘Frasier‘ follows Dr. Frasier Crane, a successful psychiatrist who returns to Boston to rekindle his relationship with his son. The revival of the popular 90s sitcom sees actor Kelsey Grammer reprising his iconic titular role after nearly two decades. The premiere episode honors the legacy of what came before in fun and interesting ways, including a tribute to some who were left behind. Among names remembered on the occasion of Frasier’s return to our screens is Gabrielle James, which few fans will recognize instantly. If you are wondering about Gabrielle James and her contributions to the world of ‘Frasier,’ here is everything you need to know!
Gabrielle James Was a Script Supervisor
The 2023 revival of ‘Frasier’ reintroduces viewers to Dr. Frasier Crane as he starts a new chapter in his life. The first episode of the series sees Frasier returning to Boston, where he spent the majority of his time during ‘Cheers.’ The episode is full of easter eggs and references to both the parent series and the original series. However, it also presents the makers with the opportunity to honor those we lost in Frasier’s decades-long journey on television. The first episode is dedicated to the memory of Gabrielle James, Archie Lyndhurst, and John Mahoney.
Alice Mary “Gabrielle” Middlekauff James was a prominent script supervisor in Hollywood. James was born in 1934 and hailed from Lakewood, California. She attended Stanford University in Standford, California, and graduated in 1955 with a degree in humanities. James started her career in 1978 and was actively working on films and television shows until 2010. James made a name for herself working as a script supervisor on the comedy series ‘Happy Days’ starring Ron Howard, Marion Ross, and Henry Winkler.
James’ association with ‘Frasier’ star Kelsey Grammer started during the actor’s recurring stint on the hit sitcom ‘Cheers.’ James worked as a script supervisor on the Ted Danson-led sitcom from 1983 to 1993, contributing to 251 episodes. After ‘Cheers’ concluded, Grammer moved on to star in the spin-off series ‘Frasier’ centering on his character. James assumed script supervision duties for the spin-off series as well, working on 259 episodes between 1993 and 2004. She worked closely with Grammer, helping the actor memorize his lines before shoots. James seemingly retired in 2010, having last worked on ‘Mike & Molly.’
In December 2022, James sadly passed away aged 88. She is survived by her children, Joshua, Mary, and Jeremy, alongside five grandchildren and a great-grandson. James’ family did not share the exact cause of death. Given James’ nearly two decades-long association with the character of Frasier Crane throughout his appearances on ‘Cheers’ and ‘Frasier,’ it is only fitting that her contributions are paid respect through the revival series. As a result, the revival’s premiere episode is dedicated to the memory of Gabrielle James, along with Archie Lyndhurst and John Mahoney.
Read More: What Happened to Charlotte Connor? Is Laura Linney in Frasier (2023)?
