Frasier actor John Mahoney dies aged 77

Actor John Mahoney, best known for playing Martin Crane in US hit TV show Frasier, has died in Chicago at the age of 77.

Frasier star John Mahoney, who played the cranky dad in the hit US show, has died aged 77 (File). (AAP)

John Mahoney, who as the cranky, blue-collar dad in Frasier played counterpoint to pompous sons Frasier and Niles, has died at age 77.

The actor died on Sunday in Chicago after a brief hospitalisation, Paul Martino, his manger for 30 years, said on Monday. The cause of death was not immediately provided.

In Frasier, the hit Cheers spinoff that aired from 1993 to 2004, Mahoney played Martin Crane, a disabled ex-policeman who parked himself in a battered old armchair in Frasier's chic Seattle living room.

Martin's beloved dog, Eddie, also took up residence to annoy Frasier, played by Kelsey Grammer.

Mahoney, a British native who made Chicago his home town, was a two-time Emmy nominee for Frasier and won a 1986 Tony Award for The House of Blue Leaves.

His recent credits included a recurring role as Betty White's love interest on Hot in Cleveland and a 2015 episode of Foyle's War.