'Frasier' star John Mahoney dies at 77

John Mahoney, best known for playing Martin Crane on 11 seasons of "Frasier," died in Chicago on Sunday while in hospice care, his manager, Paul Martino, confirmed. He was 77.

John Mahoney died in Chicago. The cause of death was not immediately announced. He was 77. Source: AAP

Mahoney played the father of Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce's characters during the show's run on NBC from 1993 to 2004.

He won a SAG Award and received two Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations for his portrayal.

From 2011 to 2014, he had a recurring role on 'Hot in Cleveland' as Roy, the love interest of Betty White's character, Elka.

1998: The cast of 'Frasier' after taking out an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. Source: AAP

Mahoney worked in film for more than 35 years, appearing in classics like 'The American President' and 'Say Anything,' along with voicing animated characters in the 'Antz' and 'Atlantis' films.

He also had guest spots in a number of popular TV shows including 'Cheers' and '3rd Rock from the Sun.'

Born in Blackpool, England, the actor started his career in theatre and continued to return to the stage, appearing in 'Prelude to a Kiss' on Broadway and 'The Outgoing Tide' and 'The Birthday Party' in Chicago after 'Frasier' ended.

He travelled to the US at age 19 and taught English at Western Illinois University before entering into the entertainment industry in 1977.

Mahoney never married and didn't have any children.