‘GUNSMOKE” legend James Arness apparently does not appreciate Kelsey Grammer encroaching on his longevity record.
Grammer told Jay Leno Monday on NBC’s “Tonight Show” that he found out last fall that Arness doesn’t think much of him or his NBC series, “Frasier.”
That’s when Grammer said his publicist phoned Arness to invite him to appear on the “Today” show with Grammer since the “Frasier” star was on his way to tying Arness’ record for playing the same character on prime-time TV for 20 consecutive seasons. The record has stood since “Gunsmoke” went off the air in 1975.
“So they called [Arness] and he wasn’t interested in joining us,” Grammer said. “And, in fact, at the end of the phone call, he said, ‘By the way, tell Kelsey Grammer that I said . . . “F-you!” ‘
“I was a little dismayed to hear such a sentiment,” Grammer said, adding that he’s never met Arness.
Grammer’s character of Dr. Frasier Crane was first introduced in 1984 on “Cheers” and continued on “Frasier” from 1993 to the present. The “Frasier” finale is May 13.
An attempt was made to contact Arness by e-mail, but he did not respond.