‘Cheers’ Actor Gets 2 More Years Probation

Actor Kelsey Grammer had his probation lengthened by two years Monday after admitting that he violated probation for a drug conviction by using cocaine.

Grammer, 35, a star on the long-running television show “Cheers,” appeared before Van Nuys Superior Court Judge James M. Coleman after admitting to authorities that he used cocaine while on a recent trip to Boston for the television show, Deputy Dist. Atty. Terese M. Hutchison said.

“He brought it to our attention,” Hutchison said. “He seemed to be wanting help.” Coleman also ordered Grammer to undergo drug-testing twice a week.

Grammer plays Dr. Frasier Crane, a comically egotistical psychiatrist on the popular NBC series. The actor pleaded no contest Aug. 6, 1990, to one count of possession of cocaine. He had been arrested April 14, 1989, by Los Angeles police after a routine traffic stop.

Coleman originally sentenced Grammer to three years probation, 300 hours of community service and 90 days of house arrest. He was ordered to undergo drug and alcohol abuse counseling.

The actor could have faced up to three years in prison for the violation. But Hutchison said Grammer’s unprompted admission indicated his desire to overcome drug use and no jail time was sought.

“Without his admission we could not have proved it,” she said.