‘Frasier’ to Begin Filming While Grammer Still at Ford

NBC’s hit comedy “Frasier” will resume production Oct. 16 while star Kelsey Grammer continues his treatment for substance abuse at the Betty Ford Center.

But executives for Paramount Studios, which produces the series, said Wednesday that Grammer will be able to film his scenes for that episode upon his release from the center later this month, with his role greatly reduced. The Emmy Award-winning comedy will then resume its regular production schedule.

The show’s telecast schedule will not be affected by Grammer’s absence, the studio said, since three episodes had been completed prior to the actor’s admittance to the center Sept. 25 and the series will be preempted for two and possibly three weeks due to the baseball playoffs.

Grammer checked himself into the Betty Ford Center a few days after he crashed his Dodge Viper near Mulholland Highway in the unincorporated Malibu Lake area. The actor was given a blood-alcohol test by the California Highway Patrol, which initially recommended that he be charged with drunken driving. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has not yet received test results or determined whether he will be charged.

“Kelsey sends his gratitude and appreciation for all the support he has received from his fans and colleagues,” said a statement from Paramount.