Frasier
Saul Rubinek Interview: Frasier Reboot, Donny and Daphne
Frasier co-star Saul Rubinek spoke to The Natural Aristocrat® about being open to appearing on the Paramount+ Frasier reboot series, if Donny Douglas should have ended up with Daphne Moon, and whether he’s kept in contact with other Frasier alumni.
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT (NIR REGEV): Would you be open to returning as Donny Douglas on the upcoming Frasier reboot series? Similar, to how Cheers stars made cameos occasionally on the original Frasier.
SAUL RUBINEK: Well, I mean, who wouldn’t be? It was one of the greatest television shows of all time. I had a wonderful time doing it! It would be a no-brainer, you know?
I actually worked with Kelsey again in The Last Tycoon, which was a short-lived series about old Hollywood.
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: Have you kept in contact with any of the other Frasier cast members outside of Kelsey Grammer?
Actor Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane in NBC”s television comedy series “Frasier.” Episode: “Mary Christmas” – As excitement builds over his hosting the holiday parade, Dr. Frasier Crane hosts his radio show. (Photo by Gale Adler/Paramount)
SAUL RUBINEK: Not really… I haven’t. We weren’t all pals, you know? So only if we were working together and they’ve all gone off to do different things.
I did work with Peri Gilpin (Roz Doyle) a long time ago. We did a TV movie called Laughter on the 23rd Floor. That was while I was doing Frasier though. So I’m not sure.
I know that David Hyde Pierce (Niles Crane) is doing a lot of theater in New York right now. But yeah, I think the reboot is probably going to be a terrific series. Really good people are involved.
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: Do you think Donny Douglas should have ended up with Daphne Moon (actress Jane Leeves)?
SAUL RUBINEK: Of course I do! (laughs) I still run into people who tell me they’re very sympathetic to Donny being left at the wedding like that.
One of the great things about that character and playing that character was that I had to be taken seriously. Because some of the other boyfriends that Daphne had were kind of standard looking, very good looking, tall… You know, good looking guys.
Well, my character isn’t ugly. He’s just a normal looking guy and maybe four inches shorter than Daphne is. (laughs) And the fact that she’s attracted to him makes it automatically a more serious, difficult situation for Niles.
I was originally only contracted for three episodes of Frasier, but it was such a successful challenge to Nile’s secret longing for Daphne that they kept the character going for almost two seasons. So that was really cool!
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: Thanks Saul!
SAUL RUBINEK: Thank you!
– This is Part 2 of our interview with Saul Rubinek. Check out Part 1 with Saul Rubinek on Clock, a Hulu original horror film.
– Relive the Donny Douglas / Daphne Moon/ Niles Crane story arc! Stream classic Frasier episodes of the series on Paramount+ or purchase the Frasier Blu-ray Complete Collection.
Connect with actor Saul Rubinek on social media
Photo Credit: Headshot courtesy of actor Saul Rubinek
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About Frasier Reboot Series
“Paramount+ announced that the news series FRASIER, starring and executive produced by Kelsey Grammer is starting production.
Shooting in front of a live studio audience in Los Angeles, the new series follows Frasier Crane (Grammer) in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston, Mass., with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill. Frasier has re-entered the building!
The first two episodes of the new series will be directed by legendary director and television creator James Burrows. Over his distinguished career, Burrows has been the recipient of 10 Emmys and five Directors Guild of America Awards, where he also holds the honor of being the most nominated director in the history of television.
Burrows is best known for his work as co-creator, executive producer and director of the critically acclaimed series “Cheers.” His television work also includes hit series “Will & Grace,” the original series “Frasier,” “Friends,” “Wings,” “Night Court,” “Taxi” and “Dear John,” among others.
In addition to Grammer, the new series stars Jack Cutmore-Scott as Frasier’s son, Freddy; Nicholas Lyndhurst as Frasier’s old college buddy turned university professor, Alan; Toks Olagundoye as Alan’s colleague and head of the university psychology department, Olivia; Jess Salguerio as Freddy’s roommate, Eve; and Anders Keith as Frasier’s nephew, David.
FRASIER comes from writers Chris Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) and Joe Cristalli (“Life in Pieces”), who executive produce with Kelsey Grammer, Tom Russo and Jordan McMahon. The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Grammer’s Grammnet NH Productions.”
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