Kelsey Grammer realized that Los Angeles wasn’t right for him as soon as he arrived.

Kelsey Grammer Reflects on His Complex Relationship with Los Angeles

Kelsey Grammer, the actor known for his role in “Turbulence,” spoke in a recent interview about his mixed feelings towards Los Angeles, a city he’s called home since the early 1980s. At 70, he recalls the moment he realized, with a chuckle, that L.A. life wasn’t quite his cup of tea. “As soon as I got here,” he said, laughing.

He elaborated, “I’ve been here for 40 years. It’s like this impossible love affair I’ve had with this town. I can’t say I’m completely into it.” Yet, he also expressed a fondness for the city. “I try to take each day as a gift and keep my spirits up. L.A. can be quite a challenge. It feels like… well, like Nincompoop is running things. That’s life for you.”

Amidst his frustrations, Grammer mentioned his hope for his family to find a place in Los Angeles where they could thrive and grow together: “I want to keep our little garden pretty.” Grammer was born in St. Thomas but grew up mainly in New Jersey and Florida. He kickstarted his acting career in New York and then moved to L.A. after landing his iconic role as Dr. Frasier Crane on “Cheers.”

Grammer has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the city’s leaders. Following the destructive fires in January, he mentioned a noticeable shift in L.A. politics, citing inadequate fire prevention measures from state and local governments. “I’ve always leaned somewhat conservative, so this change… well, it seems like corruption in office,” he remarked. “It’s as if someone lost focus. You might expect accountability, but who knows in California?”

He described the aftermath of the fire, stating, “The house was filled with refugees.” He expressed his deep sorrow over the human and material losses. “It’s devastating when you lose everything. I empathize; I’ve faced it multiple times myself.” He recognizes that for many, leaving Los Angeles might seem like the best option to start anew. However, he wishes for those who want to stay to find success: “I’ll do everything I can to help.”

Currently, Grammer is starring in “Turbulence,” where he plays a hot air balloon operator entangled in a tense psychological rivalry. He admitted that he was drawn to the role because he felt he could relate to the character: “It reminded me a bit of Captain Tom Dodge from ‘Down Periscope.’” He added, “He’s a solid captain, skilled and understanding of the environment. It was exciting to take on a role that felt both familiar and unique.”