Frasier actor John Mahoney dies, aged 77

One of television's favourite dads, actor John Mahoney, has died aged 77.

The man who played the no-nonsense father in Frasier passed away while in hospice care in Chicago.

Mahoney co-starred in the sitcom during its eleven-year run, earning two Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations.

He played Martin Crane, a disabled ex-policeman who parked himself in a battered, old armchair in Frasier's chic Seattle living room.

Kelsey Grammer's Frasier and David Hyde Pierce's Niles, both psychiatrists with lofty views of their own intellect, squabbled constantly with their dad but, when needed, the family closed ranks.

Mahoney was born in 1940 in Blackpool, England, during World War II. 

He began his career on stage winning a Tony award in 1986 for "The House of Blue Leaves," and worked steadily in movies.

John Cusack, who appeared with Mahoney in the 1989 film Say Anything  tweeted that he was a great actor and a "lovely kind human - any time you saw him you left feeling better".

Fans and fellow actors have shared their favourite Frasier moments on social media.

Steppenwolf Theatre company, where Mahoney had been an ensemble member since 1979, cancelled today's scheduled performance in honour of the actor.

"John's impact on this institution, on Chicago theatre and the world of arts and entertainment are great and will endure," the theatre said.

With The Associated Press.