Kelsey Grammer, the beloved star of “Frasier,” recently shared his insights on parenting his seven children, revealing the unique challenges and joys that come with such a large family, especially with an age range spanning from 41 to 8 years old. This candid discussion comes just as news broke that he and his wife, Kayte Walsh, are expecting their fourth child together, marking Grammer’s eighth overall.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Grammer reflected on the dynamics of his diverse family. “It’s been interesting. The age range is from [41] to 8. That’s pretty great,” the 70-year-old actor stated. He expressed how much he cherishes the time he spends with his younger children, saying, “The 12-, 10-, and 8-year-olds are the ones I spend every day with, and it’s fantastic.”
Grammer’s journey as a father began in 1983 with the birth of his eldest daughter, Spencer, from his first marriage to Doreen Alderman. He has since welcomed six more children: Greer, 33, from his relationship with Barrie Buckner; Mason, 23, and Jude, 20, with Camille Meyer; and Faith, 12, Gabriel, 10, and James, 8, with Kayte Walsh. The couple’s announcement of their impending fourth child together was made public after they were seen together in London, with Walsh visibly pregnant.
Reflecting on his parenting experience, Grammer noted that his children have profoundly impacted his life. “They are amazing, and they make my life worthwhile,” he said. “The love I have in my life today is absolutely breathtaking.” This sentiment highlights the joy and fulfillment he derives from his role as a father.
Grammer also took a moment to discuss the emotional challenges he and Walsh faced during their journey to parenthood. In his upcoming memoir, “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” he recounts the heartbreaking experience of losing a child when Walsh was expecting twins in 2012. The couple made the difficult decision to abort one of the twins due to severe complications, a choice that weighed heavily on them. Despite this tragedy, Grammer shared how the birth of their son Gabriel two years later helped them heal. “It actually made us stronger in a lot of ways,” he reflected.
In addition to the joys and trials of fatherhood, Grammer opened up about the impact of his sister Karen’s tragic murder in 1975, an event that has haunted him throughout his life. He was only 13 years old when his sister was abducted and killed, and he described the profound grief that followed. However, he emphasized that sharing her story has been a part of his healing process. “I hope [my kids] don’t have to experience what I’ve experienced,” he said. “I want my kids to live fully and take risks and be bold and adventurous.”
Grammer’s experiences, both joyous and painful, have shaped his perspective on family and life. He aims to create a nurturing environment for his children, one that encourages them to embrace life’s challenges and triumphs. As he prepares to welcome baby number eight, it’s clear that Grammer’s family remains at the heart of his identity.
As fans of Kelsey Grammer, we can look forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds for him and his growing family. With his commitment to being a devoted father and his willingness to share his journey, Grammer continues to inspire those around him, proving that even amidst the complexities of life, love and family remain paramount.