Death @ The Movies: The Price of the Pain

Everyone experiences grief and loss. Movies and television shows have a way of drawing us in emotionally with just enough of a safe distance that we feel the effects of the emotional roller coaster that our favorite characters are on but safely exit the ride without the whiplash. Many times when enjoying the bodies of work of the vessels (actors and actresses) on the big screen, we are entirely unaware of the sacrifice and personal tragedies that inspire their majestic performances. 

Kelsey Grammer is one of my absolute favorite actors. In my opinion, his best character portrayal is that of Dr. Frasier Winslow Crane on the hit television sitcom Fraiser. My favorite episode of Fraiser is episode 1 of season 6 entitled Good Grief. Mr. Grammer's personification of grief was so raw that it inspired me to do some research and learn more about his personal life and experience with death, loss, and despair. What I discovered was no less than shocking and genuinely made me respect Mr. Grammer along with all other performers who dig deep into their wells of emotional agony to compose and deliver art that is enjoyed by so many.

In this video, I discuss the beloved actors' painful losses and pose the questions "do personal losses help actors in their portrayal of grief and loss?" Who are your favorite television and movie characters? What portrayals of grief and loss have touched you? What personal losses did the men and women behind the character experience that led to their amazing performances? 
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