Actually, Kelsey Grammer was PERFECT as Frasier. He did an excellent job. That team of actors on that show really were exceptional. I believe this is the best written comedy on TV and one of the few shows whose episodes are funny over and over and over.
The only time Kelsey acknowledged the camera as himself on the show is a little gem. The horny ex girlfriend who is a beloved children’s character doing shows all over the country is in his kitchen complaining about her job. She whines to Frasier, “Can you IMAGINE playing the same character for 20 years??” He turns to the camera and just gives a LOOK, like old Bob Hope would have done in his day. It kills me every time.
Sounds like you’re a fan!