By the time the final episode of "Frasier" aired in May 2004, Kelsey Grammer had played the same character (Dr Frasier Crane) for 20 years (half of it on "Cheers") -- tying a record set by "Gunsmoke" star James Arness.

The show's producers graciously called Arness and invited him to join in the show's forthcoming farewell festivities. The octogenarian actor cantankerously declined. "Oh, and by the way," he added, "tell Kelsey Grammer: 'F--- you!'"

[Grammer, who had never even met Arness, was "rather dismayed" by his response.]