Millions More Demanded in Kelsey Grammer Divorce

Kelsey Grammer, the actor best known for his portrayal of Dr. Frasier Crane, has had a tremendously successful career in television. He played the role of Frasier Crane for 20 years, 11 of which were on the NBC sitcom “Frasier.” At the peak of his earning power on “Frasier,” Grammer earned $700,000 per episode. “Frasier” ran from 1993 to 2004 and Grammer married his third wife, Camille Donatacci in 1997.

Many people credit Donatacci with helping Grammer turn his acting earnings into an even larger fortune through strategic investments in real estate and establishing Grammnet, a television production company, which has produced several television shows including NBC’s “Medium.” It is estimated that Grammer’s net worth has expanded to between $100 and $120 million.

Grammer and Donatacci married in 1997 and have two children together. However, due to reports of an extra-marital affair, Donatacci filed for divorce from Grammer in July 2010. The couple did not sign a prenuptial agreement, which may prove very costly for Grammer.

Grammer is interested in settling this divorce quickly because he wishes to remarry as soon as he can. However, the issue of marital property division is proving to be an obstacle to settlement. Grammer had offered a settlement of $30 million.

Just before Christmas, Ms. Donatacci rejected that settlement offer because she believes community property law entitles her to $50 million of the estimated $100 million he earned during their 13-year marriage and that she is entitled to her fair share as a cofounder of Grammnet Productions. Additionally, Donatacci is requesting child support and spousal maintenance, which Grammer’s offer reportedly did not include.

Sources:

Huffington Post, “Camille Grammer Demands $50 Million In Divorce Settlement: Report,” 12/30/2010

The Telegraph, “Kelsey Grammer facing large divorce pay out,” Nick Allen, 12/29/2010