Historic 1987 Kelsey Grammer AFTRA Agency Contract Archive

This museum-grade, fully executed American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) Standard Exclusive Agency Contract—dated February 12, 1987—stands as an exceptional artifact of television history, modern sitcom law, and classic Hollywood biography. Personally hand-signed on the principal execution block by screen icon Kelsey Grammer, this legal instrument tracks to the exact era he was cementing his status as a breakout star on NBC’s Cheers.

Originally introduced as a temporary character, Dr. Frasier Crane became an instant fan favorite, prompting producers to elevate Grammer to a permanent series regular—a decision that ultimately launched the longest-running consecutive character arc in American television history.

Agency Covenants & Hollywood Representation Infrastructure

Issued from the prestigious headquarters of The Artists Agency (10000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles), the agreement outlines a high-leverage corporate framework:

• The Exclusive Three-Year Charter: Formally employs the firm as his sole and exclusive agent across all transcription, radio broadcasting, and television industries for a maximum allowable union duration of three years.

• Premium Revenue Commission Matrix: Binds the artist to a standard 10% commission fee of all monies or considerations received under contracts entered into during the term, explicitly covering trailing option extensions and future syndication cycles.

• Personal Supervision Rider: Incorporates a strict protective management clause, contractually mandating that high-profile Hollywood power-agent Michael Livingston personally oversee Grammer's business affairs throughout the duration of the charter.

• Fiduciary & Labor Regulations: Establishes the firm's duty as a strict fiduciary bound to complete confidentiality under California Labor Code parameters, granting the State Labor Commissioner direct oversight for any future arbitration proceedings.

Autograph Pedigree & Archival Condition

• Pristine Grammer Signature: The execution panel features a spectacular, beautifully sweeping, and oversized cursive signature: "Kelsey Grammer". Hand-penned in dark ink directly over his typed name block, the script showcases his highly artistic, early-career penmanship with dramatic looping ascenders.

• Agency Authorization: The contract is validated by executive agent Michael Livingston, crowned by a bold, purple incoming vault stamp along the upper margin reading: “RECEIVED FEB 23 1987 AGENCY.”

Dating back nearly four decades, the original legal-weight bond paper stock sheets remain in magnificent, pristine condition. The typewriter typography, sharp corners, and historic ink strokes are flawlessly preserved with absolute contrast. For complete compliance, sensitive Social Security fields have been cleanly blacked out. Housed safely inside an archival-grade sleeve, this certified production ledger represents the absolute zenith of premium modern television heritage collecting.