“Video games are currently one of the most consumed and discussed forms of art”, he said.
But he’s not a video gamer, he’s a very promising actor.
Born in 2000, originally from Pasadena (California), Anders Keith went on stage for the first time at the age of 10 when his grandparents wrote a small play for him. Fourteen years have passed since that first time and today Anders can be seen reprising his starring role as David Crane in season 2 of the Paramount+ reboot of the iconic hit sitcom Frasier, where he stars opposite Kelsey Grammer and Jack Cutmore-Scott.
The show follows Frasier (Grammer) nearly two decades after the original series ended and picks up in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston after the death of his father and reunites with his son Freddy (Cutmore-Scott).
Anders shines as Frasier’s Ivy League attending nephew, the son of fan-favorite, long married characters Niles and Daphne from the original show.
His performance on Frasier blends physical comedy with an endearing on-screen presence that has captured the hearts of not just brand-new viewers, but fans tuning in for the nostalgia of the 1990’s show.
We met him few weeks ago and that’s what he told us.
Hi Anders, how are you? In your opinion what is art today and do you think the approach to and the perception of art has changed over the years?
I’m doing well, thank you for your time. The arts landscape is always changing. In my opinion, video games are currently one of the most consumed and discussed forms of art. While there are still milestone movies and TV shows, some of the biggest blockbusters of today are played on a personal computer. This also reflects how my perception of art has changed. My favorite movie used to be Taxi Driver, but now it is Madden 08.
What characteristics must an actor possess to be “effective” in 2024 and which one do you think you have?
Teeth!
All jokes aside though, one of the greatest things about acting in a comedy like Frasier is it gives you the space to play around with physical comedy. I think being able to hone the craft of physical comedy is one of the many things that help make a comedic actor more effective.
What if you hadn’t been an actor, what would you be doing?
I always wanted to be Gamera. You know, the turtle? He has so many great movies.
But seriously, I always wanted to be one of those guys who plots. Like a scheme guy or a dastardly devil??
Ok, no, actual dream job: I’d probably be the guy who bites the crusts off of fancy sandwiches.
Popularity came thanks to your starring role as David Crane in season 2 of the Paramount+ reboot of the iconic hit sitcom Frasier. How did you come to play the role and what did that experience represent for you?
I auditioned for the part and am honored to have received it. It’s my first job, and I’m very grateful. Everyone around me on set is kind and talented. It’s a great time.
Who is David?
David is the character I play on the reboot of “Frasier”. He is is the sheltered child of the characters Niles Crane and Daphne Moon. He is the nephew of Frasier Crane and attends Harvard, where his uncle teaches. He is a tad neurotic like his father, but also as innocent and caring as his mother. He only wants to impress and assist others, but often fails. He’s still learning.
Have you watched the original Frasier? Why do you think it is a cult-classic series?
Of course I have watched the original! It is a classic! I believe it has a brilliant, peppy rhythm that makes it incredibly easy to binge or savor. The characters are likable but imperfect, and it doesn’t shy away from physical comedy.
We also know that the passion for acting derives from the passion for the theater. For many, theater is the purest form of acting, the primordial core. What does it represent for you and which work or play do you feel most connected to?
I love the theatre. It’s where my love of acting began. When I was 10 my grandparents wrote a play for their senior center and put me in it. We rehearsed it in a barn. After that experience I was a changed man and there was no going back. I was to destined be an actor! I also graduated from Juilliard, so I guess that school helped a little.
In 2023, you starred in the Pasadena Playhouse production of The Sound Inside opposite Emmy nominee Amy Brenneman. Tell us something more about that experience.
It was incredible! Cameron Watson directed it and we actually met doing Frasier. He is a talented director and Amy was such a blast to work with, super talented and thoughtful with a great heart. It was my first two person play and Amy and Cameron made me feel right at home.
More theatre or more TV in your future?
More of both I hope!
If you could give some advice to your past self and to your future self what would it be?
Don’t put all your money into the quarry.
A letter to your future self.
Dear Anders,
Buy batteries.
Photographer: Sela Shiloni