LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24 -- The NBC sitcom, 'Frasier,' has added an armful of 'Q' awards to its growing Emmys collection, including best comedy series, presented by the Viewers for Quality Television. Two weeks after winning the TV industry's Emmys, 'Frasier' was named best comedy series, Kelsey Grammer was voted best comedy actor and David Hyde Pierce was named best supporting actor in a comedy. It was Pierce's second consecutive win in the category. Series costar Jane Leeves also was honored at Saturday's ceremonies in Hollywood as best supporting actress in a comedy show. Leeves, accepting her award, noted that new cast member Mercedes Ruehl has said she believes 'God had a hand in putting us all together, ' but Leeves said she felt it was more like the hand of the other guy. The awards, given by the 11-year-old nationwide organization seeking to improve television, were decided by a poll of its 2,500 members. The best drama series award went to CBS's 'Picket Fences,' and Kathy Baker was named best actress in a drama. Baker, winner of this year's Emmy in that category, was pleased to win a second 'Q' award. 'The VQT are people who actually watch television,' she said. 'They don't just watch one episode and vote.' NBC's acclaimed hospital drama, 'ER,' received two acting awards for its first season. Emmy winner Julianna Margulies was named best supporting actress in a drama series, and Kathleen Wilhoite, who plays series regular Sherry Stringfield's wayward sister ('that girl we all know,' as Wilhoite described her) was honored as best recurring player.
Brett Butler of 'Grace Under Fire' was voted best actress in a comedy series. NBC's 'Homicide: Life on the Street' took the Founder's Award for overall excellence as well as best dramatic actor for Andre Braugher. Peter MacNicol of 'Chicago Hope' was named best supporting actor in a drama series. Before the ceremony he said, 'Any group that combines the words 'quality' and 'television' has my attention.' The awards ceremonies, at the landmark Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, were part of the Viewers for Quality Television's ninth annual conference. (kuklenski-hc)
