Grammer to star in drama pilot

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Kelsey Grammer is to play a fictional Chicago mayor in a new drama series for Starz, Variety reported Friday.

Grammer, best known for his portrayal of erudite psychiatrist Frasier Crane on "Cheers" and "Frasier," is wrapping up a successful run in the Broadway production of "La Cage aux Folles."

TVGuide.com said Gus Van Sant is set to direct the pilot for the drama series "Boss," which has been described as "a modern-day King Lear."

Grammer is to executive produce the pilot, along with Farhad Safinia and Stella Stolper, the Web site said.