NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On July 1, 1975, Kelsey Grammer's younger sister, 18-year-old Karen Grammer, was raped and murdered—now, Kelsey discusses how it has affected him and the hope and healing he has found in the decades since by sharing his most personal memories of not only her death, but of her life as well.
Harper Select will publish the shocking and heartbreaking true story from the award-winning actor, Karen: A Brother Remembers, on May 6, 2025. Unlike a traditional memoir, Karen showcases Grammer’s thoughts and reflections with stream-of-conscious-style prose, acting as a guide through his own memories and grief.
Karen by Kelsey Grammer delves into the deeply personal and tragic story of the author's sister, Karen, who was brutally murdered at the age of 18. Kelsey was just 20 years old and studying theater at Juilliard in New York when his younger sister, a recent high school graduate, moved to Colorado Springs, where she was kidnapped by several men who had intended to rob the Red Lobster where she worked. They instead kidnapped Karen, raped her repeatedly, and ultimately stabbed her to death.
Through this memoir, Grammer poignantly recounts the memories of his sister and the impact her loss had on his life and family. With raw honesty, Grammer explores the profound grief and devastation that followed Karen's death, as well as the long and arduous journey toward healing. He bravely confronts the pain of losing a loved one to senseless violence, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of coping with such a profound loss.
Karen also serves as a testament to Grammer's resilience and determination to transform tragedy into a source of inspiration and empowerment. In sharing his story, Grammer aims to help others who have experienced similar loss, offering them solace and encouragement on their own paths toward healing.
Karen is not merely a memoir of loss, but a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the capacity for hope in the face of such overwhelming and devastating loss. This book is a moving tribute to a life cut tragically short, a testament to the enduring bond between siblings, and a message of hope at a time when we need it the most.
“Karen is a vibrant, visceral, saturated, honest, ecstatic recounting of my sister’s days until her final desecration. It is not a Grief book. It is a Life book, a celebration of Karen’s life,” said Kelsey. “I wanted to tell Karen’s story and at the same time, include a bit about my life, our life together and the love we shared. It is an unflinching account, raw and punctuated with horror. The words spilled from my mind to my fingers, and into the pages of this book. It poured from days long past, fresh and alive. Fifty years hence, I learned that love, that our love, is forever. It also brought me great Joy. To see her smile again, that was really something. And in hopes it might bring solace to those who have suffered like horrors, that’s in there, too. From a loving brother, I invite you to meet Karen. To know her and remember her with me. Karen.”
Karen will be available May 6, 2025, in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook, with Grammer narrating. You can pre-order today at: https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/harper-select/karen.
ABOUT KELSEY GRAMMER:
Kelsey Grammer is an Emmy-winning actor, producer, and director with a career spanning over three decades in television, film, and theatre. He has earned six Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, a SAG Award, and 18 Emmy nominations. Grammer is globally known for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frasier Crane, a role he played across Cheers, Frasier, and Wings for over 20 years. He is currently producing and starring in the Frasier revival streaming on Paramount+.
Grammer's film credits include notable roles in The Space Between ,The God Committee, The Marvels, Jesus Revolution, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and X-Men: The Last Stand, as well as a standout voice role as Sideshow Bob on The Simpsons since 1990, for which he won an Emmy in 2006.
His other voice work includes Toy Story 2, Anastasia, and Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans. Grammer's television roles include Dr. Death, The Last Tycoon, Boss (for which he won a Golden Globe), and Partners.
On stage, Grammer's impressive career includes a Tony nomination for his role in La Cage aux Folles on Broadway and a return to London’s West End in Man of La Mancha. He also starred in Candide with L.A. Opera and participated in a live performance of Beauty and the Beast at the Hollywood Bowl. In his early career he received acclaim for his off-Broadway theatre, and roles in Macbeth, Othello, and My Fair Lady.
A seasoned producer, Grammer founded Grammnet Productions, which produced hits like Medium and The Game. He is also behind the Frasier reboot, the Phat Tuesdays docuseries, and the 2024 The Game revival.
Grammer was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and raised in New Jersey and Florida. He currently divides his time between Los Angeles and New York.
ABOUT HARPER SELECT:
Harper Select, based in Nashville, TN, publishes an exclusive number of hand-selected memoirs and narrative nonfiction each year. Recent NYT Bestsellers include books from Joanna Gaines, Mark Harmon, Leon Carroll, Jr., and Loyola Chicago’s Sister Jean.
