“Frasier ”Star Jane Leeves Recounts Childhood Bullying, Says a Teacher ‘Once Hurled an Ashtray at Me’

**Jane Leeves Opens Up About Childhood Trauma in New Memoir “Daphne & Me”**

In her recently released memoir titled *Daphne & Me: My Life on Frasier (And a Bit More)*, Jane Leeves reflects on the painful experiences of her early life, including memories of bullying and harsh discipline during her time at an all-girls arts school. The actress, renowned for her portrayal of Daphne Moon on the iconic series *Frasier*, discussed the darker aspects of her childhood in a candid interview on the podcast *Dinner’s On Me* with Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

Leeves, now 65, delves into her past as she recalls the bullying she encountered from both her peers and teachers during her formative years. As a young girl, she attended a ballet school that she describes as akin to a “Hogwartsy” environment, where malice was not just an unfortunate occurrence among students but also a factor in interactions with staff. Leeves mentioned a particular incident in which a teacher threw an ashtray at her after expressing frustration over her performance.

The actress recounted how her teacher made her the focal point of a painful dance exercise that left her physically and emotionally scarred. “At the school of the arts, I started out as a dancer,” she shared. “This teacher really tortured me. I was in the middle of the class, and she insisted that we wouldn’t leave until I could perform two pirouettes on pointe. My feet were bleeding, but she didn’t seem to care.”

Leeves further illustrated the intensity of her experience, recalling the moment the teacher, after reaching her limit, hurled an object at her while insisting she should not try to evade the situation. This harrowing memory has left a lasting mark on Leeves, who now uses her platform to share her story and raise awareness about the effects of bullying.

Although Leeves has enjoyed a successful career in film and television, she is most widely remembered for her role in *Frasier*, which aired from 1993 to 2004. There, she played a live-in housekeeper and physical therapist for Frasier Crane’s father, a character that won her significant acclaim. The show also featured notable performances from Kelsey Grammer, Peri Gilpin, and Bebe Neuwirth.

Almost three decades following the original *Frasier* series, Grammer has reprised his role in a revival that was recently cut short after two seasons, as announced by Paramount+. Nevertheless, Leeves reflects on her time in the series fondly, even as her memoir shines a light on the struggles that preceded her rise in Hollywood.

In her memoir, Leeves provides readers with an honest account of her journey, filled with triumphs and setbacks alike. The 20th of October saw the official release of *Daphne & Me*, and since its debut, it has sparked conversations about the regrettable experiences she faced as a young girl, a subject she has approached with both vulnerability and resilience.

Through her writing, Leeves hopes to offer insight into her life beyond the television screens, addressing the real-life challenges that shaped her. The raw honesty in her recollections serves not only to document her personal story but also to inspire those who may endure similar experiences.

The effects of childhood trauma are often not easily forgotten, and Leeves’s latest venture serves as an important reminder of the resilience required to overcome such obstacles. As she continues to reflect on her past, it’s clear that the lessons learned during those difficult years have played a significant role in shaping the woman she is today. In sharing her narrative, she encourages others to confront their own burdens and to seek healing through understanding and dialogue.