That same year Cauffiel played Kit, Niles Cranes' girlfiend, in the sitcom Frasier.

His brother, another therapist, named Niles Crane, was not expected to play a very large part, but once the writers saw the possibilities in the character and witnessed the versatility of Mr. Pierce, his role grew.

There is a character apparently meant to be a blend of Steve Urkel and Niles Crane, who says things like "We're all a bit head over teacups."

A running gag through Frasier is that Frasier's father and brother, Martin Crane (John Mahoney) and Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce), are never pleased to see her.

A champion aficionado of the Frasier sitcom, perhaps in response the call of his inner Niles Crane.

Frasier (Niles Crane)

(It seems to be the same building that Niles Crane was trapped in on "Frasier.")

Dr. Melinda "Mel" Karnofsky Crane (Jane Adams) is Maris Crane's plastic surgeon, and for a period, Niles Crane's girlfriend and (briefly) wife.

Maris Crane is Niles Crane's wife for much of the series, though she is never fully seen onscreen (much like Norm Peterson's wife, Vera, on Cheers).

And because I can't spend one more second without being your wife, Niles Crane, because I adore you.