Daphe's Accent
In the USA, and possibly overseas, there was perhaps the most successful 'spin-off' comedy of all time: FRASIER (which was spun off from CHEERS). One of the characters, about 5' 5" bundle of cuteness by the character name of DAPHNE (Jane Leeves), and an equally cute (to American ears) English accent.As it turns out, the guy who played the beer-swilling American Dad was actually English and had worked hard to change his accent, and then helped 'Daphne" with her English accent.
So odd.
"I always thought Daphne's accent was a bit "off". As Jane Leeves wasn't from the north of England though, I'm presuming that she was doing her best to imitate a Manchester accent, although I'd have thought a top notch dialect coach in the U.S. could have enabled her to sound more Mancunian. John Mahoney was from Manchester originally but had worked so hard to lose his British accent years before that I'm presuming he couldn't help Jane that much. Either way, I think we Brits notice the difference between a Lancashire or Yorkshire accent but doubt the average American viewer would. As for the "bumbershoot" line, I have to say I thought it was ridiculous as I commented to my Australian husband.He hadn't heard of the expression either despite having taught in the north west of England for a while. If you love the show, I think you have to forgive the writers for the odd slip up when it comes to authenticity."
Jane Leeves
John Mahoney
Example of Mancunian Accent
Comments (5)
He's talking about a character called "Daph" which might explain the missing inches.
Jane Leeves played Daphers not just the voice.
Who's shrunken inches were you referring to.
Yes, you are right. Normally, I'm a stickler for detail, but this time, I was focused on the surprising discussion that this cute English actresses' accent was fake. She had to be coached (whaaat???).
I did not bother looking up her actual specs insofar as height was concerned, so I estimated and said "about."
I have relatives from England, some of whom look like they came off a FOREIGNER album cover and sound like some of the banter heard on PINK FLOYD's DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. My (then little) female cousin sounded absolutely darlin, sounding something like: "wuud yuu lyek a coop of tea luuv?"
In this instance, you are right and I was wrong.
Enjoy that, because it doesn't happen very often. ;-)