Kelsey Grammer talks about drug use, the guilt he felt after his sister's murder

February 22, 2015. Actor Kelsey Grammer and wife, Kayte Walsh, arrive at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California. (Reuters)

Kelsey Grammer revealed in a Vanity Fair interview that his addictions to cocaine and alcohol were at least partially due to his sister’s violent murder.

“That was the time when I could not forgive myself for my sister’s death,” he confessed.

In 1975 Grammer’s 18-year-old sister Karen was abducted, raped and murdered in Colorado by spree killer Freddie Glenn. It was left to Kelsey to identify his sister’s body and give the terrible news to his distraught mother.

Even though he was only 20 and not living in Colorado when it happened Grammer was racked with guilt.

“It’s hard to explain,” he said. “It’s not rational. But it happens anyway. I know a lot of people who’ve lost their siblings and blame themselves.”

He eventually forgave Glenn because he believes that he is truly remorseful for what he did, but Grammer is adamant Glenn should not be paroled and has successfully opposed his release.

“I believe the gift of life and freedom he took from my sister precludes him from ever being allowed to enjoy that gift for himself,” he explained. “He took her future from her with no regard for her whatsoever. He assumed he had a right to do so. He assumed she was his property, and that the precious gift God gave her was his to take.”

Sadly, that is not the only tragedy to befall the “Frasier” star. When he was 13 years old, his estranged father was shot to death. Grammers two half-brothers also died in a scuba-diving accident.

Grammer’s private life has often been splashed in the tabloids. He’s been married four times and endured a messy split with “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Camille Donatacci.

Most recently-- four years ago-- he married a Kayte Walsh, with whom he has two children.

“This lovely young woman lit up my world and changed my heart, which was a bit calloused and hardened against a lot of things,” he gushed.  “And we are good, and I feel young and alive.”