How 'The Nanny' Was Born
When Fran Drescher first dreamed up the idea for The Nanny, she envisioned it as a delightful blend of The Sound of Music and I Love Lucy. “It all started in my head,” Fran explains to the latest issue of Closer, currently available on newsstands. She adds, “There was some good fortune that came my way to help bring this vision to life.” The sitcom, which aired from 1993 to 1999, skyrocketed Fran to fame and continues to attract new fans through streaming platforms. Millennials, who weren’t around or were too young to watch it when it originally aired, are now tuning in, appreciating its humor, style, and iconic costumes.
Branching Out: Movies, Books, and Broadway
Since The Nanny, Fran has explored various creative avenues. She’s lent her voice to Eunice in the highly successful Hotel Transylvania animated trilogy. She’s also ventured into writing, penning books like her New York Times best-selling memoir Cancer Schmancer. Not stopping there, Fran even took the stage on Broadway. This holiday season, she co-starred in The Christmas Setup, a Lifetime romantic comedy. Beyond acting, Fran remains dedicated to the Cancer Schmancer Movement, a nonprofit focused on cancer prevention and early detection through education and advocacy. “If you're a celebrity with a wide reach, it’s a waste not to use it for the greater good,” Fran emphasizes.
Early Influences: The Charm of Lucille Ball
From a young age, Fran was captivated by the timeless charm of Lucille Ball. As a child, she watched reruns of I Love Lucy every day, becoming a devoted student of the show. “I wanted to be like her,” Fran recalls. “She was beautiful, funny, and self-deprecating. I adored her physical comedy—it was hilarious.” While Lucille Ball was a significant influence, Fran also considered other career paths, including writing, hairdressing, acting, journalism, and politics. Ultimately, she reasoned that pursuing what came most naturally and was most enjoyable would ensure her career never felt like work.
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Fulfilling Dreams and Finding Joy
Looking back, Fran has accomplished many of the aspirations she set for herself early on. In middle school, she became a hairdresser. She’s written articles, authored best-selling books, and even dabbled in politics. With her ex-husband and current writing partner, Peter Marc Jacobson, she created a version of Desilu, the legendary production company. “Peter and I split in 1999, but we never turned spiteful,” Fran shares. “We continue to share The Nanny revenue equally—it was our baby, and I’m proud of that.” She’s also deeply connected to her parents, FaceTiming them daily. “I’m a devoted daughter, and I treasure them,” she says.
A New Chapter: Family and Self-Love
Fran’s life has taken a new turn with the addition of a rescue dog, a white husky-shepherd mix with striking eyes. “We bonded during lockdown, and it was a stroke of divine luck,” Fran says. As for dating, COVID has put that on hold. “I’m not in a rush to enter another relationship. I’m enjoying this period of profound satisfaction with myself,” she explains. Practicing Buddhist philosophy, Fran calls herself a “Bu-Jew” and finds peace in solitude. “Growth is painful, but it’s worth it. Instead of asking ‘Why me?’ I ask, ‘What can I learn from this?’”
