How Fran Drescher’s London Encounter Sparked The Nanny Idea
Let me tell you a little story about how one of the most iconic sitcoms of the '90s came to be. Actress Fran Drescher was in London, visiting Twiggy—her former co-star from the short-lived sitcom Princesses in 1991. During their visit, Twiggy’s daughter said, with a proper British accent, "Oh, Fran, my new shoes are hurting me," and Fran responded, "Oh, honey, step on the backs of them. It breaks them in." That simple moment struck a chord with Fran. She realized the contrast between a street-smart New Yorker from Queens and an upper-class Brit could make for some great comedy. That’s where the idea for The Nanny began to take shape.
Bringing The Nanny to Life with Peter Jacobson
While still in London, Fran called her then-husband, producer Peter Jacobson, and said, “What do you think about a spin on The Sound of Music, but instead of Julie Andrews, I come to the door?” Fran, who was 60 at the time of this interview, remembers Peter’s immediate response: “That’s it!” In a heartbeat, they had the concept for a show that would go on to change television history. It was a classic case of seizing the moment and turning it into something extraordinary.
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Fast forward to 1993, CBS greenlit the show, and The Nanny ran for six glorious seasons until 1999. Fran recently shared her thoughts on those years, saying, “Those were golden years for all of us. We’re all very grateful, and the fact that it’s still on TV is a wonderful gift that keeps on giving.” For those who haven’t seen it yet, reruns are currently airing on Cozi TV.
A Legacy That Lives On: The Nanny Reboot
But the story doesn’t end there. Fran has stayed in touch with her co-stars, including Charles Shaughnessy (Mr. Sheffield), Renée Taylor (Fran’s mom), Daniel Davis (the ever-charming butler Niles), and the actors who played the children: Nicholle Tom, Benjamin Salisbury, and Madeline Zima. And here’s the exciting part—there’s talk of a reboot! Fran teased, “It’s in the works, and we’re excited about it.” If it happens, you can bet Fran will be leading the charge, just like she did with the original series.
Fran’s determination and vision were key to the original show’s success. She once said, “I set my mind to something very clearly and put it out to the universe. I saw opportunity knocking, and I carpe diem-ed!” That same energy and passion are sure to carry over into any future projects.
For more stories about Fran and her incredible career, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available on newsstands now. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter!
