A selection of behind-the-scenes trivia about the popular Emmy-nominated ’90s sitcom.
Fran Drescher, the American actress, writer, producer, and current Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists president, has been making headlines recently for her fiery comments in the strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Years ago, she was the lead of the hit sitcom The Nanny, which aired on CBS from 1993 to 1999 for six seasons, earned 12 Emmy nominations, and inspired many adaptations in Latin America and Europe.
Fashion Icon Twiggy Indirectly Inspired the Pilot
Dame Lesley Lawson, better known as the British actress, singer, and model Twiggy, was the first spark behind the show’s concept; the idea came to Drescher as she was visiting Twiggy in her London home and was asked to babysit her daughter.
Drescher and Jacobson Divorced at the End of the Show
The co-creators of The Nanny were high-school sweethearts; they got married in 1978 and stayed together all throughout production of The Nanny. They separated in 1996 and announced their divorce three years later. Soon after, Jacobson came out as gay. The pair remains close, especially after Drescher was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2000, and still enjoys a solid friendship to this day.
Drescher and Nanny Fine Are Very Similar
The show’s creator and lead actress drew inspiration from her own youth in Kew Gardens Hills, near Flushing, Queens. She studied cosmetology and hairdressing and was often criticized for her pronounced accent, mannerisms, and nasal voice, so her most famous TV persona isn’t too far-off.
Many Characters Were Inspired by Drescher’s Community
In the show’s pilot, Fran is first introduced as a full-time consultant at a bridal shop owned by her boyfriend, who dumps her and fires her on the same day. The actress’ mother, Sylvia Rosenberg, also worked as a bridal consultant. As a matter of fact, most of Nanny Fine’s family members were inspired by the actress’ real-life friends and relatives from the Jewish community in Queens; other than Sylvia, the characters of Morty (the name of her real-life father, too) and Nadine, in particular, were named and modeled after actual people. Drescher’s parents appeared on the show as Nanny Fine’s aunt and uncle.
Sponsors and Executives Wanted to Change Nanny Fine’s Background
Nanny Fine sounded too Jewish, and some CBS executives, as well as the show’s sponsors, were worried the story would only appeal to a certain demographic and would flop. According to Definition, “There was some talk about the character being Italian instead, but Drescher wouldn’t go for it. She believed that, because of her Jewish roots, the character of Fran Fine was far superior as a Jewish woman because it was based in some reality.”
C.C.’s Dog Was Actually Drescher’s
There is a reason why C.C.’s Pomeranian Chester seems to like Nanny Fine much more than his on-screen mom; the dog actually belongs to Drescher and was very attached to her. You might have spotted him in the 1990 crime comedy Cadillac Man. Sadly, he died 10 years later.
Lane Was Pregnant Throughout Season 5
Lauren Lane was pregnant all throughout production of the fifth season, and the crew did their best to hide her condition on-camera under big jackets and behind huge props, instead of writing a plausible explanation into the story. The actress found all these ridiculous maneuvers, and when she went on maternity leave, the writers simply sent C.C. away to a mental institution, following Fran and Maxwell’s engagement and her subsequent breakdown. Lane wasn’t too fond of this decision, either.
Lane Has Always Gushed about Davis
C.C. and Niles often bicker on The Nanny, but in reality, Lane and Davis had been friends long before they even auditioned for the show. She told Vice, “Danny and I are just snarky and fun. Danny and I are tight. He is an amazing actor. And he’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. And his theater! It would have been great if he’d had the opportunity to explore that side of his talent [more in film and TV]. It’s very Anthony Hopkins.”
Zima Doesn’t Remember the Experience Fondly
Madeline Zima, who later starred on Californication and Heroes, confessed in several interviews that she hated playing the youngest child, Gracie, on The Nanny. Per NZ Herald, she said, “They treated me like a prop. It wasn’t a fun experience. There were other experiences on other sets where people treated me kindly. I worked when I was five years old on The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and everybody was wonderful. There was just a kindness and a sensitivity that didn’t exist on the set of The Nanny.”
Shaughnessy Is Also a Rich British Thespian
Much like Maxwell, the fifth Baron Shaughnessy hails from London, participated in Eton College, and comes from a wealthy family in the entertainment industry.
