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From sitcoms to rom-coms, the star’s as prolific as she is talented.
Now that fans can finally re-watch the classic ’90s sitcom The Nanny on HBO Max, the world has fallen in love with Fran Drescher all over again. And is it any wonder? The feisty actor and writer has been making the world laugh for over four decades; if you’re only familiar with her iconic sitcom role, you’ll be delighted to learn that a whole universe of Drescher content awaits. She first starred in Saturday Night Fever and then in classic movies like This Is Spinal Tap and American Hot Wax, and has continued to work in TV, make movies (including some talented voice work), and appear in cameos in shows like Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Broad City.
Sadly, viewers who are crossing their fingers for a Nanny television reboot will be disappointed: There’s nothing in the cards, at least not yet, says Drescher. There is, however, a play version coming to Broadway. Drescher explained to Entertainment Weekly that it will take priority over anything else — “Contractually, I’m not allowed to do a reboot on TV until we get the musical on its feet on Broadway” were her exact words, which still sounds like they’re leaving the door open for the future.
But in the meantime, you can catch her in these films and movies, all of which make great use of her delightful talents (And you could always rewatch The Nanny again, too. I won’t judge.).
1
UHF (1989)
Starring “Weird Al” Yankovic, UHF follows the shenanigans going on behind the scenes of a local TV station. Drescher plays an assistant with dreams of working in front of the camera; by this point, she’d developed her comedy chops and her signature voice made for a highly entertaining news anchor.
2
Cadillac Man (1990)
In this film about a car salesman in Queens (Robin Williams) whose life is... simply put, a mess, Drescher plays the titular Cadillac man’s mistress (one of two!). This was the first time Drescher and Williams lead a movie together; the two also played opposite each other in the coming-of-age film Jack in 1996.
3
The Beautician and the Beast (1997)
Do you love The Nanny? Great, because this is basically the same idea in movie form. A beautician is hired by accident as a science teacher for the president of Slovetzia’s (Timothy Dalton) three children. You can basically guess what happens, but it’s cute.
4
Living With Fran (2005-2007)
This sitcom ran for two seasons and starred a young Ben Feldman (Superstore). Drescher plays Fran Reeves, a divorced mom of two and interior decorator with a hot young boyfriend — and she’s so innately charming, the somewhat dated premise still works.
5
Happily Divorced (2011-2013)
This TV Land show ran for two seasons and is actually partially inspired by Drescher’s life with her ex-husband, Peter Marc Jacobson. “Fran Lovett” learns her husband “Peter” (played here by John Michael Higgins) is gay, and they divorce but remain friends. In the sitcom version, though, they can’t afford to move out, and they continue living together while also dating other people.
6
The Hotel Transylvania Movies (2012, 2015, 2018, 2021)
The original animated film was a hit in 2012 —so much so that it received three sequels, the final of which is expected later in 2021. Drescher plays Eunice, Frankenstein’s extremely feity wife. Judging by this behind-the-scenes video, she’s having an absolute blast playing the role.
7
The Christmas Setup (2020)
This rom-com is pretty standard Lifetime fare — except for the fact that it was the first LGBTQ+ film that the cable channel ever made. Drescher, who’s an activist as well as an advocate, plays the adorably meddling but supportive mom to Hugo (Ben Lewis) as he and his high school crush Patrick (Blake Lee) ... I mean, you get it, it’s a Lifetime movie.
8
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
One of Drescher’s early roles was in this cult classic. She’s only in the movie for a few minutes, but it’s quite a scene that they give her. Trust me, just watch it.
