Francine Joy Drescher is an American multi-talented personality known for her work as an actress, comedian, writer, activist, and trade union leader. Her most recognized role is as Fran Fine in the sitcom "The Nanny" (1993-1999), which she co-created and produced with her former spouse, Peter Marc Jacobson. Currently, she holds the position of national president at SAG-AFTRA, a prominent labor union representing actors, announcers, and media professionals.
September 30, 1957: Fran Drescher was born
Francine Joy Drescher was born on September 30, 1957, in Queens, New York.
1973: Miss New York Teenager Runner-Up
Fran Drescher was named the first runner-up in the "Miss New York Teenager" competition in 1973.
1975: Graduation from Hillcrest High School
Fran Drescher graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1975.
1977: Film Debut in "Saturday Night Fever"
Fran Drescher made her screen debut with a small role in the iconic disco film "Saturday Night Fever" in 1977.
1978: Early Film Roles
Following her debut, Drescher appeared in films like "American Hot Wax" and "Stranger in Our House" in 1978.
1978: Marriage to Peter Marc Jacobson
Fran Drescher married Peter Marc Jacobson in 1978 at the age of 21.
1980: Comedic Roles in "Gorp" and "The Hollywood Knights"
Drescher continued to build her acting portfolio in 1980, taking on comedic roles in films like "Gorp" and "The Hollywood Knights".
1981: Dramatic Role in "Ragtime"
In 1981, Fran Drescher took on a less familiar dramatic role in Miloš Forman's film "Ragtime".
1983: Appearance in "Doctor Detroit"
In 1983, Drescher appeared in the comedy film "Doctor Detroit".
1984: Memorable Role in "This Is Spinal Tap"
Drescher landed a memorable role as publicist Bobbi Flekman in the mockumentary comedy "This Is Spinal Tap" in 1984.
January 1985: Home Invasion and Assault
In January 1985, Fran Drescher and her then-husband, Peter Marc Jacobson, were victims of a violent home invasion in their Los Angeles apartment, during which Drescher and a female friend were subjected to a horrific assault.
1985: Guest Appearance on "Who's the Boss?"
Drescher made a guest appearance as an interior decorator on an episode of the popular sitcom "Who's the Boss?" in 1985.
1989: Roles in "The Big Picture" and "UHF"
Drescher appeared in the films "The Big Picture" and "UHF" in 1989, further solidifying her presence in the comedy genre.
1991: Co-starring Role in "Princesses"
Drescher landed a co-starring role in the short-lived CBS sitcom "Princesses" in 1991.
1993: "The Nanny" Premieres
Fran Drescher achieved significant fame in 1993 with the premiere of her sitcom "The Nanny", which she co-created and starred in as Fran Fine.
1996: Separation from Peter Marc Jacobson
After many years of marriage, Fran Drescher and Peter Marc Jacobson made the difficult decision to separate in 1996.
1996: Appearance in "Jack"
Fran Drescher appeared in the film "Jack", directed by Francis Ford Coppola, in 1996.
1997: Starring and Producing "The Beautician and the Beast"
In 1997, Drescher starred in and served as executive producer for the romantic comedy "The Beautician and the Beast".
1999: "The Nanny" Concludes
After a successful run, "The Nanny" aired its final episode in 1999.
1999: Divorce from Peter Marc Jacobson
Drescher's marriage to Peter Marc Jacobson ended in divorce in 1999.
1999: Divorce from Peter Marc Jacobson
Fran Drescher and Peter Marc Jacobson officially divorced in 1999, marking the end of their long-term relationship.
June 21, 2000: Uterine Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
On June 21, 2000, Fran Drescher received a uterine cancer diagnosis and underwent a radical hysterectomy at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.
2000: Role in "Picking Up the Pieces"
Drescher appeared alongside Woody Allen in the comedy film "Picking Up the Pieces" in 2000.
2003: Guest Appearances in "Good Morning, Miami"
Fran Drescher made guest appearances as Roberta Diaz on the sitcom "Good Morning, Miami" in 2003.
2005: Premiere of "Living with Fran"
Drescher returned to television with the sitcom "Living with Fran" in 2005, playing the lead role of Fran Reeves.
May 17, 2006: "Living with Fran" Cancellation
Drescher's sitcom "Living with Fran" was cancelled on May 17, 2006, after two seasons.
November 14, 2006: Guest Appearance on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"
Drescher guest-starred in an episode of the crime drama "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" titled "The War at Home", which aired on November 14, 2006.
2006: Honored with the City of Hope Spirit of Life Award
In 2006, Fran Drescher's commitment to raising cancer awareness earned her the prestigious City of Hope Spirit of Life Award, presented to her by Senator Hillary Clinton.
2006: Voice Acting in "Shark Bait"
Drescher lent her voice to the animated film "Shark Bait" in 2006, voicing the character "Pearl".
June 21, 2007: Launching the Cancer Schmancer Movement
On June 21, 2007, marking the seventh anniversary of her cancer surgery, Fran Drescher established the Cancer Schmancer Movement, a non-profit dedicated to early cancer detection and prevention.
2007: Appearance on "Thank God You're Here"
Drescher appeared on the U.S. adaptation of the Australian improvisational comedy series "Thank God You're Here" in 2007.
September 2008: Appointed U.S. Diplomat for Women's Health
In September 2008, Fran Drescher was appointed as the U.S. Public Diplomacy Envoy for Women's Health Issues by the George W. Bush administration.
2008: Development of "The New Thirty"
Drescher worked on developing a new sitcom titled "The New Thirty", intended to star herself and Rosie O'Donnell, in 2008. Although the project never materialized, it reflected her continued involvement in television production.
2008: Supporting Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign
Fran Drescher actively participated in the 2008 presidential election by supporting Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign for the Democratic nomination.
June 21, 2010: Celebrating 10 Years Cancer-Free
Fran Drescher celebrated a significant milestone on June 21, 2010, commemorating ten years of being cancer-free.
2010: "The Fran Drescher Tawk Show"
Fran Drescher hosted her own daytime talk show, "The Fran Drescher Tawk Show", in 2010. Despite a strong initial reception, the show's three-week test run didn't lead to a full season.
June 15, 2011: Premiere of "Happily Divorced"
"Happily Divorced", a sitcom created by Drescher and her ex-husband Peter Marc Jacobson, premiered on TV Land on June 15, 2011.
July 2011: "Happily Divorced" Renewed for Season 2
The sitcom "Happily Divorced" was renewed for a second season in July 2011.
May 1, 2012: "Happily Divorced" Season 2 Extension
TV Land extended the second season of "Happily Divorced" and ordered additional episodes on May 1, 2012.
2012: Endorsing Barack Obama's Re-election
Fran Drescher continued her political activism in 2012 by publicly endorsing Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
2012: Voice Acting in "Hotel Transylvania"
Fran Drescher joined the cast of the animated film "Hotel Transylvania" in 2012, lending her voice to a character in the series.
August 2013: "Happily Divorced" Cancellation
"Happily Divorced" was cancelled by TV Land in August 2013.
February 4, 2014: Broadway Debut in Cinderella
On February 4, 2014, Fran Drescher made her Broadway debut in the revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, replacing Harriet Harris as stepmother Madame for a 10-week engagement.
April 2014: Presenting at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Event
In April 2014, Fran Drescher joined fellow actors Bryan Cranston, Idina Menzel, and Denzel Washington in presenting at the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition.
September 7, 2014: Commitment Ceremony with Shiva Ayyadurai
On September 7, 2014, Fran Drescher and Shiva Ayyadurai partook in a ceremony at Drescher's residence, widely reported as a marriage, although Ayyadurai later clarified it as a celebration of their friendship.
2014: Broadway Debut in "Cinderella"
Fran Drescher made her Broadway debut in 2014, taking on the role of stepmother Madame in the production of "Cinderella".
April 2015: Reprising Role in Cinderella Tour
In April 2015, Fran Drescher reprised her role as stepmother Madame in the North American tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella during its Los Angeles engagement.
2017: Expressing Anti-Capitalist Views
In 2017, Fran Drescher shared her evolving political views in an interview, identifying as anti-capitalist and expressing support for the Green Party.
January 8, 2020: Announcing The Nanny Musical Adaptation
On January 8, 2020, Fran Drescher and Peter Marc Jacobson announced they were co-writing a musical adaptation of their hit sitcom, "The Nanny".
April 2020: Loss of Musical Collaborator
Tragedy struck the musical adaptation of "The Nanny" in April 2020 when Adam Schlesinger, who was brought on to compose the songs alongside Rachel Bloom, passed away.
2020: Starring Role in "Indebted"
Drescher starred in the NBC sitcom "Indebted" in 2020.
September 2, 2021: Elected President of SAG-AFTRA
Fran Drescher was elected as the president of SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and media professionals, on September 2, 2021.
2021: Receiving the LifeSaver Award
In 2021, Fran Drescher's advocacy and support for individuals in need were recognized when she received the LifeSaver Award from ELEM/Youth in Distress.
2022: Conclusion of "Hotel Transylvania" Film Series
The "Hotel Transylvania" film series, in which Drescher had a voice acting role, concluded in 2022.
July 13, 2023: Leading the SAG-AFTRA Strike
On July 13, 2023, following the authorization of strike action by SAG-AFTRA members, Fran Drescher, as president of the union, announced the commencement of the SAG-AFTRA strike, coinciding with the ongoing WGA strike.
July 14, 2023: Leading SAG-AFTRA During Actors' Strike
Drescher demonstrated her leadership by leading SAG-AFTRA through a five-month actors' strike, which began on July 14, 2023, coinciding with the ongoing writers' strike.