Fran Drescher, 68, Gives Update on Her TV Career Years After the Nanny

Fran Drescher has been one of television’s most recognizable faces thanks to The Nanny, but the 68-year-old actress says she’s likely leaving the traditional sitcom behind. In a recent conversation with Ted Danson on his podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name, Drescher explained that the daily grind of a multi-camera studio no longer appeals to her.

“It was pretty dark when I entered the stage, and it was dark when I left it,” she recalled about her last regular role on the 2020 NBC comedy Indebted. The long hours in a dim studio during the winter months made her question if that’s how she wanted to spend her time.

Drescher doesn’t completely rule out returning to television, but she wants to do it on her own terms. She mentioned that projects where she could have more creative control—like writing, producing, or directing—would be far more fulfilling than taking a supporting role. “I want to be able to do it my way, where I can wear multiple hats,” she said.

While her sitcom days may be winding down, Drescher is enjoying a major comeback in film. She recently starred in Josh Safdie’s sports drama Marty Supreme, which premiered in late 2025. Drescher plays Rebecca Mauser, the mother of a 1950s ping pong prodigy played by Timothée Chalamet.

The film has been a hit for A24, grossing over $150 million worldwide and earning Drescher praise for her dramatic performance alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Tyler, the Creator. Her focus has also shifted to the stage and other creative projects.

Drescher is developing a Broadway musical adaptation of The Nanny, co-writing the book with longtime creative partner Peter Marc Jacobson. She’s excited about bringing the beloved show to a new audience in a completely fresh way.

This new phase of her career comes after her historic tenure as president of SAG-AFTRA, which she stepped down from in September 2025. During her leadership, she played a key role in reshaping streaming residuals and AI protections for performers. Now that Sean Astin has taken over the presidency, Drescher can fully focus on projects that bring her creative fulfillment.

Whether it’s walking red carpets for critically acclaimed films or working behind the scenes on Broadway, Drescher remains a dynamic force in entertainment. “I want to focus on projects that make me happy and let me be creative,” she said, summing up her current priorities.

Even as she moves away from the traditional sitcom, Drescher’s legacy in television, film, and the theater world continues to grow. She’s proof that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and take control of your career.

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