She had style, flair, and an unforgettable presence—that’s how Fran Fine became The Nanny. CBS’s beloved sitcom delivered a mix of comedy, heart, and outrageous fashion, centered around a Jewish fashionista from Queens who takes a nannying job in high society. Loosely inspired by Fran Drescher’s real life, the show earned 12 Emmy nominations and remains a quintessential piece of ’90s television. Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to Flushing, Queens, to catch up with the unforgettable cast of The Nanny and see what they’re up to now.
1. Fran Drescher (Fran Fine)
Fran Fine wasn’t your typical nanny—her charm, humor, and fabulous wardrobe made her unforgettable. Fran Drescher not only starred in the show but also produced it, keeping a close-knit cast and crew intact for six seasons. Drescher infused her own life into Fran’s character, drawing from her Jewish upbringing in Queens. She even played a look-alike role in season five, reprising her hilarious Spinal Tap publicist, Bobbi Flekman. Drescher’s early roles included Saturday Night Fever and Stranger in Our House, but it was The Nanny that cemented her as a household name.
Behind the laughter, Drescher faced personal challenges. In 1985, she survived a traumatic home invasion, a harrowing experience that shaped her perspective on life. Later, she battled uterine cancer, using her experience to advocate for healthcare awareness through her foundation, Cancer Schmancer. At 66, Drescher continues to inspire and entertain, with recent projects including voice work in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania and appearances in Mr. Mayor. Her resilience and talent make her as much of a star today as she was in the ’90s.
2. Charles Shaughnessy (Maxwell Sheffield)
Maxwell Sheffield was the reserved Broadway producer who reluctantly hired Fran as a nanny—and eventually fell for her. Charles Shaughnessy brought the character to life, balancing Maxwell’s buttoned-up demeanor with glimpses of vulnerability and humor. Before The Nanny, Shaughnessy was already a soap opera star, known for his role as Shane Donovan on Days of Our Lives. This part earned him a devoted fan base and paved the way for his comedic turn on The Nanny.
After the series ended, Shaughnessy took on numerous voice acting gigs, most notably as Dennis the Goldfish on Disney’s Stanley, for which he won a Daytime Emmy. He reunited with Drescher for her 2005 sitcom Living with Fran and remained active in TV with roles on General Hospital and the miniseries Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem. At 69, Shaughnessy continues to charm audiences, balancing his career with family life alongside his wife of nearly 40 years, Susan Fallender.
3. Nicholle Tom (Margaret Sheffield)
As Margaret “Maggie” Sheffield, Nicholle Tom played the eldest Sheffield child, evolving from an awkward teenager into a poised and confident young woman under Fran’s guidance. Tom’s breakout came before The Nanny, with her role as Ryce Newton in the Beethoven films. She continued voicing her character in the animated series adaptation, showcasing her versatility early on.
Tom expanded her career into voice work as Supergirl in Superman: The Animated Series and Justice League. In live-action, she took on roles in Masters of Sex and other TV projects, maintaining a steady presence in Hollywood. Now 46, she keeps fans updated through her social media, sharing glimpses of her personal life and continuing her acting career.
4. Daniel Davis (Niles)
Niles the butler was the comedic heart of The Nanny, delivering biting one-liners with perfect timing. His quips, especially those aimed at C.C. Babcock, were a highlight of the show. Daniel Davis, born in Arkansas, perfected an impeccable British accent, even fooling audiences who thought he was a native Brit. Before The Nanny, Davis made waves as Professor Moriarty on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Post-Nanny, Davis reprised his Moriarty role in Star Trek: Picard and appeared in series like Dispatches from Elsewhere. At 78, he remains active, recently guest-starring in New Amsterdam. Fans of Niles can even request a personalized message from him on Cameo—a delightful way to reconnect with this beloved character.
5. Lauren Lane (C.C. Babcock)
C.C. Babcock, Maxwell’s business partner, was sharp-tongued and sophisticated, delivering caustic barbs to both Fran and Niles with equal flair. Lauren Lane played the role with finesse, making C.C. a memorable “villain” on the show. Before The Nanny, Lane was known for her roles on Hunter and L.A. Law, showcasing her range as an actress.
After The Nanny, Lane stepped back from Hollywood, returning to Texas to raise her daughter and focus on teaching theater. She now acts in regional productions and inspires students at Texas State University. At 63, Lane continues to make an impact both on and off the stage.
6. Benjamin Salisbury (Brighton Sheffield)
Brighton Sheffield, the mischievous middle child, often found himself stuck between his sisters and their antics. Benjamin Salisbury brought Brighton to life with charm and wit, even entertaining live studio audiences with impromptu dance routines. Outside of The Nanny, Salisbury appeared in films like Captain Ron and D3: The Mighty Ducks.
In 2006, Salisbury retired from acting and shifted gears, eventually becoming the Director of Operations at Universal Studios Hollywood. Now 43, he lives a quieter life with his wife and three children, though fans still fondly remember his time as the cheeky Brighton Sheffield.
7. Madeline Zima (Grace Sheffield)
Grace Sheffield, the youngest of the Sheffield children, was a precocious and sensitive little girl who found comfort in Fran’s nurturing care. Madeline Zima debuted in 1992’s The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, showcasing her talent at a young age. Her work on The Nanny solidified her as a rising star, and she seamlessly transitioned into more mature roles as she grew up.
Zima appeared in projects like A Cinderella Story and Californication, where she tackled edgy and dramatic storylines. Most recently, she starred in the 2021 film Bliss alongside Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek. Now 38, Zima continues to act while supporting her younger sisters, Vanessa and Yvonne, who are also in the entertainment industry.
What a dynamic cast! The Nanny remains a classic, and its influence endures through foreign adaptations and nostalgic reunions. Which character was your favorite? Are there other sitcom casts you’d love to revisit? Let us know your thoughts!
