Fran Drescher: 3 Tips For a Lasting Entertainment Career

While in New York City for Olivia’s summer intensive I had the opportunity to pre-screen Hotel Transylvania 3. The animated series stars Adam Sandler as the voice of Count Dracula, owner of the hotel where monsters vacation. In this third movie of the series, Mavis (Selena Gomez) tricks her father Dracula into taking a vacation. And the entire Hotel Transylvania gang joins them.

Included in that group are Frankenstein (Kevin James) and his wife Eunice voiced by Fran Drescher. I was able to chat with the iconic actress as a part of the screening event.

If you’re Generation X like me, you know Fran Drescher as The Nanny, an ill-equipped childcare provider from Flushing, Queens. And if you’re a little older, you know she got her start in entertainment in the late 70s with a small role in the movie Saturday Night Fever.

I was intrigued by her longevity in the industry given her unmistakably unique voice.  When you know Fran Drescher, you know her voice. As a stage mom, I wanted tips for my budding actress on having a lasting career in entertainment.

Fran Drescher on Being Unique

I asked her how she has been able to sustain such longevity with such a unique and distinct sound. Her answer showed a true self-awareness and belief in her talent.

“I’m offbeat. It’s either going to be a fast yes, or a fast pass.” And because of that, she’s learned to be prepared for the no and move on to the next opportunity. She credits the support of her parents for the confidence she has in believing that a pass is their loss. So keep doing what you’re doing Stage Moms. 🙂

She is thrilled to be doing voice-over work in the Hotel Transylvania series. And she has the perfect voice for it. But she thought she wouldn’t need to do hair and makeup in the sound booth. That was until she realized that she was constantly being photographed and videoed while working. She still enjoys it, but now she also gets dressed for the job.

Fran Drescher on Seizing The Moment

She shared that her big break came on a trans-Atlantic flight to France. She recognized the president of CBS on her flight and took the opportunity to pitch him on a show. Nine hours later, he committed to bring her to headquarters for further discussion. She perfected her pitch and flew to LA to meet with other CBS Executives. After that meeting, one of the execs proclaimed, “Fran Drescher is the nanny from hell,” and a show was born.

She saw an opportunity on that flight and she grabbed it. It’s been said, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. She took her shot and it landed. Keep encouraging your drama divas to shoot their shots Stage Moms. At least one of them will land.

Fran Drescher on Being More Than Talent

I asked her what advice she had for aspiring actors. She responded, “Get on the inside. Don’t always be the actor.” She advised that all talent should also learn to direct, produce, and write. To control your destiny and future in the business you must be able to make decisions for yourself.  “[I realized] I was more talented than a lot of the people I was working for,” so she took her career into her own hands.

And this is why her most pertinent tip is so important. “Find your strength. Do what makes your heart sing.” Because at the end of the day if you don’t love what you do you won’t do it well.

I’m excited to share these tips with my aspiring actress. If you could ask Fran Drescher a question, what would it be?