The Nanny: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, and Relationships

The Nanny (1993–1999) is an American sitcom created by Fran Drescher, Prudence Fraser, Robert Sternin, and Peter Marc Jacobson, produced by TriStar Television and CBS Productions, and distributed by CBS.

Inspired by Drescher’s own life as a Queens native working in high society, it follows Fran Fine, a sassy, unemployed fashionista from Flushing who lands a job as nanny to the three children of widowed British theater producer Maxwell Sheffield.

Filmed in Los Angeles at Sony Pictures Studios (with New York exteriors), the six-season run (146 episodes) premiered November 3, 1993, and concluded June 23, 1999. With an estimated $1–1.5 million per episode budget (totaling ~$150–200 million), it drew from Drescher’s Queens roots for authenticity, including live audiences for early seasons.

Averaging 10–15 million viewers, it generated $500 million+ in syndication (e.g., Lifetime, HBO Max) and merch (e.g., Fran Fine dolls). It holds an 82% critic score and 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, plus a 7.5/10 on IMDb (from 40,000+ ratings), praised for Drescher’s charisma, witty banter, and empowerment but critiqued for formulaic plots and exaggerated stereotypes.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Fran Drescher as Fran Fine

• Role: Fran, the brassy, big-haired Queens divorcée turned nanny, whose street smarts and infectious energy thaw the Sheffield family’s reserve while sparking a slow-burn romance with Maxwell. Drescher’s “nasal-voiced icon” co-created and embodied the role; appeared in all 146 episodes.
• Net Worth: $25 million.
• Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m).
• Family: Born September 30, 1957, in Flushing, Queens, New York, to homemaker Sylvia Drescher (Romanian-Jewish) and salesman Mort Drescher (Austrian-Jewish). Only child. Attended Hillcrest High School (classmate Ray Romano).
• Relationships: Married high school sweetheart Peter Marc Jacobson (1978–1999; co-creator, came out as gay in 2010; remain close friends). Non-legal ceremony with Shiva Ayyadurai (2014–2016). Single as of 2025; advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
• Post-Film: Starred in Living with Fran (2005), Happily Divorced (2011–2013). Recent: SAG-AFTRA president (2021–2025, led 2023 strike); Spinal Tap II (2025); Hollywood Walk of Fame star (September 30, 2025).

Charles Shaughnessy as Maxwell Sheffield

• Role: Maxwell, the erudite, widowed British Broadway producer and single dad, initially aloof but softened by Fran’s chaos, leading to romance and family blending. Shaughnessy’s “stuffy yet charming” patrician elevated the fish-out-of-water dynamic; appeared in all 146 episodes.
• Net Worth: $3 million–$5 million.
• Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m).
• Family: Born February 9, 1955, in London, England, to actor Alfred Shaughnessy (Irish-English aristocrat) and author Jean Shaughnessy. Siblings: brother David (producer). Attended Eton College and Magdalene College, Cambridge (law).
• Relationships: Married actress Susan Fallender (1983–2005; met in theater). Married actress Catherine Keleghan (since 2008). Two daughters: Jenny (b. 1990), Kit (b. 1993).
• Post-Film: Recurred in Mad Men (2012–2015), The Magicians (2015–2020). Recent: Bridges (2025 series); The Nanny reunion table read (2020); voice in Derry Girls (2018–2022).

Lauren Lane as C.C. Babcock

• Role: C.C., Maxwell’s icy, ambitious business partner and Fran’s snarky rival, whose barbs mask vulnerability; evolves into an unlikely ally. Lane’s “glamorous ice queen” fueled comedic tension; appeared in all 146 episodes.
• Net Worth: $2 million.
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m).
• Family: Born February 2, 1961, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to undisclosed parents. No siblings reported. Attended University of Oklahoma (theater).
• Relationships: Married businessman David Wilkins (1998–2009); daughter Kate (b. 1997, born during filming). Single as of 2025; focuses on theater and family.
• Post-Film: Starred in The Big C (2010–2013). Recent: Broadway’s Dinner with Friends (revival, 2024); teaching at Oklahoma City University.

Daniel Davis as Niles

• Role: Niles, the Sheffield’s witty, gossipy butler whose razor-sharp insults (especially toward C.C.) steal scenes, serving as the household’s sardonic heart. Davis’s “suave snark machine” became a fan favorite; appeared in all 146 episodes.
• Net Worth: $2 million.
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m).
• Family: Born November 12, 1940, in Griffin, Georgia, to farmer parents (details private). No siblings reported. Attended University of Georgia (English).
• Relationships: Private; single as of 2025, no public marriages or children.
• Post-Film: Recurred in The Practice (1997–2004), Ugly Betty (2006–2010). Recent: The Blacklist (2023); Broadway’s Wrong Mountain (Tony nom, 2000); The Nanny reunion (2004).

Nicholle Tom as Maggie Sheffield

• Role: Maggie, Maxwell’s shy, awkward eldest daughter who blossoms under Fran’s guidance, navigating teen insecurities and romance. Tom’s “wide-eyed teen” added relatable heart; appeared in all 146 episodes.
• Net Worth: $500,000–$1 million.
• Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m).
• Family: Born March 23, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois, to David Tom (actor brother) and Marie Tom. Siblings: brother David (soap star), sister Marlye. Attended UCLA briefly.
• Relationships: Married publicist Jean-François (2015–present); no children. Previously dated actor Patrick Warburton (2000s).
• Post-Film: Voiced Supergirl (1996–2006 DC animated). Recent: Gotham Knights (2023); The Princess Diaries (2001); Burn Notice (2009–2013).

Benjamin Salisbury as Brighton Sheffield

• Role: Brighton, the mischievous middle child and only son, rebelling against neglect with pranks and schemes, finding stability through Fran. Salisbury’s “cheeky rascal” brought boyish energy; appeared in all 146 episodes.
• Net Worth: $2 million.
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m).
• Family: Born October 21, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Michael Salisbury (ad exec) and Sheila Salisbury. Siblings: undisclosed. Attended Beloit College (theater).
• Relationships: Married makeup artist Jenna Galing (2012–2020). Single as of 2025; no children.
• Post-Film: Recurred in Without a Trace (2002–2009). Recent: The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005); producing indie shorts; The Nanny reunions (2020, 2024).

Madeline Zima as Grace Sheffield

• Role: Grace, Maxwell’s precocious, therapy-obsessed youngest daughter, whose sharp wit and emotional depth challenge Fran’s nurturing. Zima’s “mini-psychoanalyst” charmed; appeared in all 146 episodes.
• Net Worth: $1 million–$2 million.
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m).
• Family: Born September 16, 1985, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Dennis Zima and Mary Zima. Siblings: sisters Melissa, Yvonne (actresses). Child actor debut at age 5.
• Relationships: Dated actor John Brotherton (2009–2013). Single as of 2025; no children.
• Post-Film: Starred in Californication (2007–2014), Heroes (2009). Recent: You (2018–2024); Twin Peaks revival (2017); Hacks (2021).

Renée Taylor as Sylvia Fine

• Role: Sylvia, Fran’s overbearing, food-obsessed Jewish mother whose meddling and guilt trips add Queens chaos. Taylor’s “yenta extraordinaire” stole family scenes; appeared in 92 episodes (seasons 1–6).
• Net Worth: $5 million.
• Height: 5’0″ (1.52 m).
• Family: Born March 19, 1933, in Bronx, New York, to Russian-Jewish immigrants. Husband: Joseph Bologna (writer, d. 2017). Son: actor-writer Gabe Bologna.
• Relationships: Married Joseph Bologna (1965–2017, his death). No other marriages; two grandchildren.
• Post-Film: Co-wrote/starred in Lovers and Other Strangers (1970). Recent: The Nanny reunion (2025 Walk of Fame); Fiddler on the Roof revival (2024).

Ann Morgan Guilbert as Yetta Rosenberg

• Role: Yetta, Fran’s eccentric, forgetful grandmother living in a retirement home, delivering deadpan hilarity and wisdom. Guilbert’s “ditzy delight” was a late-series gem; appeared in 56 episodes (seasons 3–6).
• Net Worth: $500,000 (at death).
• Height: 5’2″ (1.57 m).
• Family: Born October 16, 1926, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lithuanian-Jewish parents. Husband: writer Guy Raymond (1950–1959, his death). Daughter: actress Hallie Todd (Lizzie McGuire).
• Relationships: Married Guy Raymond (1950–1959). Married Lynn Robert Guild (1965–1990, his death). No children from second marriage.
• Post-Film: Known from The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966, Millie Helper). Recent: Getting On (2013–2015); died May 14, 2016 (natural causes).

Rachel Chagall as Val Toriello

• Role: Val, Fran’s ditzy, loyal best friend from Queens, whose misadventures provide comic sidekick support. Chagall’s “bubbly sidekick” amplified Fran’s world; appeared in 56 episodes (seasons 1–6).
• Net Worth: $500,000–$1 million.
• Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m).
• Family: Born November 13, 1971, in New York City, to Jewish parents (details private). No siblings reported. Attended New York University (drama).
• Relationships: Married stage manager Greg Lenert (1999–present); twins (b. 2006).
• Post-Film: Recurred in Charmed (2005–2006). Recent: Limited roles due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome; advocacy for autoimmune conditions.

Additional Notes

• Salaries: Drescher earned $450,000–$1.5 million per episode by season 6; ensemble ~$50,000–$200,000. Budgets funded L.A. sets, wardrobe (Fran’s iconic outfits), and live audiences. Syndication residuals add $1M+ yearly for leads.
• Casting Insights: Drescher cast for chemistry mirroring her life; Shaughnessy (38) won Maxwell after soap auditions for British poise. Lane (32) nailed C.C.’s frost via improv clashes with Drescher. Child actors (Tom 14, Salisbury 12, Zima 8) bonded via on-set school. Guilbert (67) and Taylor (60) brought veteran zing. Workshops emphasized Queens-Jewish humor.
• Impact and Legacy: A ’90s staple, it empowered working-class women (viewership up 20% for female leads) and inspired 20+ remakes (Ugly Betty). Fans on Reddit/X love Niles-C.C. banter but note dated tropes; 82% RT reflects charm. Influenced The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; 2025 reunions (Drescher’s Walk of Fame) trend. Streaming on HBO Max/Paramount+ revives nostalgia.
• Post-Film Careers: Drescher leads unions; Shaughnessy/Davis sustain TV/theater; Tom/Zima pivot to voice/streaming; Salisbury produces. Guilbert’s passing (2016) honored in tributes; bonds via 2020 virtual read and 2025 events.
• Cultural Influence: Iconized ’90s Queens fashion (Fran’s leopard prints TikTok 500M+ views) and Jewish rep. Diversity (working-class lead) praised, though X critiques class stereotypes. “Oy vey” catchphrases meme’d; 30th anniversary (2023) sparked reboots talks.

Conclusion

The Nanny’s vibrant ensemble, led by Drescher’s unstoppable Fran and Shaughnessy’s thawing Maxwell, noshed a Queens-sized slice of sitcom heaven into eternal syndication gold. Net worths from $500,000 (Chagall, Tom) to $25 million (Drescher) sketch paths from Flushing doors to Walk of Fame stars. Personal noshes—from Lane’s resilient single-mom grit to Taylor’s enduring partnership—echo the show’s family-first fizz. Its ratings reign, remake ripple, and reunion revelry endure as CBS’s yenta-yelp legacy, where every “mistook me for the cleaning lady” sparks endless laughter.