Happy Birthday, Fran Drescher! See Throwback Photos of “The Nanny ”Star Being the Fashion Icon You Didn’t Know You Needed

Her character on ‘The Nanny’ wasn’t the only one who knew how to put together a look! 

She had style, she had flair, she was there on the red carpet!

Her character on The Nanny was a high-fashion trendsetter before her time, and Fran Drescher often chose equally eye-catching ensembles on the red carpet over the years — particularly during her show’s heyday in the mid-1990s.

On Drescher’s 69th birthday on Sept. 30, 2026, look back on some of her most eye-catching red carpet moments of the past.

Related: Why an Instagram Account Dedicated to 'The Nanny' Is Going to Change Your Life This Weekend

01 of 25

She’s the Tops

Drescher wore these memorable accessories to the It Had to Be You premiere in 1989.

02 of 25

Jessica Rabbit Glam

Is that Drescher or Jessica Rabbit? All she needs is a pair of purple gloves!

03 of 25

On Fire

The higher the hair, the closer to heaven.

04 of 25

Checker Out!

Only Drescher could pull off a two-piece outfit that includes plaid velvet.

05 of 25

Golden Girl

She sparkled in an all-gold set at the Casting Society ARTIOS Awards in 1991.

06 of 25

Peace & Love

There’s no better way to spread a message of peace and love than to wear it on your gown.

07 of 25

Wild Life

Drescher always stayed ahead of the curve, as evidenced by the leopard-print skirt that she wore to the Hero premiere in 1992.

08 of 25

Go with the Flow

Never one to shy away from a daring pattern, she stepped out in sheer black floral lace for the CBS Winter Television Critics Association press tour in 1994.

09 of 25

Face the Facts

In 1994, Drescher showed off her attention to all angles on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

10 of 25

Pattern Queen

Drescher looked like a work of art at the 1994 Writers Guild of America Awards.

11 of 25

Laced Up

She was a vision in a lacy black gown with a glamorous black shawl at the American Comedy Awards in 1994.

12 of 25

Suit Up

Nothing says “I mean business, but I’m the life of the party” like a patterned pantsuit.

13 of 25

Cream of the Crop

No one can pull off a two-piece set quite like Fran Drescher can!

14 of 25

Red Hot

Drescher traded in her usual sky-high hairstyle for a classic bob in 1995, the cherry on top of a glam red number.

15 of 25

Train-ing Season

At the 1995 Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards, Drescher elevated her glittering, form-fitting gown with a golden train.

16 of 25

Marilyn Monroe Moment

In 1995, Drescher went old Hollywood glam, channeling Marilyn Monroe’s signature Gentlemen Prefer Blondes look.

17 of 25

Flower Girl

Cardi B may have rocked a flower headpiece at the 2018 American Music Awards, but Fran did it first at the 1996 Golden Globes.

18 of 25

Cut It Out

In 1996, Drescher crowned herself Queen of the ‘90s at the Emmy Awards.

19 of 25

All Aboard the Fran Train

All about the drama, Drescher’s train at the 1997 Emmys was ahead of its time.

20 of 25

Orange You Glad

The actress was clearly thrilled to be at the 1998 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty.

21 of 25

Showing Some Skin

Drescher was really ahead of the curve(s) when it came to her outfit choices.

22 of 25

Sparkle & Shine

There’s something about Franny! The actress paired a sequined mini-skirt with black leather boots at the 1998 premiere of There’s Something About Mary.

23 of 25

See-Through Skirt

Drescher went ‘90s goth when she rocked a middle part, choker necklace, leather top and see-through pailette-embellished skirt at the 1999 premiere of The World Is Not Enough.

24 of 25

Channeling Audrey Hepburn

Drescher wore an outfit straight out of Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the 13th Annual American Comedy Awards … with a few sequins added for good measure, of course.

25 of 25

Sunny Disposition

At the 2000 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, Drescher couldn’t be missed in a high-necked yellow gown, complete with a matching shawl.