Charles Shaughnessy, beloved for his role as the dashing Maxwell Sheffield on The Nanny, recently revealed that his on-screen romance with Fran Drescher once caused some unexpected drama—at home. In a candid interview, the actor shared how his children struggled with seeing their father kiss another woman on television, despite it all being part of the job.
According to Shaughnessy, his kids, who were quite young during the show’s original run in the 1990s, had a hard time understanding the difference between fiction and reality. Watching their father engage in romantic moments with Drescher, including the long-awaited kiss that marked a turning point in Maxwell and Fran’s relationship, left them feeling confused and, at times, even upset.
The emotional reaction wasn’t entirely surprising—after all, seeing a parent in romantic situations with someone other than their real-life spouse can be an unusual experience for young children.
Despite their initial discomfort, Shaughnessy assured fans that his kids eventually grew to understand his profession. He also praised Drescher for making their on-screen chemistry so compelling, which undoubtedly contributed to The Nanny’s long-lasting popularity. Looking back, he sees the entire experience as a testament to how deeply audiences connected with the love story between Maxwell and Fran.
