For millions of The Nanny fans, the romantic tension between Maxwell Sheffield and Fran Fine was a highlight of the show. However, while audiences were rooting for the couple, Charles Shaughnessy’s children weren’t exactly thrilled about their father’s onscreen romance with Fran Drescher. In a recent interview, Shaughnessy revealed that his kids struggled with watching their dad engage in intimate moments on TV.
Shaughnessy recalled how, as young children, they couldn’t quite grasp the idea of acting. Seeing their father kiss another woman—even in a professional context—was uncomfortable for them. He humorously recounted their reactions, sharing that they would make disapproving remarks whenever one of his romantic scenes with Drescher aired.
Beyond the comedic aspect, Shaughnessy’s story highlights an interesting aspect of an actor’s life—how their work affects their families. Unlike traditional careers, acting often involves performing emotional and physical expressions of love with co-stars, something that can be particularly confusing for young children. While Shaughnessy was used to the idea of onscreen relationships, his kids had a harder time making sense of it.
Ultimately, as they grew older, they gained a better understanding of the difference between fiction and reality. Even so, their initial reaction provides an amusing behind-the-scenes glimpse into how The Nanny wasn’t just entertaining fans—it was also sparking conversations in the Shaughnessy household.
