Fran Drescher (A Nanny from Hell) becomes the face of the historic strike in Hollywood –

For viewers, Fran Drescher is A nanny from hell. Between 1993 and 1999, she lends her features to Fran Fine, a cosmetics saleswoman who by an incredible misunderstanding becomes the governess of the three children of Maxwell Sheffield, a rich producer of musicals. A clash of cultures between the boss living in the Upper East Side and the young woman from Queens. The six seasons were broadcast in France from 1995 on M6 before experiencing multiple reruns.

In recent days, it is not for her talent as an actress, but for her political commitment that the name of Fran Drescher returns to the front of the stage. In 2021, she was elected president of the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) union, which defends the interests of actors and extras in the United States. On July 13, 2023, the organization announced a historic strike by American actors, thus joining the social movement initiated by screenwriters in Hollywood since May 1. In question, failed negotiations with studios and platforms on remuneration, but also on the guarantee of stable jobs.

“We are all at risk of being replaced by machines”

“You can’t change the business model and don’t expect contracts to change too. We are not going to continue to make changes at the margin to a contract that no longer matches what is happening now with this economic model that has been imposed on us“, said Fran Drescher in her speech in reference to the streaming platforms which are today a breeding ground for additional profits. “We demand respect and to be honored for our contribution. You will share the wealth because you cannot exist without us“, she added.

Technology is also a source of concern for the entertainment industry, which sees artificial intelligence as a competitor to their jobs: “We are all at risk of being replaced by machines and big corporations that care more about Wall Street than you and your family.“.

A historic movement

Filming is today completely stopped. The ceremony of Emmy Awards, equivalent of the Oscars for TV, scheduled for September 18, is threatened if the movement continues. THE last actors’ strike dates back to the 1980s. That of the screenwriters lasted 100 days between 2007 and 2008, which led to a reduction in the number of episodes of certain series and above all cost the industry two billion dollars.

In an interview with the magazine variety Fran Drescher pointed out that she nevertheless wanted “avoid a strike”. Most of its members “don’t earn $10,000 a year and belong to the working cl”. A social movement without remuneration has “a profound impact on them”. She then accuses the studios of having delayed negotiations for “have time to promote their summer films”. Indeed, the beginning of July was marked by the releases in dark rooms of Barbie , Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 And Oppenheimer of which the cast left the london premiere in support of the strike movement.

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“Remember that Tom Cruise and the majors do their own thing. It is not for him that we strike, it is for the workers.specifies the actress who is not afraid to be “blacklisted” following his political engagement. “I’m not going to worry about my career. I had a fantastic career. If anyone in this industry wants to blacklist me, then whatever.”says Fran Drescher.

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