Fran Drescher’s determination to raise awareness on women’s health issues led her to politics to increase the amount of available information on women’s health. In 2008, Drescher was appointed Public Diplomacy Envoy for Women’s Health Is- sues by the U.S. State Department. Fran Drescher’s focus and work on health has been recognized by being awarded with the Gilda Award, the City of Hope Woman of the Year Award, the Hebrew University Humanitarian Award, and the Albert Ein- stein College of Medicine’s Spirit of Achievement Award, John Wayne Insti- tute’s Woman of Achievement Award and City of Hope Spirit of Life Award, which was presented to her by the U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Despite having had faced difficult situ-
ations and unfortunate events, Drescher has managed to stay strong and focused on life. In 1985, two robbers broke into her Los Angeles apartment that she shared with then husband Peter Marc Jacobson. One robber ransacked the apartment while the other physically attacked Jacobson and raped Drescher and a friend who had come by for dinner. The traumatic experi- ence didn’t hold her down, her positive outlook on life as a whole helped her turn that negative into a positive.
In late 2010, an opportunity for a talk
show came up for the fun-spirited Drescher. Through her ‘Tawk’ Show, Drescher addresses everything from “Ped- icures to Politics!” The talk show was a great way for Fran Drescher to Lucky for us, Fran Drescher spared
some time from her busy schedule to share with Professional Woman’s Magazine’s readers insight to her busy, yet intriguing life:
What was your big break? FD: My first big break was a small but memorable role on Saturday Night Fever. When my dad came to visit the set, they wouldn’t let him, so he said, “But I’m the father of the star!” and they replied, “Right this way Mr. Travolta!”
up?
How did the idea for The Nanny come FD: I was visiting a friend in France
and I didn’t know her kids would be there. Every time her 2 year old cried, it made
56 PROFESSIONALWOMAN’S MULTICULTURAL MAGAZINE
me want to cry! I took her daughter to London and dragged her all around, look- ing at the sites and she started complain- ing, “Fran, my new shoes are hurting me!” and I told her to step on the backs of them. She asked, “Won’t that break them?” and I explained, “No, it will break them IN.” I realized our relationship was funny; in- stead of telling her what was good for her, I was telling her what was good for me. This is how the idea for The Nanny was born… It would be like the Sound of Mu- sic, except, instead of Julie Andrews, I came to the door!
What was the idea behind your new
Tawk show? FD: I just finished the pilot of The Fran
Drescher Tawk Show on FOX in 6 major markets. I decided that a talk show would be a great way to share what I care about with a home audience. I wanted to pro- duce a show that was educational and en- tertaining – everything from pedicures to politics!
itics?
When did you become involved in pol- FD: I’ve always been interested in pol-
itics and even more active after my battle with cancer. In 2007, I was very success- ful on passing Johanna’s Law, a gyneco- logic cancer awareness bill. I’m also a U.S. Public Diplomacy Envoy for Wom- en’s Health Issues and have traveled across the world to speak about women’s health and empowerment. I have a voice and feel it’s my responsibility to do all we can to prevent cancer and detect it early, when it is most treatable. I try to reach women all over the world and encourage them to empower themselves with the knowledge and confidence to act on be- half of their own healthcare. Women (and men!) must realize that by taking care of themselves FIRST is not selfish – it’s self- less. You are no good to your family if you are six feet under. How did you come up with the name of the Cancer Schmancer Movement? FD: I wrote the New York Times Best-
seller, Cancer Schmancer, with hope that by sharing my story of mistreatment and misdiagnosis that women would not have to go through what I did. When I went on my book tour, I met so many women who unfortunately shared their troubling can-
CELEBRATING 11 YEARS OF DIVERSITY
cer stories. I realized that the book was not the end, but rather the beginning of a new life calling to address women’s health issues.
I want us to live in a world where no
woman (or man!) has to lose his or her life due to late-stage diagnosis of cancer. Can- cer Schmancer means cancer is NOT the boss of me. It’s a statement of empower- ment. Put your health first and listen to your body’s warning whispers. If ever you notice something unusual or alarm- ing, go to the doctor and be a proactive medical consumer. Research, ask ques- tions and get a second opinion if you do not feel comfortable with your current physician.
What other philanthropic activities are you involved in? FD: I speak out about my rape survival
and support the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network. I am outspoken about civil liberties and believe that gay rights are civil rights. Mothers are the largest population of people who suffer from AIDS and I have begun addressing this is- sue in my work.
Do you have any new projects in the
works? FD: I just finished the pilot for The
Fran Drescher Tawk Show and I am work- ing on another sitcom. I am also writing a children’s book, so be sure to stay tuned for all new things from the Franny!
WWW.PROFESSIONALWOMANMAG.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68