Fran Drescher Reveals How Self-Care—and Elephants!—Are Helping Her Grieve Her Late Father

We interviewed Fran Drescher because we think you'll like her picks. Fran is a paid spokesperson for Laura Geller. E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an important time for raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection. Fran Drescher, a uterine cancer survivor, is committed to educating others on these vital topics while emphasizing the significance of self-care.

As she advocates for health and wellness, The Nanny alum draws strength from her personal journey, intertwining her passion for education with her experiences of loss. Since losing her father, Morty Drescher, in 2024, she has felt his presence guiding her through grief, finding solace in signs, including the connection to elephants that remind her of his enduring spirit. This profound personal connection fuels her current endeavors, particularly in her latest project with Laura Geller.

In partnership with Laura Geller, Fran is launching a special makeup kit, with 50% of proceeds benefiting Cancer Schmancer, the non-profit organization that Fran founded. This initiative reflects their shared dedication to transforming healthcare, honoring those affected by cancer, and fostering a deeper understanding of self-care.

Together, they aim to inspire others while contributing to a cause close to their hearts.

E!: How can makeup and skincare play a role in self-care and boosting confidence during tough times?
FD: Well, I think that the thing that gives a gal a boost is different for every gal. And I'm one of those celebrities that sometimes posts on social media with zero makeup on my face, and I don't mind. 

Succumbing to social pressures and feeling insecure if you don't do what's dictated by social media is not a good thing. You have to listen to your heart's wisdom. What is it that makes your heart sing? If a little bit of lipstick or a little bit of eyeliner or a drop of mascara or a cheek tint, that's great. 

Sometimes, just brushing your hair through and sweeping it over to one side can make you feel put together. That’s a beautiful thing. 

"It really is a good product. I'm very, very proud to support it. I'm very grateful that they come up with things like this Fran Drescher Cancer Schmancer Kit because 50% of the profits are going to Cancer Schamancer. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month."

More from Fran: "Laura Geller is really walking the walk. I’m grateful that they're not just interested in me to sell their product. They're interested in supporting my nonprofit so that we can keep advancing and empowering women to live healthy lives."

What's in the Kit: Trio with blush, highlighter, and marbleized split eyeshadow. Plus, a dual-ended face and eye brush in limited-edition pink.

"I will take my Laura Geller Cheek Tint, which has a little sponge at the end, and even on a blank canvas, it gives you that sunkissed glow." 

More from Fran: "Every time I kind of catch a reflection of myself, I’m like 'Oh, I look pretty,' and I think that feeling good about yourself is a good thing."

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E!: What advice do you have for someone who is going through a hard time?
FD: My Buddhist practice helped through the strike, through the passing of my dad. I told all my friends, “I don't feel like myself, and I have to be very gentle with myself. Very, very gentle. So, if you want to see me, then I may call you that same day and say I'm not up for it."

I didn't feel like I could exercise self-control with dieting, exercise, or anything that required discipline. I didn't have it in me. So, if I wanted pasta, I ate it. If I felt like taking a walk, I'd take it. If I didn't get out of bed until two in the afternoon, that's alright too.

I just got back from a safari in South Africa and I knew it was going to ground me and help with the pain, heartache, and stress. It allowed me to feel light again.

E!: How did your safari experience help lift your spirits during your time of grief?
FD: I prayed to him during the night, speaking out loud, “Please, Dad, please help me” because I didn't know what to do next or what the next chapter was going to be. I felt so depleted. 

The very next day, a phenomenal thing happened, really quite miraculous. A large herd of elephants gathered right in my backyard. I never even got out of my bathrobe and spent that day watching them. 

I knew it was him because they're very soulful, comforting creatures. I felt comforted and consoled in a way that I had never felt before. From, that point on, the way I felt changed. I began to feel excited for a future, a new normal, but I'm constantly getting affirmations that he hears me.

E!: You talked about the necessity of being gentle with yourself during tough times. Can you share more about why that approach is so meaningful to you and how it has impacted your healing process?
FD: The big thing is really understanding that you cannot function like you normally do. Don't even try, just let it go. 

After my cancer surgery, I thought I could just resume my life. And every time I tried, I'd feel like I regressed physically. Then I told everybody I'm not making any commitments until I'm ready. That just took the stress off completely.

There's no rule book on how much time you may need. Just be gentle with yourself. I think that a lot of people don't realize that it's okay to do that.

E!: I appreciate that reminder.
FD: I was victim of violent crime, I’m a cancer survivor, and I went through a very painful divorce. This time with the loss of my father, I was gentle with myself, and I see that that's a way to go— for me, at least. This was my most successful, most healthy way towards recovery.

E! Tell me more about your partnership with Laura Geller.
FD: I will turn down vast sums of money if it goes against my philosophy of how we should be living our lives. I need to walk the walk. I asked to try the products for a few weeks before committing to become a spokesperson.

I think I'm a trusted brand because I don't live a false life. I live an authentic life. And sometimes you know life is going to present opportunities that force you to maybe decide, Should I compromise my principles a little bit, just this once? No, don't do it.

I love the products. I don't get inflammation. I enjoy clean cosmetics. I got products for all my girlfriends to see what they had to say. That was important too. 

E!: That's why you always resonate. You prioritize authenticity and we know you're not going to steer us wrong.
FD: I take pride in that, and sometimes it comes at great sacrifice, but not really because you can't put a price on integrity. So, I'm happy and proud. And circling back, I think that was my father's influence on me. Bless him.

If you want to try more Laura Geller celebrity favorites, Kyle Richards loves this makeup palette.