Charles Shayghnessy: Round birthday for “Mr. Sheffield”

Although Charles Shayhthnessy (70) participated in countless series and films, was seen on the theater stage and worked as a voice actor – he remains unforgettable, especially for a very special serial figure. From 1993 to 1999 the Briton played the role of widower Maxwell Sheffield alongside Fran Drescher (67) in the KultSitcom “Die Nanny”. In six seasons he mimicked the Broadway producer, who formed the reputable contrast to his shrill nanny Fran Fine. Fans still hope for a sequel.

“The Nanny” made Shayghnessy world famous. It ran in more than 90 countries. From 1995, RTL also broadcast the series, which reached cult status, also in Germany. Millions of spectators were looking for whether Mr. Sheffield and the Nanny of his three children would probably find Maggie, Brighton and Gracie together. In fact, the series ended with a happy ending – the couple married and got twins.

A conclusion that did not like the two main actors so much. “We didn’t really want them to get together,” revealed Fran Drescher 2017. Your reason: “When it comes to the love of two people who cannot have themselves, you should leave it. No matter how much you want a happy ending for the people. As soon as the two have got themselves, Just don’t turn on people anymore. “

Nevertheless – or perhaps precisely because of a timely end after six years – the actors from “The Nanny” are cult more than 30 years after the start of the series. Many spectators have not yet given up hope for a late reunion. It shouldn’t be due to the two stars of the show: Fran Drescher and Charles Shayhnessy have met regularly in recent years and have always proven that they also get along well beyond the Sheffield House. He played in her next sitcom “Living with Fran” as her ex-husband, also in her series “Happily Divorced” he had a guest appearance. There was a small reunion in 2004 at the three -hour special “The Nanny: A Nosh to Remember”.

Six years later, Fran Drescher invited her ex-colleague to her “The Fran Drescher Show”. And in 2016 both celebrated the 83rd birthday of Renée Taylor (91) together with others “Die Nanny” actors, who played in the series Fran’s weird mother Silvia Fine. “An evening with the mother-in-law! Happy birthday Renée,” Shaughnessy wrote about several snapshots on his Facebook page.

As soon as the cult cast is formed, they pop up – the rumors for a sequel. Fran Drescher massively heated the speculation a few years ago. In the “Julie Mason Show” she expressed that she advocated a new edition for the 30th anniversary and there are already plans. There were conversations to “find out what we can do so that fans have fun and it is exciting”. The Hollywood strike then made a line through the “Nanny” comeback.

So it remains exciting whether Charles Shayhnessy will slip into the role of charming Broadway producer Mr. Sheffield, who unfortunately was not as successful as his main competitor Andrew Lloyd Webber (76) and once “Cats” – which one of the sailors Gags of the series.

Shayghnessy, who inherited a nobility title in 2007 and was since the baron, did not put his hands on the shot after the series-off, but was mostly only able to pull smaller roles ashore. He played in “Modern Family”, “Navy CIS”, “General Hospital” and “Mad Men”. In 2019 he embodied Prince Charles in the film “Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal”.

Incidentally, he was probably in the cradle that Shayghnessy, who was born in London, would get into the show business. His father wrote TV rotary books, his mother was an actress. His brother David (67) also works as an actor. He already appeared in plays as a elementary school student. After visiting the eton College, however, he first studied law at Magdalene College in Cambridge. After that, however, he decided to return to acting. He wrote down at the “School of Speech and Drama” in London – not just a crucial step for his career.

There he met Susan Faller (67). For the sake, he moved to her American homeland. In 1983 the couple married and received the daughters Jenny (34) and Maddy (29). They run an unusual long-term marriage for Hollywood without scandals. For the 40th anniversary of the marriage in 2023, two kiss pictures from then and now. He wrote: “40 years! Like yesterday.”

In September 2024, the couple invited to a talk evening in which they talked about their lives. “Life, careers and wedding in Hollywood” was the motto. “We remember,” Shayghnessy announced at the time. The many fans, for whom he will always remain “Mr. Sheffield”, will certainly remember.