Fran Drescher

Actress Fran Drescher had been doing great, selfless work in the world long before she became a Universal Life Church minister, so it’s only fitting that she pursued ordination for a good cause. Drescher became a ULC minister to promote her new TV show, Happily Divorced, as well as marriage equality. The premise of the show finds Fran Drescher playing a florist who continues to live with her husband after he comes out as gay. To raise awareness about the show, Drescher performed three same-sex weddings as a ULC minister.

Happily Divorced, like many parts of Drescher’s career, takes inspiration from her own life. She has an ongoing friendship and creative partnership with her ex-husband, Peter Marc Jacobson, who himself came out while the two were married. Since then, Fran Drescher has been a vocal supporter of LGBT rights.

One of Drescher’s and Jacobson’s first collaborations was the hit sitcom The Nanny. It debuted in 1993 and ran for six seasons. Toward the end of The Nanny‘s run on CBS, Drescher became ill and was later diagnosed with uterine cancer, though only after two years of misdiagnosis. After treatment, she won her battle against the condition and used her experience as inspiration to help other women receive proper cancer screening and care.

Drescher wrote the autobiographical book Cancer Schmancer about her struggles and in 2007 launched the Cancer Schmancer Movement, a non-profit organization that helps women receive cancer treatment as early as possible. Her work with the CSM has been recognized by several prominent politicians and charity groups, likewise her participation in the campaign for Johanna’s Law, a 2005 congressional bill that improves federal funding for cancer education.

Fran Drescher embodies the philosophy of using every opportunity in life, even moments of crisis, to do good in the world. She is an inspiration to everyone who pursues ordination with the Universal Life Church.

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