In the 1990s, actress Lauren Lane entertained audiences with her portrayal of sophisticated foil C.C. Babcock on the hit sitcom The Nanny.
As the sarcastic, scheming nemesis of Fran Drescher’s title character, Lane’s C.C. delivered razor-sharp insults and provided the perfect comedic contrast to Drescher’s working class Nanny. With her impeccable comedic timing and on-screen chemistry with Drescher, Lane became a fan favorite during The Nanny’s six season run.
After The Nanny ended in 1999, Lauren Lane seemed to disappear from the Hollywood scene just as quickly as her character C.C. Babcock would toss off a clever quip.
The actress who had once brought C.C.’s lavish lifestyle and career ambition to life appeared to walk away from the entertainment industry entirely.
While her Nanny co-stars like Drescher, Daniel Davis, and Charles Shaughnessy continued booking high-profile roles, Lane seemed to simply fade out of the spotlight.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at what happened to Lauren Lane after her time on The Nanny.
We’ll explore the acting roles and projects she took on in the early 2000s, examine why she abruptly stepped back from Hollywood, and see what the former sitcom star is up to today.
Background Information
Laura Lane was born on February 2, 1961, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lauren was raised in Arlington, Texas.
Lanehad a unique journey into the world of acting. Growing up in Arlington, Texas, her passion for acting was ignited during her senior year of high school when she participated in a single school play.
This passion was further fueled by her teenage habit of acting out stories from novels, such as “Jeremy,” which featured Robby Benson on its cover.
Lane’s dedication to her craft led her to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco for graduate studies, where she shared the institution with notable alumni like Annette Bening and Benjamin Bratt.
Her talent was evident early on, catching the attention of an NBC representative during a production of “Uncle Vanya.”
This led to her getting a development deal with NBC, which she eagerly accepted, considering her significant student debt. This deal paved the way for her role in the detective show “Hunter” in 1990, though she candidly admits her inexperience with on-camera work at the time.
The Nanny
Following “Hunter,” Lane secured a recurring role on “L.A. Law” and then Lane’s career took a significant turn when she was cast as Chastity Claire ‘C.C.’ Babcock in “The Nanny” in 1993.
Her portrayal of the sophisticated, often sarcastic business associate (and eventual romantic interest) of Maxwell Sheffield made her a household name.
Lauren’s chemistry with the cast, especially with Fran Drescher, was palpable, making her character one of the most memorable from the show.
She remained a pivotal part of “The Nanny” until its conclusion in 1999.
While the show was primarily a star vehicle for Fran Drescher, Lane enjoyed her time on it, even though she felt her character was often the punchline. She appreciated the camaraderie with co-stars, especially Daniel Davis, and the fun atmosphere on set. Lane also admired the show’s costume designer, Brenda Cooper, for her Emmy-winning designs.
Career After The Nanny
Lane made a conscious decision to step back from the Hollywood limelight at a pivotal point in her life.
At the age of 40, with the conclusion of “The Nanny” in 1999 and a young daughter to raise, Lauren faced the challenges many actresses encounter in Hollywood, especially as they age.
The industry, often critiqued for its ageism, particularly towards women, can present limited opportunities for mature actresses.
Balancing the demands of a Hollywood career with the responsibilities of motherhood can be daunting, and Lauren chose her daughter’s well-being and a more stable environment over the uncertainties of the entertainment world.
After leaving Hollywood, Lauren returned to her roots in Texas, specifically to Austin. But her passion for the arts didn’t wane.
Instead of gracing the screens, she took to the stage, immersing herself in theater. Austin, known for its vibrant arts scene, provided ample opportunities for Lauren to engage with theater, and she performed in various productions at the Zachary Scott Theatre.
In addition to her continued involvement in the arts, Lauren ventured into academia. Drawing from her rich experience in the entertainment industry, she began imparting her knowledge to the next generation of actors.
She took up teaching roles at esteemed institutions, including a brief stint at Carnegie Mellon University.
What is Lauren Lane Doing Now?
Currently, Lauren Lane is a faculty member at Texas State University in San Marcos, where she teaches in the Department of Theatre and Dance.
With “The Nanny” making a comeback on HBO Max, Lane is curious about what the future holds. She recalls the show’s previous reruns on Nick at Nite and the reactions of her students, who were familiar with her character. Now, with the show available for streaming, she anticipates a new wave of recognition and is eager to see what opportunities it might bring.
Personal Life
Lauren was married to businessman David Wilkins, and the couple has a daughter named Kate Wilkins. While Lauren has always been private about her personal life, her dedication to her craft and her commitment to education are evident.
Lauren Lane’s journey from a budding actress to a beloved TV icon and a respected professor is truly inspiring. While she may have stepped back from the limelight of Hollywood, her impact on the entertainment industry and her contributions to theater and education remain significant. For fans of “The Nanny” and admirers of Lauren’s work, her legacy as C.C. Babcock and her dedication to the arts will always hold a special place in their hearts.
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