5 Beloved The Nanny Cast Members Who Have Died: The Most Recent Tragic Passings In 2024

The iconic '90s sitcom The Nanny, which brought the hilarious, high-fashion world of Fran Fine and the Sheffield family into millions of homes, remains a timeless classic. Even decades after its final episode aired, the show’s characters—from the nasal-voiced Fran to the ever-sassy C.C. Babcock—are celebrated by fans across the globe. However, as time marches on, the cast has faced the inevitable reality of loss, with several beloved actors and memorable guest stars passing away.

As of December 12, 2025, the most recent confirmed losses from the extended The Nanny family occurred in 2024, reminding fans of the show's incredible depth of talent. This article pays tribute to the stars of the show who are no longer with us, focusing on the most recent tragic passings and providing a comprehensive look at the lives of the most famous cast members who have died.

Recent Tragic Passings: The Nanny Cast Members Who Died in 2024

The year 2024 saw two notable losses from the extended cast of The Nanny, both of whom were memorable guest stars with close ties to the show's star, Fran Drescher. These recent passings have brought a fresh wave of grief and nostalgia to the show's dedicated fanbase.

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1. Zack Norman (Uncle Jack)

• Full Name: Howard Jerrold Zuker (Known professionally as Zack Norman)
• Role on The Nanny: Uncle Jack
• Date of Birth: May 27, 1940
• Date of Death: April 29, 2024
• Age at Death: 83
• Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed, but noted as passing away peacefully.
• Biography Snapshot: Zack Norman was an accomplished actor, comedian, and producer with a career spanning over five decades. He was perhaps best known for his role as the eccentric, high-roller cousin of Fran Fine's mother in the film Romancing the Stone, but on television, he had a recurring role on The Nanny from 1993 to 1995 as the brash, wealthy relative, Uncle Jack. His appearances were always marked by his distinctive comedic timing and strong screen presence, making him a memorable part of the Fine family's extended chaos.

2. Morty Drescher (Uncle Stanley)

• Full Name: Morty Drescher
• Role on The Nanny: Uncle Stanley (Guest-starring role)
• Date of Birth: March 13, 1930
• Date of Death: March 20, 2024
• Age at Death: 94
• Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed, but his passing was announced by his daughter, Fran Drescher.
• Biography Snapshot: Morty Drescher was the real-life father of series star and creator, Fran Drescher. He made several guest appearances on the show, most notably playing Uncle Stanley, a relative of the Fine family. Fran Drescher's tribute to her late father was deeply touching, highlighting his influence on her life and career. His passing was a personal and professional loss, as he was a beloved figure both on and off the set, often seen as the patriarch of the real-life and on-screen "Fine" family.

The Core Cast: Remembering the Main Stars Who Passed Away

While the recent losses of guest stars are felt keenly, the most profound passings for The Nanny community remain those of the main cast members, whose characters were integral to the show's enduring success. These actors created some of the most quotable and heartwarming moments in the entire six-season run.

3. Ann Morgan Guilbert (Grandma Yetta Rosenberg)

• Full Name: Ann Morgan Guilbert
• Role on The Nanny: Yetta Rosenberg (Fran Fine's eccentric grandmother)
• Date of Birth: October 16, 1928
• Date of Death: June 14, 2016
• Age at Death: 87
• Cause of Death: Cancer
• Biography Snapshot: Ann Morgan Guilbert was a veteran character actress with a career that spanned film, television, and stage. Before becoming the instantly recognizable, forgetful, and cigarette-smoking Grandma Yetta on The Nanny, she was famous for her role as Millie Helper, the neighbor on The Dick Van Dyke Show. Her portrayal of Yetta Rosenberg, with her distinctive voice, massive hair, and sharp-witted one-liners, made her a fan favorite. Fran Drescher, upon her passing, paid a heartfelt tribute, calling her a "great actress" and a "dear friend," noting that she was "loved by all." Guilbert's death from cancer was a significant loss for the world of television comedy.

The Unforgettable Guest Stars: More Beloved Actors from The Nanny

The brilliance of The Nanny was often found in its supporting and guest cast, many of whom were legendary figures in their own right. Their performances added layers of comedic and emotional depth to the series, and their passing is a reminder of the incredible talent that graced the show's set.

4. Joseph Bologna (Dr. Joe Razzo)

• Full Name: Joseph Bologna
• Role on The Nanny: Dr. Joe Razzo (C.C. Babcock's love interest)
• Date of Birth: December 30, 1934
• Date of Death: August 13, 2017
• Age at Death: 82
• Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer
• Biography Snapshot: Joseph Bologna was an Oscar-nominated actor, playwright, and screenwriter. He was known for his roles in films like My Favorite Year and Blame It on Rio. On The Nanny, he played Dr. Joe Razzo, a charming and persistent love interest for C.C. Babcock, a role that showcased his comedic flair and ability to play a tough guy with a subtle, humorous side. Bologna passed away after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy of work in film and television, often alongside his wife, Renée Taylor (Sylvia Fine on The Nanny).

5. Ray Charles (Sammy, Yetta's Fiancé)

• Full Name: Ray Charles Robinson
• Role on The Nanny: Sammy (Grandma Yetta's fiancé)
• Date of Birth: September 23, 1930
• Date of Death: June 10, 2004
• Age at Death: 73
• Cause of Death: Complications from Liver Disease
• Biography Snapshot: The legendary musician Ray Charles, a pioneer of soul music, made a memorable appearance in the Season 5 finale of The Nanny, "The Wedding." He played Sammy, the man who was set to marry Grandma Yetta. His cameo was a major highlight for the series, blending the world of music royalty with the show's comedic sensibility. Charles, who was blind from the age of seven, was an iconic figure in American music. His passing from liver disease was a global event, and his appearance on The Nanny remains a cherished moment for fans of the show.

The Enduring Legacy of The Nanny's Lost Stars

The passing of these talented actors—from the main cast to the memorable guest stars—marks the inevitable passage of time for any long-running television series. However, the work they left behind on The Nanny continues to resonate with new generations of viewers. The show’s enduring popularity, fueled by streaming services and syndication, ensures that the characters they brought to life—Yetta's wisdom, Uncle Jack's bravado, and Dr. Razzo's charm—will continue to generate laughter and fond memories.

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The heartfelt tributes from surviving cast members, particularly Fran Drescher, underscore the close-knit family environment that defined the show. As fans continue to binge-watch the classic episodes, these beloved stars are not truly gone; they remain eternally vibrant and hilarious on screen, forever part of the Sheffield and Fine family legacy.