Set Sail, Celebrate Pride, and Kick Cancer with Fran Drescher
Boats sail through New York Harbor all the time, but rarely are they filled with such an impressive roster of talent as the S.S. Hornblower Infinity. On Monday evening, June 20th, television/film star and celebrated New York Times bestselling author Fran Drescher will host another sunset cabaret cruise on the luxury yacht, kicking off gay pride week and raising funds her charity, Cancer Schmancer.
Manhattan Digest caught up with the cherished personality over the phone to discuss her own battle with cancer, television recognition, the importance of health advocacy, her allegiance to the LGBT community, and the merits of bi-coastal living.
MD: We’re so excited about your 2nd Annual Sunset Cruise, benefiting your charity, Cancer Schmancer. Talk a little bit about last years’ experience and what people can expect this year.
FD: Last year was more of a party cruise with food, DJ, and relaxing. This year’s event will have more structure. We’ll have a dinner, open bar, silent auction, and then a sit down cabaret with wonderful entertainment. Guests can either disembark after the show or stay on the boat and take in the beautiful Manhattan skyline by night.
MD: Yes. You have quite a line-up of guests including Rosie O’Donnell, George Takei, and Randy Graff. Ann Hampton Callaway, who wrote and sang the theme song to The Nanny will also be there.
FD: It’s gonna be amazing!
MD: You are such a strong advocate for the LGBT movement–and we thank you for that! Besides having a gay ex-husband (Peter), with whom you are now best friends, what is it that drives your support for this community?
FD: Even before Peter came out, I had a huge fan base within that community and I’m so grateful to them. Since they helped me become famous, I wanted to leverage that fame to benefit them. I always go to the mat for any groups that are marginalized. It’s ironic that my ex-husband turned out to be gay too, but I feel that everybody has the right to live an authentic life. I hope the day will come when no one will have to sublimate their feelings and be forced to live a life in quiet desperation. I think it makes our nation greater and more tolerant.
