**Elizabeth Taylor’s Diva Demands Revealed by The Nanny Star Daniel Davis**
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Daniel Davis, known for his role as Niles the butler on the beloved sitcom *The Nanny*, has recently shed light on the extravagant requests made by the famed actress Elizabeth Taylor during her guest appearance on the show in 1996. In a discussion held at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, Davis shared anecdotes that highlight both the charm and the diva-like demands of the legendary actress.
The sitcom, which aired from 1993 to 1999, follows the life of Fran Fine, portrayed by Fran Drescher. Fran, a cosmetics salesperson from Queens, embarks on an unexpected journey as a nanny for the affluent Maxwell Sheffield, played by Charles Shaughnessy. With the series featuring numerous celebrity cameos, Davis pointed out that Taylor was certainly the most prominent guest star.
Davis recalled that Taylor arrived on set with a sizeable entourage that was eager to enforce a variety of specific demands. He noted that despite her team’s requests, Taylor herself remained gracious, describing her as “charming and lovely.” However, he also recounted some unusual requirements enforced by her entourage, including a dressing room painted in shades of lavender, along with matching towels.
In a rather peculiar request, Davis explained that the water served to Taylor had to be distinctly separate from that provided for her pet. This was said to be necessary to prevent the actress’s dog from turning its moustache brown. Taylor’s standards continued with a contractual stipulation that instructed the cast to “not look at her eyes,” a request that struck Davis as particularly extravagant.
Among the more extravagant demands was a requirement for a Tiffany & Co. gift worth no less than £5,000 to be placed on her dressing table. Davis clarified that these demands originated from Taylor’s entourage, not from the actress herself, suggesting that she may not have been fully aware of them, as she “never saw the present.”
When asked if he could take a photograph with the iconic star, Davis encountered another unexpected protocol. He was charged £150 for a hard copy of the photograph, which also required retouching to ensure Taylor appeared glamorous. Reflecting on this experience, Davis proudly mentioned that he still displays the retouched photograph in his home.
Taylor’s appearance on *The Nanny* was part of a promotional strategy for her fragrance, Black Pearls, in which she showcased her brand across an impressive four CBS sitcoms in one evening. This event became famously known as “Taylor-Made Monday,” where she embarked on a storyline centred around a chase for a string of black pearls that originated with her guest spot on *The Nanny* and extended to other shows, including *Murphy Brown* and *High Society*.
Ultimately, while the demands made during Taylor’s cameo may have seemed over-the-top to some, Davis reflected on the experience with respect and admiration for the actress herself. Known for her significant contributions to the film industry and her philanthropic efforts, Taylor’s presence on *The Nanny* remains a fond memory for those involved in the show.
Davis’s anecdotes serve not only as an insight into the inner workings of a popular sitcom during the 1990s but also as a reminder of the unique challenges and experiences that can arise in the world of celebrity. While her demands were indeed high, the legacy of Elizabeth Taylor continues to remind us of her immense talent and status in the entertainment world.