Fran, born and raised in Queens, New York, wanted to be an actress from the time she was a child. She attended Hillcrest High School, a career-oriented school, and studied drama.

After a year at Queen's College, Fran decided she needed a practical trade to fall back on and entered cosmetology school. After receiving her license, she opened a mini-salon giving $5.00 haircuts.

Fran's first feature-film role was in "Saturday Night Fever." Her other film credits include "American Hot Wax," "Gorp," "The Hollywood Knights," "Ragtime," "Cadillac Man," "Serious Money" and "It Had To Be You." Her role in the cult classic "This is Spinal Tap" won her a "Five-Minute Oscar" from Esquire magazine.