Robin Williams used to prank members on public in full Mrs Doubtfire 'disguise'
Robin Williams used to play Mrs Doubtfire in public in full make-up.
Robin Williams used to play Mrs Doubtfire in public in full make-up
The comic and actor, who died by suicide on August 11, 2014, at his home in Tiburon, California, at the age of 63, is still beloved by fans for his portrayal of TV host wannabe Daniel Hillard, who disguises himself as Scottish nanny Mrs Doubtfire in a bid to remain close to his family after a divorce.
Actor Matthew Lawrence, 46, who played one of the character’s children in the 1993 comedy drama, has now shared a fond memory of working with Robin on the project, recalling how the late actor would take his beloved nanny character off the film set and into real life to entertain unsuspecting strangers.
Matthew said during a reunion panel in Los Angeles to celebrate the movie when discussing his favourite memories of working on the project: “It's hard to pick one, but if I had to, it's probably when (Robin) would want to try out the Mrs. Doubtfire thing in public.”
“He'd grab someone, at this time, it was me, and go for a walk on the street, get into a conversation with some people and just see if he could pull it off being my nanny.”
Matthew added the reactions from members of the public were consistently positive, with many unaware they were interacting with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
He said: “It worked every time.
“In fact, (Robin) had them laughing and enjoying life. These people would walk away thinking, ‘Oh, what a lovely lady’.”
Matthew played Chris Hillard in Mrs Doubtfire, one of the three children of Robin’s character.
More than three decades after the film’s release, Mrs Doubtfire remains one of Robin’s most celebrated performances and a defining title in his career alongside Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Aladdin, Jumanji and Good Morning, Vietnam.
The film was directed by Chris Columbus, and also starred Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Lisa Jakub and Mara Wilson.
Mrs Doubtfire became a global box-office success following its release and remains one of the most enduring family comedies of the 1990s.
The film earned Robin a Golden Globe for Best Actor and continues to attract new audiences through streaming platforms and television broadcasts.
Interest in the film has remained strong in recent years, with recurring discussions among fans about its legacy and the emotional themes beneath its comedy.
Since Robin’s death, colleagues and former co-stars have frequently spoken about his generosity, improvisational brilliance and the impact he had on those around him both on and off set.
Matthew, who also became known to television audiences through Brotherly Love alongside his brothers Joey Lawrence and Andrew Lawrence, has often spoken about the influence Robin had on him as a young actor.
