Mrs. Doubtfire Actress Lisa Jakub Opens Up About Robin Williams’ Lasting Impact on Her Mental Health Journey
Lisa Jakub is reflecting on the late Robin Williams and the lasting effect he had on her mental health journey. Speaking at a Mrs. Doubtfire reunion event in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, Jakub joined co-stars Matthew Lawrence and Mara Wilson in recalling Williams’ kindness, openness, and support during and after filming the beloved 1993 comedy.
Jakub said Williams spoke with her and Lawrence about mental health while they were working together on set. She explained that she was honest with him about her own anxiety and depression, and that he responded with compassion and candor about his own struggles. Williams, who dealt with depression and addiction during his life, died by suicide in 2014.
Jakub said Williams’ willingness to be open was transformative for her at a time when she felt isolated by what she was experiencing. According to her, he helped her understand that there was no shame in struggling with mental health and that help and support were available. She said that his words were the first time someone had spoken to her in such a direct and accepting way, and that his example had a deep and lasting influence on her.
She also recalled an instance in which Williams stood up for her when she was not allowed to return to school after Mrs. Doubtfire. Jakub said the school was not used to child actors and felt that helping her continue her education while pursuing her career was too much work. She described being deeply upset by the decision, saying that being kicked out of school at 14 was difficult.
Jakub said Williams noticed she was distressed and asked what was wrong. After hearing her explain the situation, he wrote a letter to her principal on her behalf, a letter she still has. In it, he reportedly asked the school to support her efforts to pursue both her career and her education. Although the letter did not change the principal’s decision, Jakub said the outcome was less important than the fact that Williams took the time to care.
She emphasized that the story is a reflection of Williams’ character, not the result. For her, it mattered that he saw a child actor in need and chose to help without being asked. She said he went out of his way for her and for the other young cast members in different ways, and that each of them had a unique connection with him.
Jakub said Williams made an effort to connect with them as individuals, something she believes was not typical of every film set. Her remarks highlighted the personal impact Williams had on the Mrs. Doubtfire cast and the emotional support he gave them behind the scenes.
