Lisa Jakub Says Robin Williams ‘Went Out of His Way’ to Help After She Was ‘Kicked Out of School’ at 14 Over “Mrs. Doubtfire” Role

**Lisa Jakub Remembers Robin Williams’ Kindness During ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Reunion**

A recent reunion panel for the beloved 1993 film *Mrs. Doubtfire* took place on May 29, 2026, at the Burbank Marriott Airport in Los Angeles, featuring several cast members including Lisa Jakub, Mara Wilson, and Matthew Lawrence. During the event, Jakub shared poignant memories of her time on the film, focusing particularly on the remarkable support she received from her co-star, the late Robin Williams.

Now aged 47, Jakub portrayed Lydia Hillard, the eldest daughter of Williams’ character in the film. During her reflections, she recounted a challenging episode from her life that occurred while filming, detailing how it impacted her education and well-being. The actress discussed her struggles to balance academic responsibilities alongside the demands of a major film production.

Jakub, who attended high school in Canada, described how her educational institution found it increasingly difficult to accommodate her unique circumstances as a child actor. “At a certain point, it became too much work for the teachers at my high school,” she explained. The tension between her filming commitments and educational needs reached a breaking point when the school effectively asked her not to return.

“I was just 14 years old and very upset at the situation. They sent me a letter with my schoolwork saying, ‘This was fun, but don’t come back to school. This is too much work for our teachers,'” Jakub recalled. The emotional toll of being expelled at such a young age was profound and left her feeling isolated during a formative time in her life.

Fortunately, help arrived in an unexpected form. Williams, who was known for his empathy and larger-than-life personality, picked up on Jakub’s distress. Without hesitation, he reached out personally; Jakub expressed her appreciation for his actions during their time together. “He wrote a letter to my principal, which I still have,” Jakub shared with the audience. The letter was filled with compassion, urging her school to support her as she endeavoured to pursue her acting career while continuing her education.

Despite the letter not resulting in her reinstatement at the school, Jakub emphasised that this act of kindness was what stood out to her. “That story is not about the fact that it didn’t work. It’s a story about how kind Robin was,” she said. For her, Williams’ gesture signified a genuine concern for her well-being, a trait he displayed towards all his co-stars in various ways during the shooting of the film.

The reunion panel not only provided an opportunity for nostalgic reflection on the making of *Mrs. Doubtfire*, which was directed by Chris Columbus and featured a talented ensemble cast including Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan, but also allowed Jakub to shine a light on Williams’ character off-screen. She noted, “He really kind of went out of his way for me, which he did for all of us in different ways.”

The film is celebrated not merely for its humour and emotional depth but also for its legacy as a beloved family comedy. Jakub’s story serves as a reminder of the supportive environment fostered by Williams during a time of significant personal challenges for young actors.

Attendees of the recent reunion had the chance to reminisce about the film’s impact, sharing laughs and memories while honouring the late Williams. The warmth amongst the cast highlighted not only their experiences during the filming process but also a collective appreciation for the late comedian’s generosity and kindness.

The panel served as an evocative reminder of the film’s enduring popularity and the cherished moments encapsulated in its creation. For Jakub, reminiscing about Williams’ thoughtful support continues to strengthen the bond forged on set and sheds light on his humane nature. As the *Mrs. Doubtfire* cast members reflected on their shared history, it became evident that the film’s legacy lives on, not just through its comedic brilliance but also through the lasting friendships formed during its production.