Robin Williams’​ unseen⁣ kindness: A touching story ⁤from the set of ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’

A moment of compassion on‌ set

Sally Field recently shared a heartfelt story about Robin Williams during the filming of the beloved movie Mrs. Doubtfire. This tale, which had remained untold until now,‍ reveals ⁣a⁢ side of Williams that many fans might not be familiar‍ with—his deep sensitivity and intuition.

Field​ recounted a particularly difficult‍ day on set when she received devastating news. “I was in the ​camper outside of the courtroom where⁢ we were shooting the divorce scene,” she began. Her father, ⁢who had suffered a stroke years earlier and was in a nursing ​facility, had just ⁣passed away. The doctor asked if ‍she‍ wanted them‍ to put him on a resuscitator, but she declined, honoring her ⁣father’s wishes. “Just let him ⁢go. ​And please lean down and say, ‘Sally says goodbye,'” ⁤she instructed.

Despite her grief, Field tried to continue working. “I came ⁢on the set⁤ trying with all my might to act. I wasn’t crying,” she said. But Williams, ever perceptive, noticed something⁢ was wrong. He pulled her aside and asked, “Are⁤ you okay?”

The power of empathy

When Field confided in Williams about her father’s death, his response was immediate and compassionate. “Oh my God, we need to get you‌ out ‍here right now,”⁢ he said. Williams then arranged for the filming schedule ⁢to‍ be‍ adjusted so that⁤ Field could leave and ‌make⁢ necessary arrangements. “They shot around me the rest ⁢of the⁢ day,” she recalled.⁤ “I could go back ‌to my house, call my ⁢brother, and make arrangements.”

This act of kindness is a testament to ​Williams’ ⁤character. “It’s a side of Robin ⁣that ⁢people rarely knew: He was very‌ sensitive and intuitive,” Field noted.

Impact on co-stars

Williams’ empathy​ extended beyond Field. Lisa Jakub, who ⁣played ‌the eldest daughter in Mrs.‍ Doubtfire, also shared how Williams⁢ supported ⁤her during challenging times. Jakub, a teenager at the time, found solace in Williams’ openness about his own mental health struggles. “He would talk to me ​about his struggles and ⁣the things that he went through,” she said. “And it was the⁢ first time that‌ I felt like,‌ ‘Oh,‌ I’m not ‍a freak. I don’t‌ have to hide ⁢this about myself. This is just something that ⁢some of us have to deal with.'”

In another‌ instance, Williams intervened when Jakub was expelled from high school ‍for taking time off to shoot the ​film. ⁣”Robin⁣ saw that I was upset—he asked me what was going on,” Jakub recounted. Williams ⁢wrote a letter to her principal, advocating for her to be allowed to continue ⁢her education while pursuing her career. ⁤Although ⁣the⁤ principal framed the letter and displayed ⁤it in the⁢ office, Jakub was not reinstated. Nevertheless, the gesture left ​a lasting impression on her.

The legacy of ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’

Mrs. Doubtfire remains a cherished film, ⁣not just for its⁢ humor and heartwarming story, ⁢but also for the behind-the-scenes moments that reveal the true character of its cast. The‌ movie, which starred Williams ⁣as ‍a⁢ father‍ who disguises himself as⁢ a female housekeeper to spend time with his ‌children, was a massive success, grossing $441 ⁣million worldwide in 1993. You can⁣ watch the trailer for Mrs. Doubtfire here.

Williams’‍ ability to connect with his​ co-stars and offer support during difficult times is a reminder of the profound impact one person can ⁣have ⁢on another’s life. His legacy extends beyond his on-screen‍ performances to the genuine kindness he showed​ to those around him.

Reflecting on the human side of Hollywood

For cinema and TV series enthusiasts,⁤ stories like these offer a glimpse into the ⁢human side of Hollywood. They⁣ remind ‍us ‍that ⁤behind the glitz and glamour, there are real people with real emotions. Williams’ actions on the set⁤ of Mrs. ‍Doubtfire exemplify the power of empathy and the importance of supporting ⁤one another,​ both in and out of the spotlight.

As⁤ we ⁣continue to enjoy the films and series that bring ​us joy, let us‌ also remember the individuals who create these stories ‌and the moments of humanity that‍ often go unseen. Whether it’s a kind word, a supportive ⁤gesture, or simply‍ being ​there for someone in need, these acts of‌ compassion can make all the difference.

For more insights​ and stories ​from the world of cinema, stay tuned ​and ​keep⁤ exploring the rich tapestry of human experiences ‌that film and television​ have to offer.