Pierce Brosnan Looks Back At 'Memorable' Time With Robin Williams On The Set Of 'Mrs. Doubtfire'

Jun 20, 2023 by apost team

In the early '90s, Hollywood legend Robin Williams delivered one of the most beloved movie characters in comedic cinematic history, Mrs. Doubtfire. The late actor expertly delivered the role in the film of the same name, alongside stars like Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan. Years after the movie was released, Brosnan still fondly remembers working with Williams as well as their hilarious first meeting. In an interview with GQ, the movie star opened up on the unforgettable event of the first time they met. 

Released in 1993, "Mrs. Doubtfire" is a comedy-drama that tells the story of a dysfunctional family entrenched in the theme of divorce and its effect on family members. The story takes a humorous glide with the main character Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams), doing all it takes to win his family back after things went wrong. Daniel is married to Field's Miranda, and they have three children, Lydia, Christopher AKA "Chris" and Natalie. 

Daniel, a freelance voice actor living in San Francisco with his family, tries his best to be a devoted father while struggling to keep his job. His wife, Miranda, isn't much of a family woman as she is career-driven, working to improve her life as an interior designer. Miranda needs much of Daniel's input with the kids, and this causes quite some drama within their home.

She ultimately finds him unreliable, and things come to a head when Daniel throws a rowdy birthday party for Christopher. This is against Miranda's good judgment due to Chris's lousy report from school. Earlier that day, Daniel loses his job, and everything turns worse when Miranda files for divorce out of frustration. 

Daniel's lack of employment and accommodation put him at a disadvantage during the child custody arrangement as Miranda gets full custody of the children. While Daniel tries to pick up the pieces, he discovers his ex-wife is trying to employ a nanny for the kids. He becomes a pseudo-nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire and is reunited with his family, but things don't all go according to plan.

Directed by Chris Columbus, "Mrs. Doubtfire" grossed $441.3 million on a $25 million budget. The movie initially received a lukewarm reception upon release, but it became one of the top-grossing movies in 1993. The film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup, while Williams won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. 

Brosnan played Field's new boyfriend in the film, making him and Williams enemies onscreen. However, that certainly wasn't the case backstage. Brosnan opened up about his most cherished moments while working on “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and it included his time with Williams. Speaking with GQ, the actor stated that he was “thrilled” to work with Williams and Field, although he didn't really get to know the comedy legend until after filming had wrapped. Brosnan explained:

"I would go to work, and I worked every day on that movie, and I was always working with, you know, Mrs. Doubtfire. It wasn't till the end of the movie that I met Robin."

He described Williams as “one of the greatest comedians" and an actor who “led with his heart, soul and every fiber of his being.”

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Brosnan recalled being “over the moon” when he got the acting gig. This was because it came at a time he needed to pay some bills, including his mortgage, and expenses as a single father.

While discussing working with Williams, Brosnan revealed that the star made quite an impression the first time they met. He recalled going to the movie set in San Francisco and seeing Williams in his Mrs. Doubtfire makeup for the first time. He shared: 

"I was so thrilled to be working with him, and Sally Field. I remember going up to San Francisco the first day. I went into the makeup trailer, and Robin was in there with a Hawaiian shirt on, big harry arms and cargo shorts with harry legs — but he had the head of Mrs. Doubtfire."

Brosnan played out the hilarious conversation as he described how Williams switched between characters. The James Bond star also praised Williams for having him in the movie at a time when things weren't so great for him. He said that getting the job was "sheer magic." 

He reiterated his “memorable” experience with Williams during another interview on "The Kelly Clarkson Show." Brosnan noted that Williams was entirely professional despite being a fun-loving person. He relayed that the star remained in the Mrs. Doubtfire character until filming ended. 

In a 2021 interview with SFGate, director Columbus was asked about a possible movie sequel. He relayed that he doubted this could be done because Williams was "one-of-a-kind."    

Williams had a unique way of connecting with people of all backgrounds and people continue to share stories of how he personally touched their lives and made them better even today.   

Isn't it satisfying to relive Pierce Brosnan and Robin Williams' collaborative efforts? Do you remember any memorable moments from "Mrs. Doubtfire?" Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to other fans of the cult classic.