Mrs Doubtfire child star Lisa Jakub gives rare interview to mark the film’s 30th anniversary

Mrs Doubtfire star Lisa Jakub has given a rare interview to mark the classic film turning 30, and weighed in on why she thinks the comedy still resonates with people three decades on.

The former child star, now 44, was just 15 years-old when she played Robin Williams and Sally Fields’ eldest child, Lydi.

Since retiring from acting in 2001 at the age of 22, she has shunned the spotlight and is now a mental health advocate.

Appearing on Today Extra, the former child star-turned-writer and yoga teacher discussed her memories of working on the film, and how meeting Williams helped change the course of her life for the better.

She told show hosts David Campbell and Belinda Russell how Williams – who died by suicide in 2014 – was the one who encouraged her to help others struggling with mental health.

“I have struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life, and Robin was very open with me with what he struggled with, and that’s a big reason why I do what I do today,” she explained.

“I work in the space of mental wellness and I help other people who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety and panic, and it is rooted in the fact that [Robin] was so open with me and was one of the first people that showed me that I didn’t have to do this alone.”

When asked about why Mrs Doubfire remains as popular as ever – and even inspired a musical which is due to open this spring in the West End – she replied: “The cast members, we bonded so instantly. Matt [Lawrence] and Mara [Wilson] felt like siblings from the beginning, and Robin and Sally [Field] were so amazing to us, so it did feel special at the time.

Adding: “Maybe that’s why 30 years later we are still talking about it.”

She continued: ‘It is shocking to me that people still watch it and relate to it and all I can credit it to was Robin. He was hilarious and timeless, and I think the credit goes to him.’