Mrs Doubtfire child star Lisa Jakub, 44, in rare Australian TV interview

Classic family film Mrs Doubtfire is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

And actress Lisa Jakub, who played the eldest Hillard daughter Lydia, spoke about her memories of shooting the movie during an interview on Today Extra on Friday.

Now aged 44, the former child star-turned-writer and yoga teacher looks quite different to how fans may remember her. 

Mrs Doubtfire actress Lisa Jakub, who played the eldest Hillard daughter Lydia (left), spoke about her memories of shooting the film during an interview on Today Extra on Friday (right)

Since retiring from acting in 2001 at the age of 22, Lisa has taken a different path in life and is now a mental health advocate.

She told Today Extra hosts David Campbell and Belinda Russell it was the film’s star, Robin Williams, who died by suicide in 2014, who encouraged her to help others struggling with poor 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 said.

Since retiring from acting in 2001 at the age of 22, Lisa has taken a different path in life and is now a mental health advocate. She said it was the film’s star, Robin Williams, who died by suicide in 2014, who encouraged her to help others struggling with poor mental health 

‘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 why she believes the film is still so popular 30 years later, Lisa said she had to give credit to the late Robin Williams.    

‘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.

‘Maybe that’s why 30 years later we are still talking about it.’

When asked why she believes the film is still so popular 30 years later, Lisa said she had to give credit to the late Robin Williams (right, as Mrs. Doubtfire in a promotional image) 

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.’

Lisa said that although she had a positive experience on set, many child actors don’t and they need to be better protected.

‘I think a set is a very difficult place for a child to be, and I don’t feel like there are enough protections in place, and we have decided that it’s the only industry that it’s fine for children to work in,’ she said.

The three children from Mrs Doubtfire had a reunion with their on-screen stepfather Pierce Brosnan in 2017