Matthew Lawrence was just 12 when he landed the role of Chris Hillard in the 1993 classic Mrs. Doubtfire.
But according to the actor, he has one man to thank for securing that life-changing part: Robin Williams.
In a recent interview with Collider, Lawrence shared that he wasn’t the top pick during auditions. In fact, another boy was the frontrunner. But Robin Williams saw something in young Matthew that no one else did.
“He got me the role in Mrs. Doubtfire. Got me that role,” Lawrence said. “There was another kid who was definitely in the lead. Everybody liked him.”
But Robin wasn’t satisfied with just liking someone, he wanted the best fit for the part. During the audition process, the comedy legend took Matthew aside for a private pep talk.
“He came up privately and said, ‘We gotta push this over the edge for you. So when I do something, I can tell you, you gotta go along with it. Really play it up. No one’s got it yet,’” Lawrence recalled.
The plan worked. That moment they shared during the audition sealed the deal, and Matthew landed the role of Chris Hillard. It was a huge break that led to other major roles, including his part in Boy Meets World and The Hot Chick.
But Robin’s impact on Matthew went far beyond acting tips. Williams became a mentor, offering real talk about life, fame, and the pressures that come with both. And he didn’t sugarcoat anything.
“He was one of the most compassionate, humble, talented people I’ve ever met,” Lawrence said. “He didn’t talk down to me. He treated me like a peer.”
Robin’s most powerful advice? “Don’t judge someone until you’ve walked in their shoes.” That lesson stuck with Matthew. And it was more than just words, Robin lived it. He opened up to the young actor about his own struggles with addiction, depression, and personal battles.
“He also opened up to me about what it was like for him when he wasn’t entertaining people,” said Lawrence. “He was dead-set on making sure that I steered clear of all that. And he was successful.”
Robin Williams helped Matthew Lawrence in ways that went far beyond the audition room. He offered guidance, support, and a rare kind of mentorship that shaped Matthew’s life and career. The actor’s memory of Williams isn’t just about a legendary performer, it’s about a man who used his own pain to protect and guide the next generation.
And for Matthew, that kind of impact is unforgettable.
