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Sally Field surprised viewers by admitting she rarely laughed at Robin Williams’ on-set antics while filming the 1993 comedy Mrs. Doubtfire. The actress described a rigid professionalism that kept her in character, even as Williams and other cast members tried to crack her up. Her recollections, shared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and in an interview with People, paint a picture of a set filled with warmth, mischief and genuine care during difficult moments.
Sally Field’s unexpected take on Robin Williams’ humor
During her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Field explained that Williams made relentless efforts to make her laugh. She stood firm in her portrayal of Miranda Hillard, the stern ex-wife in Mrs. Doubtfire, refusing to break character.
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Colbert suggested her refusal might reflect a strict work ethic. Field replied that, for her, Williams’ bits simply did not land. The exchange felt candid and oddly affectionate.
An improbable gag that finally did the trick
The streak of composure ended not with one of Williams’ signature improvisations, but with a cheeky prank by co-star Pierce Brosnan. Field says Brosnan mimicked a passing sound by using his arm, and that sudden silliness sent her into laughter.
- Williams kept trying inventive approaches.
- Brosnan’s lowbrow moment broke the tension.
- Field remembers that small episode as the one that loosened her up.
“That’s all it took,” she recalled Williams reacting, surprised that a simple gag could succeed where others had failed.
How Williams supported Field off camera
Beyond the jokes, Field remembers Williams for his compassion. While filming a divorce court scene, she learned that her father had died. Williams noticed her distress and immediately stepped in.
According to Field, he quietly ended the day’s work and made sure she could go home. The moment stood out as an example of his instinct to protect and comfort colleagues.
Mrs. Doubtfire: the film, the roles, the chemistry
The film, directed by Chris Columbus, centers on Daniel Hillard, a father who disguises himself as a woman to spend time with his children. Field played Miranda Hillard, the mother with custody.
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Robin Williams: Daniel Hillard / Mrs. Doubtfire
- Sally Field: Miranda Hillard
- Pierce Brosnan: Stuart “Stu” Dunmeyer
The mixture of slapstick and heartfelt moments relied heavily on cast chemistry. Field’s choice to remain in character intensified many scenes, creating a contrast with Williams’ freeform comedy.
Williams’ final years and the Lewy body diagnosis
Robin Williams died on Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63. At the time of his death, he had fought depression and later was found to have had undiagnosed Lewy body dementia.
The Lewy Body Association notes that the condition can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations. Friends and family later described how Williams seemed haunted in the months before his death.
In the documentary Robin’s Wish, his widow Susan Schneider said he felt pursued by an “invisible monster.” She and others sought answers, and a coroner’s report later confirmed the diagnosis.
Legacy, family and the people he touched
Williams’ career earned him an Academy Award and a reputation for relentless energy. He is survived by his wife, Susan Schneider, and three children from previous marriages: Zachary, Zelda and Cody.
- Zachary Williams — son
- Zelda Williams — daughter
- Cody Williams — son
Colleagues like Sally Field recall both his comic gifts and his human decency. Even when his jokes didn’t land for everyone, his capacity to support a co-star in pain remained unmistakable.
