Lead Cast and Principal Roles
The film stars Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard, a father who disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children after a divorce. Williams delivered a career-defining performance, earning a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Sally Field plays Miranda Hillard, the pragmatic mother who initially hires Mrs Doubtfire without knowing her ex-husband is behind the disguise.
Lisa Jakub portrays Lydia Hillard, the eldest child who struggles with the family breakup. Matthew Lawrence and Mara Wilson play the younger sons, Chris and Natalie Hillard, whose evolving acceptance of the new housekeeper drives much of the emotional arc. The principal cast anchors a story about parental separation, identity, and the lengths a parent will go to remain involved in their children's lives.
Supporting Cast and Key Characters
Harvey Fierstein plays Frank Hillard, Daniel's brother, who assists in creating the Mrs Doubtfire disguise and provides comic relief. Fierstein's portrayal of the supportive sibling adds a grounded dynamic to the family's improvised plan. Robert Prosky appears as the elderly neighbor Mr. Jolly, while Polly Holliday plays the nosy housekeeper Mrs. Sellner, who becomes a comedic obstacle for the disguised Daniel.
Saul Steinberg and Scott Menville round out the supporting ensemble with roles that reinforce the film's domestic and workplace settings. The full cast list on IMDB details every credited performer, including uncredited extras and minor characters who populate the Hillard household and surrounding community.
Production Companies and Release Details
Mrs Doubtfire was produced by Blue Wolf Productions and distributed by 20th Century Fox, a subsidiary of the larger Fox Corporation structure that later evolved into the current 21st Century Fox and Disney media landscape. SEC filings and corporate records confirm the distribution and licensing chains for major studio releases like this one.
The film premiered in the United States in 1993 and has since been cataloged in streaming libraries and physical media releases managed by the current rights holders. Aggregated critical scores reflect sustained audience appeal, with the cast performance consistently cited as the primary driver of the film's enduring popularity across decades of reruns and digital rentals.