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Matthew Lawrence, celebrated for his role in the 1993 family-friendly classic, Mrs. Doubtfire, recently shared profound insights he gained from his late co-star, Robin Williams. The movie, which features Williams in the titular role alongside Pierce Brosnan and Oscar-winner Sally Field, provided Lawrence with invaluable life lessons. The actor reflected on the unique relationship forged on the set and guidance that endures in both his life and career during an interview on his journey after being unmasked in The Masked Singer contest.
The Enduring Impact of Robin Williams on Matthew Lawrence
The Boy Meets World alum shared his insights with Entertainment Weekly, detailing the special connection he made with Williams during the production of the renowned comedy. He emphasized the lasting influence it had on his personal and professional journey.
A formative experience on the set of Mrs. Doubtfire
“I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, but those six to eight months on the set of Mrs. Doubtfire were the most significant educational period one could experience in filmmaking and as an entertainer,” Lawrence recounted.
- He added, “Having the opportunity to be around Robin Williams, who invested in others, was invaluable. He showed particular interest in me.”
Lessons Learned
At the young age of 13, Lawrence portrayed Chris Hillard, one of three children navigating their parents’ contentious custody battle. Williams, in one of his most memorable performances, played their father, who ingeniously disguised himself as a whimsical Scottish nanny to remain close to his kids.
Key Pieces of Advice
More than three decades later, Lawrence distinctly remembers two crucial pieces of advice from Williams:
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- “Don’t pass judgment until you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes.”
- Understanding the “type of compassion you need to embody for others.”
Guidance Beyond the Camera
“He really shared his life experiences with me, offering insights not only about acting in front of the camera but also about the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking. He conveyed how he believed substance use negatively impacted his brain function,” Lawrence elaborated.
- “He opened up to me, and that’s something I’ll always cherish. There were instances when he would pull me aside and say, ‘Don’t introduce those substances into your body. If I could turn back time, I wouldn’t, and that’s why I’m advising you now, don’t do it.’”
A Legacy of Wisdom:
Williams, who tragically took his own life in 2014 at 63, was later diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a devastating illness that causes severe cognitive impairment. He had also battled substance abuse for many years.
Steering Clear of Substance Abuse
Lawrence attributes Williams’ candid warning to have a significant effect on him, as it guided him to avoid drug use throughout his life and career. “It’s a real tragedy that he is no longer with us. Not a day passes that I don’t hear his voice,” he added.
Considering AI to Preserve His Voice
In a touching revelation, Lawrence shared his desire to explore using AI technology to recreate Williams’ voice, provided he receives consent from his family. “I even contemplate the possibility of seeking permission from his family to utilize his voice through artificial intelligence for some form of creative expression because I still hear it in my mind every day.”