20th Century FoxFor thousands of Robin Williams fans, Mrs. Doubtfire could go down as one of the actor's funniest works ever.
But for co-star Lisa Jakub, working on the fan-favorite movie alongside a comedic genius wasn't just an experience full of laughs. It was a time she will never forget.
"A lot of people asked if it was exhausting to be around him, because he's 'on' all the time, and that was not true at all," she explained to Today.com. "He was a little shy. As a massive introvert, I found that so reassuring, that it was OK to be a little quiet and just listen sometimes."
And listening is what she did. Whether getting advice on improv skills or acting in general, Jakub soaked up every moment with the actor while on set. She also valued the life lessons he shared openly after battling drugs.
"I remember thinking that was so impressive, that he was so honest and he was making himself so vulnerable and that was so brave to me," she revealed. "He was able to talk to us about these things in an attempt to save us from making the same mistakes."
Williams admitted to struggling with addiction and depression for many years in past interviews. However, an investigation found no evidence of alcohol or illicit drugs at the time of his death.
On a much lighter note, Jakub will also be grateful for the one time Williams tried to help her in the classroom. After getting expelled from school for missing too many days for acting, the actor wrote a letter asking the high school principal to reconsider.
Although school officials rejected the wish, it was the thought that counted.
"In an industry where people are only in it for themselves, Robin was not like that," she shared. "Robin had my back and that will always be precious to me."
Today, Jakub has stepped away from the cameras after having what she calls a "midlife crisis at 22." You can learn more about her decision when her new book You Look Like That Girl: A Child Actor Stops Pretending and Finally Grows Up comes out June 15.