Mrs Doubtfire child star Lisa Jakub, 44, in rare Australian TV interview

She became a household name in 1993 when she landed a starring role in a film classic. 

At the age of 15 she became an instantly recognisable face when she played the daughter of two Hollywood legends in the movie. 

While she was critically acclaimed for the role it came at a cost and she was expelled from high school for missing too many days while filming. 

Since retiring from acting in 2001 at the age of 22, she has taken a different path in life and is now a mental health advocate. 

Yet fans were delighted when she appeared in a rare TV interview on Friday – so can you guess who it is? 

That’s right, it’s Lisa Jakub, who played the eldest Hillard daughter Lydia in classic family film Mrs Doubtfire.

With the iconic movie celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Lydia appeared on Today Extra to discuss her memories of working on the film.

Now aged 44, the former child star-turned-writer and yoga teacher looks quite different to how fans may remember her. 

She told show hosts David Campbell and Belinda Russell it was the film’s star, Robin Williams, who died by suicide in 2014, who encouraged her to help others struggling with poor mental health.

‘I have struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life and Robin was very open with me with what he struggled with, and that’s a big reason why I do what I do today,’ she said.

‘I work in the space of mental wellness and I help other people who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety and panic, and it is rooted in the fact that [Robin] was so open with me and was one of the first people that showed me that I didn’t have to do this alone.’

When asked why she believes the film is still so popular 30 years later, Lisa said she had to give credit to the late Robin Williams.    

‘The cast members, we bonded so instantly. Matt [Lawrence] and Mara [Wilson] felt like siblings from the beginning, and Robin and Sally [Field] were so amazing to us, so it did feel special at the time.

‘Maybe that’s why 30 years later we are still talking about it.’

She continued: ‘It is shocking to me that people still watch it and relate to it and all I can credit it to was Robin. He was hilarious and timeless, and I think the credit goes to him.’

Lisa said that although she had a positive experience on set, many child actors don’t and they need to be better protected.

‘I think a set is a very difficult place for a child to be, and I don’t feel like there are enough protections in place, and we have decided that it’s the only industry that it’s fine for children to work in,’ she said.