Mrs. Doubtfire remains one of the most beloved family comedies of the 1990s and one of Robin Williams’ best roles. In the film, Williams plays Daniel, a divorced man who (in an attempt to spend more time with his family) disguises himself as the family’s kindly new Scottish nanny, Mrs. Doubtfire.
The movie is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023 and, needless to say, there will be plenty of fans revisiting the classic. Along with Robin Williams’ brilliant performance, fans will remember some of Mrs. Doubtfire’s most memorable quotes, from the hilarious to the heartwarming ones, that made everyone wish that she was their nanny.
“The Only Thing You’ll Be Watching is Deep-CNN.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Her TV Schedule
One of Robin Williams’s greatest assets was his ability to absolutely lose himself in whatever role he was cast in. This admirable feature definitely transitioned seamlessly into the character of Daniel Hillard, and logically Mrs. Doubtfire as well.
On the first day on the job as a housekeeper and Nanny, she proves she’s not what the children are expecting right out of the gate. After getting their attention away from the TV, she delivers this brilliant one-liner as she flings the remote into the fish tank. Granted, this wasn’t done out of malice, but it was a little bit jarring. But Daniel had to commit to the role.
“No, He Was Hit By A Guinness Truck. So It Was Quite Literally The Drink That Killed Him.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Losing Her Husband In A Odd Way
Mrs. Doubtfire is yet another movie that shows the amazing versatility of Robin Williams as he is able to jump between drama and comedy so effortlessly. This leads to some great moments when Mrs. Doubtfire seems to be more serious only to deliver an unexpected punchline.
One such moment comes as Mrs. Doubtfire remembers her deceased husband and tells Miranda that it was “the drink” that killed him. Naturally, Miranda assumes she means alcoholism, but Mrs. Doubtfire actually meant it in a more literal way.
“They Always Say The Key To A Solid Marriage Is Laughter.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On A Healthy Marriage
While Daniel’s whole ruse as Mrs. Doubtfire is an attempt to spend more time with his children, he also sees it as an opportunity to save his marriage. This makes for some cringy scenes of Miranda confiding in Mrs. Doubtfire about her failed marriage and Mrs. Doubtfire trying to convince her it is not so bad.
After hearing Miranda talk about how Daniel never took anything seriously, Mrs. Doubtfire offers up that humor is an important part of a relationship. However, he gradually learns that while he was laughing, Miranda was struggling and realizes his mistakes as a husband.
“Between The Hours Of 3pm And 7pm, I’m In Charge.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Who Runs The House
Daniel might have been a more relaxed father than he should have been, but he seems determined not to make the same mistake as Mrs. Doubtfire. While she is kind and speaks softly, Mrs. Doubtfire quickly proves that she is no pushover.
During their first day together, the oldest daughter Lydia attempts to take control of the house and tell Mrs. Doubtfire how things go. This doesn’t go as she plans as Mrs. Doubtfire assures her that she is the one in charge, and they play by her rules.
“Look, Nattie. That’s Called Liposuction.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Stu’s Physique
Even as Daniel navigates this very delicate deception and tries not to be discovered as Mrs. Doubtfire, he simply cannot hide his own jealousy towards Stu. He takes every opportunity to insult and degrade him despite the fact that Stu actually seems like a pretty good guy.
When the family takes a trip to Stu’s country club, he shows off his impressive figure in his swimsuit. But Mrs. Doubtfire is quick to suggest that Stu’s physique is all plastic surgery.
“A Hip, Old Granny…”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Being Cool
Juggling identities would more than likely wear anyone out, but Robin Williams seems to have more energy than the average person. During the dinner scene at the restaurant, Daniel has to switch back and forth between Mrs. Doubtfire and himself during a pitch meeting with his boss that will get him out of the shipping department.
When he forgets to take off his disguise, Daniel (in the form of Mrs. Doubtfire), makes the pitch using her as a host who can “hip-hop, be-bob, and dance till you drop.” Williams’s improv skills really shine here as he seamlessly pulls his Nanny persona out like it was just another character.
“Off Your Mercedes, Dear…”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Stu’s Car
Daniel/Mrs. Doubtfire is not a malicious person, but when the position of spending time with the kids is threatened by the arrival of Miranda’s suitor, Stewart, things get a little hairy. Especially when his competition has a brand-new Mercedes sitting in front of his house.
Pulling the hood ornament off was petty, but making the jabs that “a man who has to buy a big car like that is trying to compensate for smaller genitals” literally hits below the belt. Still, it warranted more than a few chuckles from the viewers.
“If There’s Love, Dear, Those Are The Ties That Bind.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Keeping A Family Together
The ending scene of the film is one of the most touching, poignant, and heartwarming sequences in the history of family films, and will no doubt be mentioned multiple times. But the fact of the matter is, divorce is a hard and scary concept for kids to understand. Fortunately, Mrs. Doubtfire is like a warm blanket who treats the matter with kindness, clarity, and reassurance.
Although to some it might sound like a saccharine and sweet sentiment they’d hear on Sesame Street, from the mind of the lovely Mrs. Doubtfire, it becomes a beacon of hope in a gloomy world.
“But Personally I Prefer Short, Furry And Funny.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Her Type
Even before Pierce Brosnan became James Bond, he was a very dashing figure which made him a hilarious romantic rival for Robin Williams as Stu in this movie. However, even under all the Mrs. Doubtfire make-up, Daniel attempts to make himself look just as good in comparison.
When Miranda comments on how obviously handsome Stu is, Mrs. Doubtfire interjects with her own personal opinions about attractive men which sounds an awful lot like Daniel himself.
“All My Love To You, Poppet”
Mrs. Doubtfire On A Charming Sign-Off
Williams is the kind of actor fans will watch in any genre, whether he is the villain in a thriller or a charming character like Mrs. Doubtfire. Honestly, any time she uses the term “poppet” everyone has the tendency to melt a little inside. This is the last thing ever heard from the character, and how fitting it should be a message and reminder of love.
One key thing to remember about both Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire is that they do the things they do simply out of love. While his ex-wife might attempt to paint him in a very selfish and borderline creepy light, at the end of the day, Daniel is a loving and devoted father who would go over the moon for his kids. Even if they’d be in a television audience.
“Back Off, A**hole!”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Standing Up To Bullies
Mrs. Doubtfire might be a sweet old lady, but she’s certainly no push-over. She proves to be a fairly strict authority in her role as nanny and is even more aggressive when she’s walking the streets. An elderly and polite woman might seem like a pretty obvious target for a mugger, but this one got far more than he expected when he tries to grab Mrs. Doubtfire’s bag.
Looking to make a quick get away, the would-be thief likely wasn’t expecting her to put up so much of a fight, let alone curse him out like she did.
Mrs. Doubtfire On Keeping Miranda Happy
Daniel’s main reason for the entire Mrs. Doubtfire scheme is to see his kids. However, when his ex-wife begins pursuing a relationship with a new suitor, Mrs. Doubtfire doesn’t miss an opportunity to try and sabotage that new relationship.
When the kindly nanny begins innocently interrogating the ruggedly handsome Stu (Pierce Brosnan) about his intentions, she certainly doesn’t leave anything off the table. Trying to intimidate Stu, Mrs. Doubtfire graphically describes certain tools Miranda uses in the bedroom.
“My First Day As A Woman And I’m Getting Hot Flashes.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Struggling In Her New Position
Daniel’s entire scheme could very well be seen as extremely creepy, but it is nice to see him grow as a person thanks to Mrs. Doubtfire. Though he might not have been the most responsible parent or husband while his marriage was still together, as Mrs. Doubtfire, he does try to put in the effort that he didn’t before.
One of the major struggles he has is with the required cooking. His first night trying to prepare the family meal results in him catching his fake breasts on fire. Tough first day on the job.
“It Was A Run-By Fruiting.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On A Sudden Attack
Daniel does a pretty good job at keeping his identity hidden, but he can’t help but push his luck when it comes to giving Stu hell. Even though Stu seems to be a perfectly nice guy who genuinely cares for Miranda and the children, Mrs. Doubtfire only gives him a hard time.
When the whole family takes a trip to the pool and Daniel overhears Stu talking about how Miranda’s ex-husband is a loser, he throws an orange at the back of Stu’s head. Mrs. Doubtfire then innocently reacts in horror to the attack from an unknown assailant.
“Carpe Dentum. Seize The Teeth.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Losing Her Dentures
While it might be a stretch to think that his very own family wouldn’t recognize him, the make-up for Mrs. Doubtfire is pretty impressive. The disguise also leads to some of the movie’s funniest moments as Daniel tries to keep his true identity under wraps.
In one of the many cosmetic mishaps, Mrs. Doubtfire’s fake teeth fall into her water glass during a family dinner. Without breaking character, Mrs. Doubtfire tries to reclaim her dentures. It feels like the kind of classic improvised line that Williams was delivering back when he was a TV actor.
“I Admire That Honesty, Natalie, That’s A Noble Quality. Never Lose That, Because It Often Disappears With Age, Or Entering Politics.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On The Value Of Honesty
Though the film certainly belongs to Robin Williams, if there is anyone who threatens to steal the show from him, it’s young Mara Wilson as the youngest Hillard child, Natalie. Wilson is adorable and precocious, delivering some of the funniest lines herself. She and Williams have fantastic chemistry on screen together.
When first introduced to Mrs. Doubtfire, the young girl bluntly asks if the nanny is wearing bug spray. Mrs. Doubtfire is quick to forgive the rude question and slips in a bit of that Robin Williams wit at the same time.
“Help Is On The Way, Dear!”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Saving The Day
The climactic dinner scene is certainly one of the most memorable moments in Mrs. Doubtfire. As the whole family gathers for a fancy night out, Daniel must switch back and forth between his Mrs. Doubtfire persona and his real self as he has a business meeting at the same restaurant. And of course, he also can’t help messing with Stu.
Daniel goes too far with his prank this time as he douses Stu’s food in pepper, causing him to choke. As panic ensues, Mrs. Doubtfire races across the restaurant to save the day, with her hilarious hero’s call.
“The Only Solution Is Total And Lifelong Celibacy.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On Leaving A Husband
It certainly is creepy to think Daniel is secretly interfering with his ex-wife’s dating life, but it does make for some pretty funny moments. As Miranda begins to fall for Stu, she asks to have a bit of girl talk with Mrs. Doubtfire, who shares her own thoughts about when Miranda should move on from her husband.
Again, the breach of trust during this moment is pretty unforgivable, but it’s hard not to laugh when this sweet Scottish nanny is trying to convince Miranda to become celibate for the rest of her life.
“Sometimes They Get Back Together And Sometimes They Don’t, Dear.”
Mrs. Doubtfire On The Reality Of Divorce
Though Mrs. Doubtfire is funny and light-hearted, it is a comedy about divorce and deals with it in a pretty frank way. Unlike some films of its kind, the movie does not end with Daniel and Miranda reconciling and becoming a couple again. Rather, they stay divorced and learn to remain a loving family for the children even while separated.
The end of the movie also finds Daniel starting his own children’s television program as Mrs. Doubtfire. As the film ends, Mrs. Doubtfire offers advice to members of her audience whose parents might not be together. Her simple and sweet words are just what children in those situations need to hear.
“Hellooooo!”
Mrs. Doubtfire On A Friendly Greeting
The film has a lot of fun forcing Daniel to jump through hoops in order to maintain this double life. The most memorable scene comes when he gets an unexpected visit from a social worker and has to be interviewed as Daniel, as well as pose as Daniel’s sister, Mrs. Doubtfire. Obviously, hilarity ensues.
Amidst all the mayhem of the situation, Daniel’s Mrs. Doubtfire mask is destroyed. About to be walked in on, Daniel plunges his face into a cream pie, faking a face mask and greeting the social worker with a terrifying look. It still remains a laugh-out-loud moment after all these years.