Matthew Lawrence received many pearls of wisdom from Robin Williams, and one shines bright even three decades later.
The former child star, who costarred with Williams in the 1993 comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire,” reflected on his experience working with the iconic actor-comedian in an interview with Entertainment Weekly published April 17. Lawrence, who played Williams’ son Chris Hillard, was 13 at the time of the film’s release while Williams was 42.
“Those six to eight months were the biggest learning curve anyone can get when it comes to making movies and being an entertainer,” Lawrence told the outlet. “And then on top of that, you get a chance to be around Robin Williams, and he takes an investment in you, as he does with people. But in particular, he really took an investment with me.”
Aside from being “the most brilliant artist” Lawrence has “ever worked with,” Williams — who died in August 2014 at age 63 — was candid with the young actor about his struggles with substance abuse.
“He really explained his life to me and really brought me in and taught me not just about in front of the camera, but a lot about the behind the camera as well, and how he felt that substances really further pushed his brain to not function properly,” Lawrence, now 45, said.
“He really opened up with me, and I’ll never forget it. There were times he would just grab me, and he’d be like, ‘Don’t put that stuff in your body. If I could go back and tell myself, this is why I’m telling you, don’t put that stuff in your body.”
Williams, who died by suicide following a battle with Lewy body dementia, also struggled with substance abuse for decades. The comedian’s 2006 relapse, which he tried unsuccessfully to hide from his wife Marsha Garces, led to the unraveling of his second marriage. He later took up a stint at the Hazelden Foundation center, a rehab facility in Oregon.
Lawrence wasn’t the only “Mrs. Doubtfire” cast member who benefited from Williams’ candor. During a 2018 joint interview on the “Today” show, Lisa Jakub said Williams was “very open and honest with me talking about his issues with addiction (and) depression.”
“That was so powerful to me at 14,” Jakub added. “I have struggled with anxiety my whole life.”
Lawrence concluded: “It’s a real shame that he’s not with us. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t hear his voice.”
If you or someone you know needs help battling a substance abuse addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.
Contributing: Maria Puente, Arienne Thompson, Elizabeth Weise, David Holahan and Sara M. Moniuszko, USA TODAY
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