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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The brother in Mrs. Doubtfire is Frank Hillard, a fictional character played by Harvey Fierstein. The available sources do not substantiate the claim that Robin Williams’s real-life brother made a secret cameo. The confusion appears to come from Fierstein’s role as Williams’s character’s brother.
Who plays Robin Williams’s brother in Mrs. Doubtfire?
Harvey Fierstein plays Frank, the brother of Robin Williams’s character, Daniel Hillard. Frank is part of the film’s story, not Williams’s real-life sibling appearing as himself. Bravo’s segment about how Fierstein landed the role also describes him as playing Williams’s brother in the film; that refers to the fictional relationship on screen (Bravo).
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| 1 |
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Mrs. Doubtfire | $11.64 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Mrs. Doubtfire - 4K + Digital | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Mrs. Doubtfire | $18.36 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Mrs. Doubtfire [Blu-ray] [1993]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515iONPl76L._SL160_.jpg)
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Mrs. Doubtfire [Blu-ray] [1993] | $12.41 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Big / Mrs. Doubtfire | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What does Frank do in the story?
Frank is a makeup artist who helps Daniel transform himself into Mrs. Doubtfire. The film’s production notes identify Frank as the person behind the disguise. A 1993 Los Angeles Times interview describes Fierstein and his lover trying different looks on Daniel before settling on the final appearance (Los Angeles Times).
The production notes say Ve Neill required four-and-a-half hours to apply the facial makeup. That is the figure given in the notes, rather than an independently verified measure for every makeup session (film production notes).
#1 Best Overall
- Robin Williams learns that keeping in touch with his children can be a drag in this hit comedy. Daniel Hillard (Williams) is an eccentric actor who specializes in dubbing voices for cartoon characters. Daniel is a kind man and a loving father, but he's a poor disciplinarian and a shaky role model. After throwing an elaborate and disastrous birthday party for his son, Daniel's wife Miranda (Sally F
Why does the cameo claim persist?
The wording “Robin Williams’s brother” can refer either to Frank, Daniel’s brother in the plot, or to Williams’s actual brother. Those are different claims. The sources that identify Frank and discuss the casting point to Fierstein as the actor; they do not document a secret appearance by Williams’s real-life brother.
In the 1993 interview, Williams praised Fierstein’s film knowledge, saying, “Harvey is so amazing because he knows every B-movie ever made” (Los Angeles Times). The remark concerns his scene partner, not a hidden sibling appearance.
Rank #2
- Robin Williams learns that keeping in touch with his children can be a drag in this hit comedy. Daniel Hillard (Williams) is an eccentric actor who specializes in dubbing voices for cartoon characters. Daniel is a kind man and a loving father, but he's a poor disciplinarian and a shaky role model. After throwing an elaborate and disastrous birthday party for his son, Daniel's wife Miranda (Sally F
What can viewers verify about the home-video extras?
A 2008 home-video article described extras such as deleted scenes, interviews, featurettes and alternate takes that show Williams improvising. Those details apply to the edition discussed in that coverage; they do not establish what is included on every DVD, Blu-ray or current release (DVD Talk). Check the bonus-feature list for the specific edition before buying it for a particular extra.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Factory sealed DVD
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Blu-Ray
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