Sally Field, the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in films like “Forrest Gump” and “Norma Rae,” recently opened up about her experience working with the late Robin Williams on the 1993 comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire.” In a candid interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Field revealed that she found Williams’ attempts at humor during filming to be unfunny—and that her refusal to laugh drove the comedian-mad.
The Professional Demeanor of Sally Field
Field portrayed Miranda Hillard, Williams’ ex-wife in the film, a role that required her to maintain a stern, no-nonsense demeanor. During the interview, she explained that Williams, known for his improvisational wit, constantly tried to crack jokes on set to lighten the mood. However, Field remained steadfast in her character’s seriousness.
“It drove him mad, actually, because I would never laugh, ever,” Field said. “And everybody else was laughing and carrying on.” Her commitment to the role, she emphasized, was a reflection of Miranda’s personality—a woman grappling with the fallout of a messy divorce.
Robin Williams’ Unfunny Attempts
Williams, who won an Academy Award for his role as the cross-dressing housekeeper, was no stranger to ad-libbing. But Field recalled his efforts to amuse her as “so unfunny.” She described how Williams would “try something different to make me laugh,” but his jokes fell flat with her.
- Williams’ improvisations often leaned into slapstick or absurdity.
- Field’s refusal to laugh became a running joke among the cast.
- Williams’ frustration was palpable, according to Field.
“It wasn’t funny. It just wasn’t funny,” she reiterated, highlighting the contrast between her character’s rigidity and Williams’ chaotic energy. The tension, however, was not without its moments of levity.
The Moment Sally Field Broke
Field finally cracked when co-star Pierce Brosnan, who played Miranda’s new husband, Stuart Dunmeyer, made an unexpected move. Brosnan, known for his charm in the James Bond franchise, “made a fart noise on his arm,” according to Field. The absurdity of the moment broke her composure.
“He made a fart noise on his arm,” she recalled. “And I was gone. That was it.” Williams, surprised by her reaction, reportedly asked, “That’s all it took?” The anecdote underscores the camaraderie among the cast, blending professionalism with the kind of behind-the-scenes humor that often goes unseen.
A Deeper Bond Beyond the Set
Field also shared a poignant memory of Williams’ kindness during a difficult period in her life. While filming a tense courtroom scene, she learned of her father’s death. Williams, ever the empathetic actor, stepped in to support her.
“Robin turned around and said, ‘That’s it for the day, guys. We just wrapped here. We’re done for the day … Mrs. Fields is going home,’” she recounted. This gesture, she said, epitomized Williams’ character: a man who balanced humor with genuine compassion.
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