The Truth About Robin William’s Brother And His Secret Cameo In Mrs. Doubtfire
Robin William's brother, Robert Todd makes a cameo in Mrs. Doubtfire that's just perfect for him on so many levels.
While Robin Williams accomplished a great deal during his illustrious career as an actor and comedian, for many people, Mrs. Doubtfire will always hold a special place in their hearts. The film is heavily considered to be one of the best works in the history of his career.
On paper, the idea of a film about a divorced dad who dresses up as an old lady and poses as a nanny to his children in order to get around the custody agreement might sound devious. However, in Williams’ capable hands, the film became pure comedic gold.
One eagle-eyed Reddit user shared a remarkable little glimpse into the surprise guest appearance of Robin’s brother, Robert Todd, that many people may have missed.
Robin Williams’s Brother Had A Secret Role In Mrs. Doubtfire
The late actor’s half-brother made an appearance in one of his most cherished films.
A man named Dr. Toad, who you can identify in the film Mrs. Doubtfire by looking at the cast list, plays the bartender who makes the hilarious “drive-by fruiting” remark to the protagonists while they are swimming.
Additionally, the Reddit post includes a screenshot of the bartender who shows up in a memorable poolside scene where Williams’ character Daniel, playing Mrs. Doubtfire, observes his ex-wife Miranda (Sally Field) and the children while she goes on a date with her new beau Stu (Pierce Brosnan).
But the post explains the significance of that extra, which some viewers might not have caught: “The poolside bartender is played by an actor credited under the nickname Dr. Toad, but his real name was Robert Todd Williams, and he was Robin Williams’ older brother.”
A “vintner by trade,” Robert Todd Williams made his “only film appearance” in this cameo, per the Reddit entry.
Robert, better known as Todd, passed away in 2007 at the age of 69 due to heart failure.
The fact that Robert had established a successful winery in the United States made him a natural for the role of bartender. According to his obituary in the Los Angeles Times, before he established Toad Hollow Vineyards in Healdsburg, he operated in wine sales, distribution, and marketing.
The article also confirmed that his childhood nickname was “Toad” and that he was given the honorific “Dr.” later in life.
Many people on social media were quick to point out the similarities.
One Reddit user commented, “It’s really funny.” Taken out of context, “he looks a good bit like Robin Williams,” was his first thought when he saw the photo. A second user echoed this sentiment, saying, “Can even see the resemblance. Man, I love these little gems.”
Is Anyone Else In Robin Williams’s Family A Comedian?
In addition, a Reddit user revealed in the comments section that Robin Williams’ other half-brother was his “physics teacher in high school” and a “great guy.”
In support of this assertion, another account posted: “Fun fact: his half-brother McLaurin teaches high school chemistry. Source: he taught me.”
Funnily enough, it was reported in the Chicago Tribune in 1991 that the comedian’s maternal half-brother, 75-year-old McLaurin Smith Williams, taught high school physics in Memphis.
A third Reddit user, who claims to have been taught by McLaurin characterized him as “incredibly funny” and someone who “loved talking about his half-brother,” albeit “not during class time.”
Robin was the oldest, but he had virtually no siblings. Before he was a few years old, he had no idea he had a brother named McLaurin Smith Williams, and he didn’t learn about his other brother until he was nine years old (Robert Todd Williams).
The relationship between Robin and McLaurin was described as good, but they were never truly close because they only saw each other on occasion. However, we can’t say the same about Robin’s other sibling.
The Death Of Robert Todd Williams Deeply Affected Robin Williams
At age 63, Robin took his own life in August of 2014. People all over the world expressed their sorrow at his passing. He had inspired millions of people with his quick wit, his dedication to charitable causes, and his passion for his craft.
To the surprise of many, Robin Williams committed suicide almost exactly seven years to the day after his older brother Todd died under tragic circumstances.
One of Robin’s two half-brothers, Todd’s death “was devastating to Robin, who was grief-stricken over the passing of Todd,” a friend told The National ENQUIRER. Ironically, Robin passed away seven years to the day.
In 2007, Robin’s older brother Todd passed away at the age of 69 due to complications from heart surgery he had a month prior.
According to The ENQUIRER’s sources, Robin was already under stress before Toad’s death escalated the situation. As stated by the source, Robin’s efforts to abstain from alcohol were complicated by the death of his brother.
“Robin had managed to stay on the wagon for 20 years, but in 2004, he began drinking again and was in rehab a year before Todd died. When Todd died, Robin was filming Old Dogs with Kelly Preston in Greenwich, Conn., and Robin was going to AA meetings there in an attempt to stay sober.”
Speaking about Todd’s death at the time, Robin said: “Toad left a big footprint with a cork, or as a friend said, he left a great trail.” Opening up about this late brother’s great sense of humor, he added, “It’s in the genes. Toad was outrageous, maybe even more than me. Hard to believe, but it’s true.”
Robin Williams’s son Zak worried about this dad, and mentioned, “I wanted to be there for him on a daily basis. I really wanted to because it can be really isolating, even if you’re with family and loved ones.”
On his father’s birthday in 2021, Zak wrote a touching message on Instagram, “Dad, on what would be your 70th birthday, I would want you to know that your incredible spirit lives within us,” he wrote. “Our family will be celebrating you and your memory today. We miss you and love you always!”
The Williams family is truly remarkable, becoming a household name despite the difficulties of separation and mental illness. In any case, they will be remembered forever for the positive impact they made in the world.
