Claim: Pierce Brosnan starred in a movie.

Mrs. Doubtfire is a 1993 American comedy film directed by Chris Columbus and written by Randi Mayem Singer and Leslie Dixon , based on Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine . It stars Robin Williams -LRB- who also served as co-producer -RRB- , Sally Field , Pierce Brosnan , Harvey Fierstein and Robert Prosky . It follows a recently divorced actor who dresses up as a female housekeeper to be able to interact with his children . The film addresses themes of divorce , separation and the effect it has on a family .   The film was released in the United States on November 24 , 1993 . It won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy . For his performance in the film , Robin Williams was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actor .   Although the film received mixed reviews during its original theatrical run , more recent reviews have been much more positive : the film was placed 67th in the American Film Institute 's 100 Years , 100 Laughs : America 's Funniest Movies and was also rated 40 on Bravo 's 100 Funniest Movies of All Time . The original music score was composed by Howard Shore . The film was released in the United Kingdom on January 28 , 1994 , and topped the country 's box office that weekend .