I'm Lisa Jakub - I grew up working as an actor in movies like Mrs. Doubtfire and Independence Day. I decided to retire instead of becoming a stereotypical train wreck child actor. I now live in Virginia where I am a writer. AMA!

What was your reaction the first time you saw Robin in character as Mrs. Doubtfire?

Did you ever confuse Chris Colombus with Christopher Colombus?

Chris Columbus actually introduced us to "his mother" - we had a whole conversation with her without knowing it was Robin as Mrs. D.

You're my childhood celebrity crush, so thanks for that.

What's your favorite food?

Awww. I'm a pasta girl.

Does Pierce Brosnan smell like beer and sex? I've always assumed he might.

I was 14 when I worked with him, so I couldn’t have told you what beer and sex smelled like. So, I guess the answer is - probably.

Does the successful transition from child actor to adult actor for some current actors (Leonardo Di Caprio, Mila Kunis, Natalie Portman, Neil Patrick Harris, Claire Danes, Joseph Gordon Levitt, etc) lead you to second guess your decision?

Nope. I think the transition is totally do-able, if you love it and want to dedicate your life to it. After 18 years, it was just time for something new. And I am so much happier as a writer living in Virginia that I was as an actor in LA.

Parts of your story (and your attitude) around acting are similar to Mara Wilson, who I know you worked with way back on Mrs Doubtfire. Do the two of you keep in touch much, based on these commonalities?

Mara and I recently got back in touch. We were very close during filming, and for a while after (only in part because had a crush on her older brother) but we were both working/traveling a lot and we just drifted apart. But I have always loved her like a little sister and I’m thrilled that we are back in each other’s lives. She’s an awesome woman and a great writer.

Googled your pics - you transitioned from cutey to foxey quite nicely.

That's very kind!

So, I think this is how it works- you get paid a royalty every time Mrs. Doubtfire is on tv?

Yeah - fractions of a penny, and the amount decreases over time. I actually wrote about that here, if you are interested. http://lisajakub.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/money/

Well, now I'm an ass. Your blog told me to follow up on your weight and the date of your last period.

But I'm all ears. Do tell.

115 2/25

I don't know why is ridiculous to talk about money I think people shouldn't have tabus and it should be talked naturally just like any other thing

My question: If I remembet correctly you were already a teen in Mrs. D so what where the fav movies of your childhood before Mrs. D.?

I loved old movies. To Kill A Mockingbird, It Happened One Night and Arsenic and Old Lace.

Did you voluntarily want to act as a child, or did your parents make that decision for you? I always wonder about that when children start acting at such a young age.

When I was 4, my parents and I were in a market in Toronto and we were approached by a man who was working on casting a commercial. They asked if I wanted to audition, I thought it sounded fun, so I went. They sent me to an agent and my whole career just sort of snowballed from that.

Hope i'm not too late. So what was it like to work with Robin Williams?

Robin was wonderful. I actually got thrown out of high school during the shooting of Doubtfire – my school didn’t want to deal with the extra work of having my “non-traditional” situation. I was very upset about it and he asked me if he could write a letter to my school asking them to support me in trying to get my education while working. The school framed the letter, but didn’t let me back in. But it was very kind of him to try.

Did Robin Williams ever comb his arm hair?

Nope - he shaved it. Mrs. D would never have hairy arms.

Is there anything you miss about acting?

The only thing I miss is having someone who knew how to do my hair and makeup. I'm 35 years old and have no clue about either.

After you retired, did you receive any interesting acting offers that made you question your decision, or did you cut all contacts to Hollywood cold turkey?

I pretty much went cold turkey. After I moved to VA, I was temped into doing an audition tape for The Aviator because it was Martin Scorsese - but I realized after that I was just done and needed to cut all ties if I was going to really be retired. I actually wrote about that audition here -- http://lisajakub.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/the-last-audition/

Your husband is a lucky man.

I'll be sure to let him know.

I've been poking around your blog a little bit, and I really enjoy the inside view of an industry most of us know very little about. Most people do tend to assume that all actors are billionaires and everyone in the industry knows everyone else, so it is really refreshing to see the real side.

Keep on writing!

Thank you!

Hi Lisa, do you have fond memories of San Francisco from your time filing here?

Loved SF. We lived at the Saint Francis hotel for months. It was a good gig.

For what it's worth I think you were an awesome actress and one of my childhood crushes(along with kat the second pink ranger lol) anyway I've just read some of your blogs that you've posted and I've seen you say a few times that you have an affinity for cuss words and well since I couldn't think of another question I'll just ask this:

Most people including myself have a "favorite" or "go to" curse word. My would be "sum bitch" as get that sum bitch out of my way(yes I am southern lol). What would you say that yours is?

Fucking hell. (And thank you.)

Tell us more of this fabulous dog you speak of.

She is truly fabulous. We adopted her from the SPCA a few years ago - she is a senior, probably about 7 years old when we got her. She is my muse, my writing partner and my example of how to be a present, loving person.

Was there ever an audition you had that you were really upset you didn't get?

I was sad that I didn't get the role of Velma in Scooby-Doo. That would have just been cool.

Any good vegan dessert recipes?

I'm obsessed with these pan fried honey bananas. You can skip the honey or use another sweetener if you are a vegan that don't eat honey. http://rachelschultz.com/2013/05/15/fried-honey-bananas/

People need to find out about George Lucas in love.

The filmmakers were all friends of mine, and I'm so glad they asked me to be part of it. It's a great little movie.

Do you ever wonder how different your life would be if you didn't retire? Are there any roles that you were tempted to get back in the business to perform?

No, it's funny, I've never thought that. I guess I just don't really have that passion for acting. A couple of times I've missed living in LA - but that's only because there is a really good Chinese place there called Chin Chin.

You are awesome and beautiful. What is your favorite memory of acting?

That’s sweet, thank you. My favorite memory of acting isn’t a specific event, it’s more just the feeling of community that you get on set. The cast and crew really bond. You are working long hours together in sometimes strange locations and people get very close - in various types of ways. It can be a really wonderful, supportive, creative environment.

Thank you for the AMA. I'm always curious what it is like working on a movie with big name actors, especially playing a child or sibling of a famous actor.

Obviously, the experience differs from movie to movie, but mostly, each project just another job – regardless of how famous the coworkers are. Bigger budget sets feel a little fancier and have more security - but what matters most is the chemistry between the actors and the filmmakers. That's what makes is a great experience. You can have that - or not - with big or small movies.

I get the sense that being Canadian becomes somewhat of a novelty (with some exceptions) for actors who have long since left. Your story seems a little different though, and you seem more thoughtful. What's your relationship like with Canada, and Toronto, specifically?

Even though I don't live there, I will always be Canadian. I feel it's a big part of my identity. I don't get back there as much as I'd like to, but I feel a strong connection to it. If it weren't so damn cold, I'd want to go back. All those years of LA thinned my blood.

As an introvert, I'd see the hollywood lifestyle (at least in the social sense) perhaps a little euphoric at first, but then quickly exhausting and torturously nerve wracking. Writing is so much more peaceful, self-paced, and somehow less vulnerable. Is this accurate for you at all?

Yes, yes, yes and yes.

If you didn't act or write, what would you do for a career?

I'd be a house flipper. I'm good with a sledgehammer.

Would you ever go back to acting, now that you're past the teenaged drama stage?

No, I'm really happy being a writer and being out of that life. It just didn't suit me anymore.

Lisa, what can you see from your kitchen window?

The Blue Ridge mountains.

Hi, Lisa! I have a two-parter question: if you had a time machine, where/when would you go, and what kind of sandwich would you bring as a snack?

Italy. 1950s. Caprese.

Matinée was one of my favourite films as a kid, and actually still is now. Any memories or stories from shooting that?

Matinee was a great shoot. Joe Dante is a wonderful person and creative genius. But the kissing scene in the bomb shelter was incredibly awkward. I was 13 and it was my first kiss EVER. It’s uncomfortable to have your first kiss be with 60 crew members and your mother watching.

I love your writing and your face! What do you prefer about writing over acting?

Thank you! Writing feels much more creative to me than acting ever did. I’m freer. As an actor, I wore the clothes someone else picked, said the words that someone else wrote and stood where someone told me to. With writing, I get to do it all myself. Plus, as a writer, I get to wear sweatpants a lot.

Top five movies??

Memento, The Philadelphia Story, Amalie, To Kill A Mocking Bird, It Happened One Night. In no particular order.

Was there a particular film role that you didn't take on that you wish you would have now?

No. So sorry for the boring answer. But at least it's honest.

Hi Lisa! I'm a few years older than you and when I saw you in Matinee I immediately developed a teenage crush on you. I'm glad you are doing well with your husband in Virginia. Love the blog, you're a good writer.

Anyway, questions:

• do you ever catch yourself on TV - like whenever Mrs. Doubtfire is on the TV? If so, do you immediately change the channel?

• acting and writing are both creative arts. How is the writing subculture very much like or different than the child acting environment?

• Did you have much interaction with John Goodman on the set of Matinee?

• Given your shy nature and that you're actually a smart person, do you really think - had you continued an acting career - that you'd become a stereotypical train wreck child actor? Natalie Portmand and Emma Watson seem to have sailed through fine; I use as examples.

Thanks! Yeah, I have caught myself on TV. It's really fucking weird. I change the channel immediately.

Writing is a very different experience, because it it pretty much is just me at my computer. I like that.

Yeah, John was lovely on Matinee. Good guy.

I don't know what would have happened if I stayed. I'm was never into the Hollywood scene, so I would have likely been okay. But it's stressful to feel like you are living a life that isn't authentic to who you are.

Hi, Lisa!

Is there anywhere that you've always wanted to travel to, but haven't yet?

I have a long list. I've not been to many places in Asia. I've been to Southern Africa but I'd love to go to Western Africa, too. Pretty much anywhere I haven't seen, I want to.

Are you able to enjoy movies and television now as a fan? Or do you look at the medium critically?

I don't think I'm more critical now, I can get lost in movies just like everyone else. But bad dialogue does make me cringe...

Hi, Lisa! I've really enjoyed your blogs, and look forward to your first book. Do you have any plans to begin another book anytime after you get this one published? If so do you have any ideas on the next topic? I'd be very interested in reading a fictional story written by you.

Thank you so much! I've got a few ideas for the next book. I'd love to play around with some fiction, maybe do some travel writing, I love telling other people's stories, so maybe more non-fiction.....Lots of ideas!

Who are some of your personal favorite writers?

J. D. Salinger, John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Elizabeth Gilbert...

What was it like being Randy Quaid's daughter in Independence Day? Was he fun on the set. Thank you doing this AMA.

Randy is truly a lovely human being. I really enjoyed him. He's just the kind of guy you can hang out and talk with.

I just spent an hour reading your blog. I love it! All its entries are short and sweet, so it makes for perfect light reading.

Thanks so much for reading it!

My grandma was a housekeeper at the St. Francis hotel, and said that she caught you with a pet turtle in the hotel. Did you ever have any other run ins with your turtle and do you still have it?

Oh my gosh!! That was Shelly. She traveled with me to several film shoots and was a wonderful companion. Once she got out of her cage on an airplane and wandered down the aisle and freaked everyone out. She was an adventurer. I don't have her any more. She actually ran away - true story. Tell your grandma I said hi and again - I'm sorry.

Hi Lisa! Do you enjoy watching Independence Day or Mrs. Doubtfire on those lazy Sunday afternoons? If so, do you still critique yourself or just enjoy the movie?

OH DEAR GOD NO! (So I guess the answer is that I still critique myself.)

I'm a retired musician and it's still a guilty pleasure when I catch one of my songs on the radio (from time to time). You're telling me you don't grin just a little bit when you see yourself on the tele?! C'mon now... be honest!? :-)

Nope. I'm Canadian. We tend to be humiliated by everything we've ever done.

Did you really not watch the Oscars? Would it have been like watching remnants of an old relationship, or is it just completely outside of your sphere of interest now?

I didn't watch them. It's not like it's out of bitterness or anything - it just doesn't really have any relevance to my life anymore. Well, okay, maybe they make me feel a little bad about the fact that I only ever wear yoga pants and Chuck Taylors.

Hey Lisa, I'm just wondering if you are ever bothered when someone approaches you and asks for a picture or autograph. I have a feeling it must get annoying at some points.

Mostly, people are very nice and it's fine. But I recently got recognized as I was half-naked in a yoga studio change room. So...you know....that's uncomfortable.

Hi, Lisa. How do you prepare yourself mentally when writing your blog, or when working on a book. (You are working on a book, yes?)

I have a pretty strict writing schedule from 8:30 - 12 every day. That is really helpful for me. Other than that, I need a big cup of tea and my dog at my feet.

I hope this isn't a sore subject, but why did you quit acting?

Not at all! I was an actor for 18 years and for the most part, I enjoyed it. But at a certain point, I realized it was making me unhappy and giving me panic attacks. I left my job for the same reasons anyone leaves any job. When I made my pro/con list, the cons were too significant to ignore. I was ready to see what else was out there. I wanted to get an education and try to figure out who I was beneath the label of actor.

You may have touched on this before, but did you make any close friends on the audition trail? Any fond memories you like to share about some of your contemporaries that you recall? I'm a fan of your work then and now. Thank you for doing this AMA.

I auditioned with Hilary Swank for Boys Don't Cry. She was COMMITTED to that role. She showed up dressed like a boy, walked and talked like a boy. The only thing I had done was put my hair in a ponytail. I walked into that audition and thought - let's get this over with - Hilary is who you want in this role, not me!

Hi, I thought I'd say hello. Im just an interested guy in the uk wondering what its like knowing you were a film star. Are you happier now?

I'm much happier. It feels good living a life that is more authentic to what you want to be doing.

I just want to say good for you for not letting the hype of of how 'cool' it is to be an actor rule your life. I look forward to reading what you have written. In my work in the mountains in a resort known for skiing and outdoor recreation I have been involved with quite a few celebrities and many actors. They are not all happy. You look and sound happy and at peace.

Oh that's so nice! Thanks. You can check out my blog for some of my writing, and I'll keep that up to date with book news.

What was the most surprising thing about being a dog owner?

The things that might seem annoying or gross are not at all because you love them so damn much.

Hi Lisa, Thank you so much for doing this AMA.

Do you have any stories from the set of Independence Day?

ID4 was a really fun shoot - I'd never done anything with big effects like that. I did not hate kissing Andrew Keegan.

What was your favorite movie that you acted in? If you could choose any modern movie to be in (either recently in theaters or upcoming), which would it be, and why?

That's kinda like picking a favorite child - they all had good things about them and I would feel bad singling out on of them. I kind of wish I was in the documentary Spinning Plates, because watching it made me hungry and I wanted to eat all that lovely food.

When is the book coming out?

My lit agent and I are going out to publishers now - I'll keep my FB page and blog updated with news about when it'll be available!

What r u favorite novels?or autors? Do u speak french? What do u like to do in ur freetime? Thanks

I have a bunch of favorite books, like, Poisonwood Bible, East of Eden, Signature of All Things, 1Q84, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Nine Stories, Don’t let’s go to the dogs tonight....just a few! I used to be fluent in French but it's fading. In my free time I'm pretty much always at the yoga studio!

What makes you happiest?

My husband and my dog.

My girlfriend would want me to ask you what it is like to go from actress to regular life out here in Virginia? She would assume that you would be pestered to point of extreme annoyance if you were recognized in public.

Congrats on deciding to live in Virginia. I live in the Northern Neck of Virginia myself. If you are ever out in Reedville, stop by and pick some crabs.

It sometimes happens, but people don't really tend to care much. I absolutely love it here - and that's just one of the reasons why.

What made you want to start writing?

I don't even remember. I started writing as soon as I could hold a crayon. I just love telling stories and creating a world with words.

In your opinion, what is the hardest part of being a writer? How do you enjoy it compared to acting?

I think the hardest part of writing is self- discipline. I stick to my writing schedule pretty religiously, so that helps. It's very solitary work, but that suits me quite well. It's pretty great to feel like you have found what you are supposed to be doing with your life.

What is your favorite Beethoven symphony?

I could google something and sound snotty and fancy - but I think I'll just admit that I don't have one. I can tell you about my favorite Barenaked Ladies song, though.

I always wondered what happened to you. Thought you were pretty good. What parts of the industry made you want to leave?

Lack of privacy, too much focus on physical appearance, challenge of maintaining important relationships when you need to leave for a shoot for months at a time... Mostly, I didn’t feel that deep passion for acting that many of my friend’s seemed to feel.

Last question, I promise! You were an actor from 4 to 22. For the last year you've worked on your book and blog. So what were you doing from 22 until 34?

I wandered around crying and feeling lost. No. Actually, I did a bunch of things. I answered phones at a women's shelter, I taught at a literacy center, I worked as a radio DJ....but the big thing was that I got my GED and attended the University of Virginia. I graduated when I was 32.

Love UVA. And Virginia beats the hell out of Los Angeles. Did you major in Creative Writing?

Sociology. Wahoowa!

Did you experience any sexism while you were auditioning?

Not sexism specifically - but I was told several times that I was a good actor but I was just not pretty enough. There can be a pretty narrow definition of what women should be/look like.

Wishing you the best on finishing your first book. How is life after hollywood?

Thanks so much. Life after Hollywood is wonderful. :)

Hope I'm not too late to join in here! Was just in a long meeting. So Lisa, tell us... what is the nerdiest thing you've ever done in your life? (that you're willing to share!) Thx!

My entire life is pretty nerdy. I'm in bed with a book almost every night by 9:30. I'll pick a book over pretty much any social engagement.

Are you single? ;)

Married 8 years. But a married lady always likes to get a winky face, so thank you!

I had the biggest crush on you, when I saw you on Matinee. How was working with John Goodman??

How could you not have a crush on Sandra?? She was kickass. John was lovely.

Hi Lisa!

What would you say to actors from different countries who aren't living in the film making area? Would you say that a career as an actor is unstable and extremely hard?

There are a lot of difficult things about being an actor. It can also be really fun. It's just all about if the trade-offs are worth it for you. In the end, they were no longer worth it for me.

Do you ever see yourself doing another film?

No. I like not having to pluck my eyebrows.

Do you work out of passion for an organization or because you need money? I'm guessing you get residuals.

I'm not set for life, if that's what you are asking. I actually wrote in-depth about that here, if you are interested. http://lisajakub.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/money-part-2/

Why Virginia? I see you in the middle of the Appalachians on top of a mountain in a cabin writing by candle light. ^{andbeingverypretty}

Ha! Well, Virginia seemed very far away from LA, and my boyfriend (now husband) liked the business school here.

How were you treated on set? Were adult actors annoyed by you or was there camaraderie?

Mostly, there was a lot of camaraderie. Occasionally, there would be someone who was annoyed by having a kid around, and they made that obvious. But that was the exception.

Hey Lisa Jakub! As a huge fan of Mrs. Doubtfire and Independence Day it's amazing to get this opportunity even though it's 5 am here in Australia so I hope you get to my questions

• What was it like working with the cast and crew on Mrs. Doubtfire?

• Do you have any favourite memories on or off camera of any of your films?

• I've read that you're writing your first book about growing up in the film industry, How's that going?

• just for fun, Nicolas Cage, yay or nay?

Thank you again for giving us this opportunity, on behalf of this AMA I'd like to commend you on your talents and wish you luck on your current and future projects.

That's so nice of you - thanks for being up so early!!!

Doubtfire was a wonderful shoot. We were all very close - it felt like a family environment.

It's hard to pick a favorite...I was lucky to be able to travel a lot for my work, and I think that is what I am most grateful for. Being able to spend a couple months in Rome or Prague is pretty amazing.

The book is going well. My literary agent is shopping it around to publishers now. It's a very exciting process.

Thanks again and I hope you get a nap this afternoon!

Thank you for replying, it made waking up totally worth it :)

Oh, I missed one! Nicolas Cage - of course yay.

Unlimited tacos? or grilled cheeses?

Ohh. Tough. I'll have to say tacos because of the guacamole.

What is your funniest fart story?

I don't think I actually have one! I'm a vegetarian, I have excellent digestion. Sometimes my dog farts and wakes herself up. Does that count?

Hi Lisa, I follow your blog and facebook, and I always thought you seemed like a really sweet genuine person.

How did you feel about doing the partial nudity in Painted Angels?

Thank you so much. How did I feel about the partial nudity? Kind of cold.

Hello lisa, waw, ur life seems uncommun! What makes u think that acting wasn't for u? What the title of ur first book? What will it talk about? Who or what inspires u for writing? And finally r u happy in ur life now? Thanks xoxo

The book is about growing up in the film industry and making the decision to leave to try something new. It was really fun to write. And I tend to get inspired by everything around me. It's always wonderful to remember that it's about the little things in life. And yes, I'm very happy. :)