• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • ABROAD
    • Destinations
    • Itineraries
    • City Guides
    • Resources
  • AT HOME
    • San Francisco
    • Freelance Life
  • CONTACT
  • SHOP
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Part-Time Traveler

Find your balance of travel and home. (A San Francisco based blog)

Home » At Home » San Francisco » Remembering Robin Williams at the Mrs. Doubtfire House

Remembering Robin Williams at the Mrs. Doubtfire House

August 13, 2014 At Home, San Francisco

Where to find the Mrs. Doubtfire house in San Francisco, and how I stumbled upon it randomly (and in a timely fashion!)

But first —

What is the Mrs. Doubtfire House address in San Francisco?

Answer: 2640 Steiner Street

(just like she says in the film!)

Mrs. Doubtfire House

That’s the thing about part-time travel: we strive to look at the world with the same eyes we do when we’re traveling — and sometimes this means making time to wander your own city.

I’ve begun setting aside time in my day for nothing but wandering.  Walking outdoors is almost always where my best ideas come from (and bonus: I love walking around appreciating San Francisco and sometimes, even taking pictures as I do so.)

Today was like any other day — I walked the twenty or so minutes to my yoga class midday.  Except that the world lost a beautiful soul this week, and in a particularly tragic way.  People’s response was overwhelming.

Now, I have mixed emotions about grieving for a person you’ve never actually met.  I have my own opinions about our celebrity-obsessed culture. But as I walked home today and heard the rustling of a crowd nearby, I followed my curiosity straight to a group of strangers mourning the loss of an icon — and I’m so glad I did.

Mrs Doubtfire House
Flowers for Robin Williams outside the Mrs Doubtfire House

The Mrs. Doubtfire house address is 2640 Steiner Street, San Francisco

I visited San Francisco as a kid, but I’m pretty sure my biggest impression of the city I would come to love so much comes from Mrs. Doubtfire  (a movie I still adore and watch, as recently as last year.)

I distinctly remember Sally Field’s character telling “Mrs. Doubtfire” the street address of the house for the interview, “2640 Steiner St.”  Turns out that’s the actual address in the city for the house that was used in the movie!

At first I was skeptical, and mostly glad that the home didn’t belong to the family of Robin Williams. Yet approaching the steps where San Franciscans have laid flowers, notes, and photos from his films, the cynic in me was quickly put to rest.

People had written meaningful tributes to the actor, from “O Captain, My Captain” (a nod to Dead Poet’s Society) to “Thank you for always standing up for equality and making us laugh,” to “You made me feel like it was okay to feel like I was on the wrong planet.”

Having spent part of his childhood in the Bay Area, and filming several movies in the city — not to mention his obvious affection for SF — Robin Williams became a sort of San Francisco icon.  That’s something I knew even before I moved here.

He once said “I can walk down the streets of San Francisco, and here I’m normal.”  

This simple statement gives so much profound meaning to the heart of my own relationship to SF.

So as my Facebook and Twitter feeds blew up with individual mourning, as the media made its own statements about his life and his career… it was special to me to find a community outpouring of support and personal remembrance for Robin Williams — right in my own backyard.

Mrs. Doubtfire House

 

Side note: I was featured on the CBS local news coverage of this memorial.  There’s an interesting story of the man who lives in the house now (there is a small connection to the film.)  I have one quick thing to say in my interview.  Watch the clip. (I’m at about 1:05)

Mrs Doubtfire House

Local news anchor Mike Sugerman getting footage of the impromptu memorial.

My run-in with the tribute to Robin Williams left me, like many of us, reflecting on some of his most meaningful work.  Here are a few of the quotes from the characters in his films that I find particularly poignant:

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change this world.” –Dead Poets Society

“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” – Dead Poets Society

“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” – Dead Poets Society

“You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.” – Patch Adams

“Thank you for believing.” – Hook

“Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself. I doubt you’ve ever dared to love anything that much.” – Good Will Hunting

“Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Don’t be resigned to that. Break out!” – Dead Poets Society

“You’ll have bad times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.” – Good Will Hunting

 “If there’s love, dear… those are the ties that bind, and you’ll have a family in your heart, forever.” – Mrs. Doubtfire

“But oh, to be free. Such a thing would be greater than all the magic and all the treasures in all the world.” – Aladdin

“That you are here – that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.  What will your verse be?”-  Dead Poets Society

I’ve been guilty lately of scheduling my days to a ‘T’…calls with clients, classes, coffee meetings, even penciling in my walks around the city. You never know where that may take you.  It’s important to leave space in your day for randomness, humor, and wandering. 

Something tells me Robin would approve.

Leave a Comment

SHARE
« 30 Life Lessons I Learned From Travel (And How They’re Making Me Happier At Home)
Exploring Oakland’s Chinatown »

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • adventuring in konaTop Things To Do in Kona – Big Island of Hawaii
  • Verjus San Francisco wine barSan Francisco Cheap Eats
  • Clear lake in Whitefish, MontanaA Long Weekend in Whitefish, Montana
  • My San Francisco Food List

Want to travel more while still keeping a home base?

Sign up for exclusive content:

 

Winner of Gold and Silver 2019 Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing.

About Anne

Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer based in San Francisco.

After spending a year in the world, she insisted on building a life at home she loved as much as she loves travel. The result was a move to SF, which she affectionately calls her “soul city.” She believes in the balance of and connection between time spent at home and abroad.

Comments

  1. Jenny | A Thing For Wor(l)ds says

    August 13, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    So sweet. Such a sad loss. I really loved this nod to him, especially the quotes you’ve included.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      August 13, 2014 at 1:35 pm

      Yes, I finally caved and joined the public mourning once I came across this and realized how much he touched people’s lives! And you know me, quotes have to be a part of anything honoring someone! His characters were all so incredible, and he was so good at playing them.

      Reply
  2. Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) says

    August 14, 2014 at 10:47 am

    I have the feeling that my thoughts about mourning the loss of someone you’ve never met and our celebrity-obsessed culture are the same as yours. But Robin Williams is one of those celebrities that so many of us can identify with. If only we talked more regularly about mental illness instead of reality TV, such tragedies might be prevented.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      August 14, 2014 at 10:58 am

      Hey Francesca, I’m glad someone shared my initial skepticism. I couldn’t agree more about the weight of worthy conversations in lieu of empty entertainment. Robin Williams was unique in that he was able to not only make us laugh until we cry, but also had the range and depth to move us to heartfelt tears.
      Unfortunately I feel that it’s about whatever is easiest for people to consume, and that’s why I’m glad something like this enables a more meaningful public conversation. We can only hope it’s a continued dialogue, and not just a “hot topic of the moment.”

      Reply
  3. Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says

    August 15, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    Love this tribute to Robin. I remember growing up watching so many of his movies: Jumanji, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, etc.. etc.
    Love this quote: “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” – Dead Poets Society ; rings true to how I live my travel note.
    SN: You’re famous!!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      August 17, 2014 at 8:36 pm

      Love your comment, Chanel and it’s awesome hearing which quote resonates with you and how it pertains to travel. I think the reason so many of us were hit hard by his death in particular was for the reason you stated: we grew up with him. Some really great lines, some really great lessons, and some really imaginative, formative films for us as kids.

      Reply
  4. Nick (Nick's Travel Bug) says

    August 16, 2014 at 10:57 am

    That’s a great tribute to a comedic genius. Such a sad loss. Mrs. Doubtfire was one of favorite movies growing up and I’ve probably seen it at least 30-40 times.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      August 17, 2014 at 8:37 pm

      Haha I’ve probably seen in 15-20 times, but it definitely has always been one of my favorites. It IS a sad loss.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. A Year of Good Food - Part Time Traveler says:
    January 13, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    […] I Don’t Travel Full-Time My Path to Freelance Writing The Gift of Travel Remembering Robin Williams at the Mrs. Doubtfire House On Living With Less: Travel and Simplicity 25 Things I Learned From Yoga and […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I’m Anne! I spend part of my time traveling the world and the other part living in my soul city, San Francisco.

I have a love for all things travel. I also have a love for nesting. I do NOT believe the two have to be mutually exclusive. If you seek that balance…you’ve come to the right place.

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Where Am I?

My last trip was three glorious weeks in Japan (with a short stop in Hong Kong) in January.

I’m currently at home in San Francisco, doubling down on nesting and wearing my mask ♡

POPULAR POSTS

30 Life Lessons I Learned From Travel (And How They’re Making Me Happier At Home)

Nan: The Quieter Version of Thailand

san francisco restaurants

The Side of San Francisco Most Tourists Don’t See

“If travel is like love, it is mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.” – Pico Iyer

Plan a Trip

PLAN A TRIP

 

I’ve got…

PLAN A TRIP

  • One Day
  • One Week
  • Two+ Weeks

JOIN THE LIST

Find your balance between home and travel.

I feel elated. The stress is lifting, the weight i I feel elated. The stress is lifting, the weight in my chest is lessening. Is this what joy feels like? 🙌🏻

I won’t hold back any of my joy because I believe, I KNOW, that even the people who voted for Trump in this election will be better off with Biden as president.

And to top it off, today is a historic day for America — our first female Vice President, an intelligent and strong woman who is Black and Indian-American. Our girl from the Bay. YES KAMALA YES!!! I’m thrilled for Joe as well, a good man who has devoted himself to public service, bipartisanship, and to being an empathetic and kind leader.

I invite you to join me in celebrating this historic day!!!! So many of us can now breathe easier, and take the next steps toward healing this deeply wounded and divided country.

A win for democracy is a win for us all. That alone is worth breaking out the champagne for 🥂🇺🇸
Woke up to a huge wakeup call that I wish everyone Woke up to a huge wakeup call that I wish everyone in America could experience. It’s now past noon in San Francisco and it feels like the middle of the night. This picture is unedited, but the camera picked up more light than is present. It’s still so dark in my house that I can’t get around without the lights on.

We’ve gotten used to seeing and breathing smoke, but I never considered that there would be so much it could block out the sun almost entirely.

Understand that for us this comes after months of highly unusual weather patterns, including lightning storms and heat waves. The climate emergency is more urgent and dire than any of us realize.

I feel strongly that this is a preview of the future of this planet without serious and immediate change.
We need ACTION on #ClimateChange NOW.

PLEASE look into sustainable practices for your home and VOTE like your life and future generations depend on it. Don’t wait until seas rise or smoke blocks out the sun where you are.
—
#sanfrancisco #californiafires #climateactionnow #climatecrisis
Listening. Not just today, but every day moving fo Listening.
Not just today, but every day moving forward. That is the only way this  becomes lasting change.

BLACK LIVES MATTER.

#blackouttuesday

Edited to include: do NOT use the hashtag blacklivesmatter on your posts unless they pertain to the BLM movement itself. Please do not scroll past these squares without also watching IG stories of Black voices. I have shared some in mine if you need a place to start. ❤️
Happy Earth Day 🌎💚 More grateful than ever f Happy Earth Day 🌎💚
More grateful than ever for this beautiful planet of ours. May we never take nature (and being outside!) for granted.
—
#parttimetraveler #earthday2020 #missingtravel
Popping in to say hi 👋🏻 it’s a strange tim Popping in to say hi 👋🏻 it’s a strange time to be thinking about or advocating for travel. I’ll admit I’ve been more focused on things like the election and the effects of climate change and the coronavirus as of late. I don’t currently have any travel plans (!) but my heart goes out to everyone who has to cancel or reconsider upcoming trips. Gentle reminder that everyone has different considerations for why they do or do not travel, and when.
Here’s a soothing photo from beautiful Sicilia. 💛
—
#parttimetraveler #sicilialove #sicilytravel #smallmomentsofcalm #placesilove
Do you prefer spending time in cities or the count Do you prefer spending time in cities or the countryside when exploring a country? For me this is an extra tough call in Japan. Hard not to see (very different) beauty in both 💛
—
#parttimetraveler #hakata #fukuoka #cityscapes #reflectionphotography
Always love a Japanese garden 🌿 This one was es Always love a Japanese garden 🌿 This one was especially lovely, even in winter.
—
#parttimetraveler #japanesegarden #kanazawa #japan2020
If I have one tip for visiting Kyoto, it’s to ma If I have one tip for visiting Kyoto, it’s to make sure to stay in the city itself. Wander at times and into places overlooked by most.
It is tempting to stay in very nearby Osaka (which is a lot of fun, and can be cheaper) and/or stick to the well-defined tourist trail — but I’ve found that the off-peak hours offer the best experiences there. Unlike in most cities, for me it’s the quiet moments and peaceful respites that bring Kyoto to life.
—
#parttimetraveler #kyototravel #smallmomentsofcalm #japan2020
Japan’s art and museums are consistently some of Japan’s art and museums are consistently some of my favorites in the world. They even have an “art island” (Naoshima!)
Even if art isn’t at the top of your list while traveling, I highly suggest checking some out while in Japan. Anyone have a favorite there to share?
—
#parttimetraveler #japaneseart #museumsoftheworld #japan2020
LET\'S CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

© 2020 PART-TIME TRAVELER         Privacy Policy + Terms of Use          Subscribe

THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS