Lisa Jakub

Biography

Lisa Jakub, born on December 27, 1978, in Toronto, Ontario, is a Canadian author, yoga instructor, and former actress. She gained fame for her memorable performances as Lydia Hillard in the beloved comedy-drama "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) and Alicia Casse in the blockbuster "Independence Day" (1996).

Jakub's early life was marked by her diverse heritage, with a Slovak father and a mother of Welsh and Scottish descent. She attended various schools, including Hillfield Strathallan College, before graduating from the University of Virginia with a sociology degree in 2010.

Beginning her acting career at a young age, Jakub's debut was in the film "Eleni" (1985). Her role in "Mrs. Doubtfire" saw her expelled from high school due to excessive absences, prompting Robin Williams to write a letter to the school on her behalf, though it was ultimately unsuccessful. She enjoyed a successful acting stint through the late '90s, appearing in films like "Matinee" (1993) and "Painted Angels" (1997) before retiring from acting at 22.

Post-retirement, Jakub redirected her passion toward writing, publishing two non-fiction books: "You Look Like That Girl" (2015) and "Not Just Me" (2017). As a certified Kripalu yoga teacher, she openly shares her journey with mental health, highlighting her struggles with anxiety and depression. In 2021, she launched BlueMala, a wellness website where she offers articles and resources to aid others in similar situations.