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Entertainment • Actor

Lisa Jakub

Lisa Jakub is a Canadian writer, yoga teacher, and former child actress.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lisa Jakub is a Canadian writer, yoga teacher, and former child actress. She is best known for playing Lydia Hillard in *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993) and Alicia Casse in *Independence Day* (1996). Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on December 27, 1978, she began acting as a child and appeared in more than 40 film and television projects before retiring from acting in 2000.

Early life and acting career

Lisa Jakub was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on December 27, 1978. She began acting as a child and appeared in film and television roles through the 1980s and 1990s, becoming widely known for *Mrs. Doubtfire* and later *Independence Day*.

Transition away from acting

Jakub retired from acting in 2000 after about 18 years in the industry. Later accounts describe her choosing to pursue a more personally meaningful path outside Hollywood.

Writing and wellness work

After leaving acting, Jakub became a writer, yoga teacher, and public speaker focused on mental wellness. She has also founded or led mindfulness-related initiatives and written books about her experiences, including *You Look Like That Girl* and *Not Just Me*.

Personal life

Public sources identify Jakub as married to Jeremy Jones. She has also described living and working in the United States after leaving acting.

Key facts

  • Lisa Jakub is a Canadian writer, yoga teacher, and former child actress.
  • She is best known for playing Lydia Hillard in *Mrs. Doubtfire* and Alicia Casse in *Independence Day*.
  • Jakub retired from acting in 2000 after appearing in more than 40 film and television projects.
  • She later worked as a writer, yoga teacher, and mental wellness advocate.
  • She has written books including *You Look Like That Girl* and *Not Just Me*.
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Canadian context

She was born in Toronto, Ontario, making her part of Canada’s film and television talent history, and she remains a Canadian-born public figure known internationally.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Lisa Jakub?
Lisa Jakub is a Canadian writer, yoga teacher, and former child actress best known for *Mrs. Doubtfire* and *Independence Day*.
Where was Lisa Jakub born?
She was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What is Lisa Jakub known for?
She is best known for playing Lydia Hillard in *Mrs. Doubtfire* and Alicia Casse in *Independence Day*.
Is Lisa Jakub still acting?
No. Public sources describe her as a retired actor, with her last acting work dated around 2000.
What does Lisa Jakub do now?
She works as a writer, yoga teacher, author, and mental wellness advocate.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Jakub
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, occupations, and major acting roles.
  2. Lisa Jakub — https://hellolisajakub.com/about
    Supports: Current work as writer, teacher, speaker, wellness advocate, and founder of mindfulness-related initiatives.
  3. Omega Institute — https://www.eomega.org/workshops/teachers/lisa-jakub
    Supports: Retired actor status, active years, books, and wellness-focused work.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004356/
    Supports: Birthplace, occupations, known-for credits, and marital status.