Overview
Freelance voice actor Daniel Hillard resides in San Francisco and is a dedicated father to three children: Lydia, 14, Chris, 12, and Natalie, 5. His work-driven wife, Miranda, perceives him as immature and unreliable. After resigning from his job over a contentious script, Daniel organizes a chaotic birthday celebration for Chris despite Miranda's concerns about his academic performance. During the argument that follows, Miranda expresses her desire for a divorce. As Daniel faces unemployment and homelessness, Miranda is awarded sole custody of the children, permitting Daniel to visit them every Saturday, with the possibility of shared custody contingent on his securing stable employment and housing within three months.
Eventually, Daniel finds an apartment and gains employment as a shipping clerk at a television station. Upon discovering that Miranda is looking for a housekeeper, he discreetly modifies her classified ad and uses his voice acting talents to impersonate various unsuitable candidates before presenting himself as "Euphegenia Doubtfire," an elderly British nanny with impressive qualifications. Captivated by his persona, Miranda arranges an interview with Mrs. Doubtfire. With the help of his brother Frank, a makeup artist, and Frank's partner Jack, Daniel transforms into this character using makeup and prosthetics.
Miranda decides to hire Mrs. Doubtfire after a fruitful interview. Initially, the children find it challenging to adjust to her authority, but they gradually warm up and flourish under her care, leading to a more relaxed dynamic between Miranda and her kids. Meanwhile, Daniel matures as well, learning essential household skills and earning Miranda's respect. Nonetheless, she places her trust in Mrs. Doubtfire rather than Daniel and struggles to let go of the nanny. Additionally, Miranda begins dating an old acquaintance, Stu, much to Daniel's dismay. One evening, Chris catches Mrs. Doubtfire in an awkward situation and urges Lydia to call the police. Alarmed, Daniel admits the truth; Lydia and Chris choose to keep his secret to maintain their time with him.
One day, the CEO of the station, Jonathan Lundy, witnesses Daniel entertaining on the set of a recently canceled children's program. Impressed by his creativity and voice work, Lundy invites him to dinner to discuss a new show. Coincidentally, the dinner aligns with a birthday celebration for Miranda, where Mrs. Doubtfire is also invited.