'I'm Not Just an Actor Who Swears': Hwang Jung-min Transforms into a Nanny for 'Mrs. Doubtfire'

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"I'm not just an actor who is good at swearing. I know how to be funny, too." (Hwang Jung-min)

Actor Hwang Jung-min is returning to the musical stage. He has shed his charismatic on-screen persona to take on a dual role as a childish father and a kind-hearted nanny, promising to deliver both laughter and emotion.

"I have to instantly change everything—my voice, actions, and overall presence," Hwang said, raising expectations. "I'll be taking on the responsibility for the comedy during that transformation."

Returning to the Stage for a Heartwarming Story

The production team of Mrs. Doubtfire held a press conference on September 2nd at Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall in Seoul. Attendees included Hwang Jung-min, Jung Sung-hwa, Jung Sang-hoon, Lina, Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Da-hyun, Kim Tae-hee, and Seol Ga-eun.

Based on the film of the same name starring Robin Williams, the musical tells the story of a divorced family that grows closer through the figure of Mrs. Doubtfire. Hwang Jung-min plays both Daniel, a childish but loving father, and Mrs. Doubtfire, the nanny he disguises himself as to be near his children after his divorce from his wife, Miranda.

This marks Hwang Jung-min's return to musicals after nearly a decade. He explained his decision to join the cast, saying, "I chose this project because its theme of family love is a story the whole family can relate to." He also revealed that he was captivated by the character after seeing Jung Sung-hwa's performance in a previous season. "I thought both Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire were charming and wonderful roles," he recalled.

The Challenge of Triple-Casting

Hwang Jung-min is joined by Jung Sung-hwa and Jung Sang-hoon, who are also triple-cast in the same role. All three actors agreed that the role is exceptionally difficult, as it requires them to move constantly and quickly without time to even go to their dressing rooms or restrooms, all while delivering a seamless comedic performance.

Hwang candidly confessed, "I've done a lot of intense roles in movies, so at first, I felt like I had lost my touch for comedic acting." He worked hard to get his groove back by watching the other actors' performances. "Jung Sung-hwa, in particular, was a great guide for me. He helped me a lot during our rehearsals," Hwang said gratefully.

Hwang Jung-min pointed to the comedic thrill of the character's double life as a key viewing point. "There's a fun scene where Daniel is at risk of being discovered. His face is his father's, but his voice turns into his grandmother's," he teased.

"The stage is a place where I, as an actor, can breathe," Hwang said as he expressed his dedication to the project. "I'm practicing hard enough to earn the audience's applause." He also highlighted the appeal of the triple-casting, adding, "I myself want to watch Jung Sung-hwa and Jung Sang-hoon's performances from the audience. The energy on stage will be even greater than during practice, so please look forward to it."

The cast also includes Park Hye-na and Lina as Miranda, Kim Tae-hee and Seol Ga-eun as the eldest daughter Lydia, and Lee Ji-hoon and Kim Da-hyun as Daniel's rival, Stuart.

The musical is set to open on September 27th at the Charlotte Theater.