Robin Williams’ Co-Star Shares Moving Story for the First Time on 10th Anniversary of His Death

Robin Williams' Co-Star Shares Moving Story for the First Time on 10th Anniversary of His Death

As a dedicated admirer and fervent supporter of Robin Williams, I wholeheartedly believe that his legacy continues to shine brighter than ever before, ten years after his untimely departure from our world. The anecdotes shared by Sally Field and Mara Wilson serve as poignant reminders of the profound impact he had on those around him, both professionally and personally.


Over the past decade, we’ve sadly missed the incredible talent and humor of Robin Williams. To honor this milestone since his passing, Vanity Fair reached out to those who worked with him, such as friends, co-stars, and colleagues, asking them to reminisce about their experiences working alongside the legendary actor and comedian. This includes notable figures from the beloved 1993 film “Mrs. Doubtfire,” where Sally Field, who portrayed Miranda Hillard, Williams’ character’s ex-wife in the movie, shared a heartwarming story about how he extended exceptional kindness to her during a difficult period of her life.

As a lifelong cinephile who has seen countless productions and experienced the highs and lows that come with it, I can attest to the fact that no moment in my professional or personal life has ever compared to the day I received the phone call about my father’s passing. It was on a film set, outside of a courtroom where we were shooting a divorce scene, that the doctor informed me that my father had suffered a massive stroke and passed away. The news hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me feeling as if I were trapped in a scene from a movie – only this time, it wasn’t scripted, and there was no way to rewind or re-shoot the events that had unfolded.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share a touching anecdote about Robin Williams. During our encounter, he demonstrated his tender heart and profound empathy, going above and beyond to ensure my well-being. He made every effort to provide me with the space and time I required.

In an attempt to deliver my best performance, I stepped onto the set with all my energy. I wasn’t shedding tears, but Robin approached me, gently took me aside, and inquired, “Are you alright?” I replied, “Yes, what’s wrong?” He responded, “I’m not sure, I just thought I’d ask.” But I wasn’t okay. My father had just passed away. Robin exclaimed, “Oh my God, we need to get you out of here immediately.” And he made it happen – they continued shooting around me for the rest of the day. This allowed me to return home, contact my brother, and make necessary arrangements. A side of Robin that many people were unaware of was his sensitivity and intuition.

Apart from recounting a heartwarming anecdote that underscores Williams’ enduring popularity, Field additionally disclosed her experiences collaborating with the renowned improviser in Mrs. Doubtfire, attributing much of its success to his talent.

“During that time, my role was to react authentically to his actions, much like a real person would. I found that thrilling, unpredictable sensation quite enjoyable. The character of Mrs. Doubtfire wasn’t fully apparent on the script; it seemed to take on a life of its own largely due to him.”

Mrs. Doubtfire Star Mara Wilson Praises Robin Williams’ Deeply Caring Nature

Robin Williams' Co-Star Shares Moving Story for the First Time on 10th Anniversary of His DeathRobin Williams' Co-Star Shares Moving Story for the First Time on 10th Anniversary of His DeathRobin Williams' Co-Star Shares Moving Story for the First Time on 10th Anniversary of His DeathRobin Williams' Co-Star Shares Moving Story for the First Time on 10th Anniversary of His DeathRobin Williams' Co-Star Shares Moving Story for the First Time on 10th Anniversary of His Death

Actress Mara Wilson, known for her role as youngest child Natalie in Mrs. Doubtfire alongside Robin Williams, shared insights about their working relationship. She recalled that Williams was often quite reserved but also demonstrated a profoundly compassionate side through an incident she described.

“Often, folks are taken aback when I mention Robin’s quiet nature. One instance I recall is during a table reading of ‘What Dreams May Come’, not long after my mother had passed away. Despite the somber circumstances, Robin approached me with sensitivity, inquiring about my well-being and that of my family. He managed to avoid any potentially distressing topics, instead showing great kindness.”

Absolutely, Williams wasn’t just sweet, but he was also hilariously funny. Wilson recounted a tale about his ability to bond with children, and this knack proved especially effective when he lent his voice to the Genie in the beloved 1992 Disney film Aladdin.

“He would entertain us by having his hands engage in a playful, silly conversation: “I don’t care for you! You stink of waste!” “Well, there’s no toilet paper at my place!” This was hysterical to a five-year-old. Reminds me of the scene in ‘Friend Like Me’ from Aladdin where the Genie’s hands do some rhythmic singing and scatting. I believe it was inspired by him; his talking hands looked and sounded just like the ones he used to amuse me. He certainly knew how to appeal to children.”

On August 11, 2014, it was tragically confirmed that Robin Williams had departed this world. His remarkable acting skills have left an indelible mark on Hollywood, and his absence continues to be keenly felt by friends, co-workers, and admirers from every corner of the globe.

Read More

2024-08-08 18:01