Bette Midler presents Robin Williams with the first ever Special Achievement award for his role as the Genie in “Alladin”. He gives an hilarious acceptance speech mimicking Mother Theresa among other people.
Bette Midler presents Robin Williams with the first ever Special Achievement award for his role as the Genie in “Alladin”. He gives an hilarious acceptance speech mimicking Mother Theresa among other people.
Quick little story–I knew Robin was a huge fan of Bette’s from early on. I remember going to see Bette perform at the Berkeley Community Theater in the 80’s, and low and behold, Robin Williams was seated about 10-12 rows back from the stage, with his wife. I was with a couple friends, and one of them, Richie, who had a bit more nerve than the rest of us, decided to stumble and cut across the row of seated patrons to say hello to Robin and shake his hand. Robin was very gracious, didn’t seem perturbed at all by the attention received, and said he was very much looking forward to Bette’s performance. I was aghast at what I thought the reaction might be, with this rather awkward meet and greet, but Robin was a true gentleman, and seemed genuinely interested in his fan base.
Johnny Carson was wise to know that the best two celebrities he could have on his last guest-list show would be Bette and Robin.
I’ve always put Robin’s quick-fire wit and comic sensibility in the genius category. He will be greatly missed. His passing is a sad day for all of us who like to forget about our troubles with a little laughter.
Thanks for sharing that story. I loved it….xx
It’s sad that Williams couldn’t use all that comedic outputting and humor to see his own situation in a funnier light. Humor can be a lifeline. I think when one kills himself, one doesn’t have any humor and is in a miserable condition. Terrible that Robin didn’t ask for help to his wife in the room beside him. He made so many feel better and couldn’t do the same for himself. The way he chose to die, hanging with a belt… So tragic and painful. Almost a punishment. Overdose of medicines or some painless poison would have been more humane.
Yes it’s just sad all around