Hello reddit. Welcome! Nice to be here.

I am ready now for your questions. First time caller? Yes or no.

What are you wearing?

No, but seriously, I am excited to be here and exploring this medium (Victoria from reddit is helping me too). I feel like somewhat like an Amish tech rep. You guys know me and grew up with me... from Mork & Mindy to Dead Poets Society to World's Greatest Dad to Aladdin, Happy Feet, Mrs. Doubtfire, Goodwill Hunting, One Hour Photo (for those that want to be creeped out), The Fisher King...My latest project is called The Crazy Ones (http://www.cbs.com/shows/the-crazy-ones) and it airs tomorrow at 9 PM eastern on CBS.

Ask me anything. Our lines are open.

proof part one

proof part dos

Edit: Thank you for an INCREDIBLE session. This was really a lot of fun. And saved me a lot of therapy time. I hope to come back.

Comments: 9577 • Responses: 80  • Date: 

RobinWilliamsHere3794 karma

UPDATE: I am taking a bathroom break!

RobinWilliamsHere3646 karma

UPDATE: I am back!

hostelo3648 karma

Mr Williams

Just wanted to say, forget what all the haters said. HOOK was fucking awesome.

That is all.

RobinWilliamsHere3665 karma

Thank you. LOST BOYS RULE!

rememberzack2612 karma

Who is your favorite celebrity to impersonate?

What celebrity does an impersonation of you that you enjoy?

RobinWilliamsHere3637 karma

Oh my god, Jack Nicholson. He once was with me at a benefit and leaned over and said "even oysters have enemies." In a very intense voice. I responded with "Increase your dosage."

Dana Carvey does my personal favorite impression of myself. It's accurate. And kind.

Kakoose2253 karma

On a scale of 1-10, how scared are you when you're around Nicholson?

RobinWilliamsHere3579 karma

It's more fascinated than scared. He says things that even Buddha goes "...what did that mean?"

Deto152532 karma

Self-proclaimed number one fan of Robin Williams' glorious beard here! :)

Two questions for you Mr. Williams,

  • In what kind of comedies do you prefer to star in, the ones that are directed to audience of all ages (like Jumanji or Mrs. Doubtfire), or those with darker and more mature type of humor (at the example, like in World's Greatest Dad)?

  • I heard you're a fan of Neon Genesis Evangelion! Are there any other anime series that you enjoy?

RobinWilliamsHere3527 karma

For question one: If I could be greedy I would say both! To explore all aspects of comedy is part of the job.

For question two: Oh god, Ghost in the Shell. Akira. Blood: The Last Vampire. But mostly Ghost in the Shell.

Euchre1264 karma

GitS, awesome - but for a guy who loves family, why not Fullmetal Alchemist?

RobinWilliamsHere3267 karma

I think I have a copy but I've never seen it!

But I love Cowboy Bebop!

zerorunner625 karma

Hi I want to say thank you for your awsome movies and second i want to ask you this:

How did you start watching anime if you would be willing to be Gendou Ikari if someone ever makes an Evangelion live accion movie? (Sorry for my bad english xd)

RobinWilliamsHere1540 karma

No, if they ever make Ghost In the Shell I forget the name of the old man character but that would be a wonderful part to play.

How I got started? There was a shop in San Francisco that sold laserdisks - that's how far back it goes - and then later on I found a wonderful bookstore in San Francisco called Green Apple that would sell DVDS of Anime shows.

GoltMcGoy2386 karma

Hey Robin, I sent you a Legend of Zelda themed wedding invite. You did not RSVP and the chair was left empty at my wedding. I feel betrayed. Thoughts?

RobinWilliamsHere2755 karma

Did you not get the Mork doll??!?

FUGGAWAGGA1821 karma

No, but I got the Popeye doll.

RobinWilliamsHere2398 karma

God bless you! Touche.

NormalStranger2370 karma

Mr. Williams - you asked us what we are wearing. I'm wearing a seductive A&W T-shirt with blue jeans. Drizzled with sexy coffee I accidentally spilled.

My question - what are YOU wearing?

RobinWilliamsHere3426 karma

My god! I have on nothing but Google Glass! And I'm downloading as we speak.

loveyouinblue2356 karma

Robin Williams: A True Friend

http://imgur.com/gallery/cIBWG

RobinWilliamsHere2625 karma

He was an amazing friend. It started at Juillard. Went through to him being the godfather of my son Zachary and even till the end.

ColieC2346 karma

Robin, was it hard not to laugh at Hank Azaria during the making of "The Birdcage"?

RobinWilliamsHere3064 karma

OH, it was really hard. His voice, that character, Agador Spartacus. It wasn't just me that had a hard time. Mike Nichols would laugh so hard they would have to put a blanket over his head. The other guy who was so funny was Gene Hackman. His speech about the leaves in New England was one of the funniest, driest pieces of comedy I'd ever seen.

DiegoVonCosmo2304 karma

According to IMDb, you would frequently call Steven Spielberg during the filming of Schindler's List to cheer him up. How did this arrangement begin? What was a typical conversation like?

RobinWilliamsHere3371 karma

I think I only called him once, maybe twice. I called him when I was representing People for the Valdheimers Association. A society devoted to helping raise money to help older Germans who had forgotten everything before 1945. I remember him laughing and going "thank you."

Sumborone2287 karma

Will you appear again on Whose Line? Because when I first saw you there, my mind was blown, one of my favorite comedians on my favorite tv show.

RobinWilliamsHere2748 karma

There's another show (it's like a version of Whose Line?) called Set List. It's on Nerdist, you should check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6ZrNS_HwOQ

RudeIntent2251 karma

Robin, your movie Good Morning Vietnam inspired me to become a broadcaster. Now I am stationed on the island of Crete, your character Adrian Cronauer's original duty station.

Any advice you would give to my fellow radio hosts and myself?

http://i.imgur.com/on1ubWj.jpg http://i.imgur.com/eet47b7.jpg

RobinWilliamsHere2132 karma

Enjoy the time! If your intent is to pursue this once you get out of the service, see if you keep going once you get out. And know that you mean something.

MakeMeASteak2208 karma

If you were trapped inside Jumanji again and could only bring three items with you which three items would you bring?

RobinWilliamsHere2551 karma

A machete. Flamethrower! And a nightlight (oh, that's right, I was ten, so maybe I should lose the flamethrower and exchange that for a Ronson lighter).

joeshadowman2025 karma

Why didn't you continue with this line of work?

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb2vf8GMjO1qasthro1_1280.jpg

RobinWilliamsHere2304 karma

Thank you for making that transition. When I did that show dressed as cheerleader in the Denver Bronco mile high stadium, I realized that the end of our TV show was in sight.

TheOneBadArtist1832 karma

Mr. Williams, I have two questions.

first: Is it true that celebrities receive power from fans the same way that Greek gods did? i.e. are you Zeus?

second: What was the craziest/funniest encounter you've had with a fan?

RobinWilliamsHere3074 karma

I've just grown one inch because of this comment! BLESS YOU! I'm opening a door with my eyes right now!

(no but it's not true, I'm not an emotional vampire, but I have to say that laughter does give you a brief neuron pump that helps. Or a nice serotonin fix).

A woman in the Dallas airport came up to me and literally said "Be zany."

Like she had walked up to Baryshnikov and said "dance."

I didn't know how to respond. I just went "thank you! And Lincoln freed everyone."

TheOneBadArtist1361 karma

p.s. If its true that you really named your daughter Zelda from the game series you are a pretty cool guy.

RobinWilliamsHere2502 karma

It wasn't actually me, it was my son Zachary who came up with the idea. But once Marsha and I heard it, we said it was great.

xdxaxvxox1770 karma

Hello Mr. Williams, I just wanted to say congratulations on being a recovered alcoholic. You keep strong my man. I wanted to ask, would you change how things turned out with your alcoholism? Or did your experiences from that shape how you are now?

RobinWilliamsHere2480 karma

They definitely shaped how I am now. They really made me deeply appreciate human contact. And the value of friends and family, how precious that is.

Beznay1713 karma

Hello Mr. Williams! I wanted to say that you are definitely one of my favorite actors! I really enjoyed Patch Adams, you were really good.

Anyways, for my question I'll ask: What is your favorite book/book series?

EDIT: Rest in peace my man, you really were an inspiration.

RobinWilliamsHere3187 karma

Oh my god, Isaac Asimov's Foundation trilogy. It's one of the greatest books of all time, and the greatest character is The Mule.

euxneks1790 karma

Holy shit. I really hope you can pull some strings to make this a TV series of some kind. Imagine Robin Williams as Hari Seldon.

edit: Rest in Peace Mr Williams. :( O Captain my captain...

RobinWilliamsHere2498 karma

Oh my god, that's a great reference! Thank you for that shoutout. He is one of the great characters of science fiction.

hashtaggd1498 karma

Is there a dialect/accent that's the most challenging for you to do? Are there any you've just never been able to do?

RobinWilliamsHere2455 karma

Yes. The Irish accent transitions into two or three others. It slips into Welsh, Scottish, and then it just starts to break down.

swatmp51488 karma

Me and my sister watch Mrs. Doubtfire almost on a regular basis. ("I AM JOB.") Anyway, is there a funny/fond story you could share about working on the set of that movie?

RobinWilliamsHere2879 karma

Yes. One time in makeup as Mrs. Doubtfire, I walked into a sex shop in San Francisco and tried to buy a double-headed dildo. Just because. Why not? And the guy was about to sell it to me until he realized it was me - Robin Williams - not an older Scottish woman coming in to look for a very large dildo and a jar of lube. He just laughed and said "what are you doing here" and I left. Did I make the purchase? No. * Did I walk away with a really good story? *Yes.

mikerob211437 karma

My favorite movie of yours would probably have to be One Hour Photo. What was it like playing that role, especially the brutal bloody eye scene?

RobinWilliamsHere2117 karma

That was so surreal because it was a bit like a bad drug flashback. And the joy about doing that movie was creating a character that lived vicariously through other people's lives. And now we have networks that do that.

digital978 karma

Now we have networks that develop photos that never disappear, ever.

RobinWilliamsHere1675 karma

Right! I mean, if One Hour Photo took place now, he would almost be overwhelmed by the content. The change in 10 years is phenomenal.

Kakoose684 karma

Speaking of development of technology, how's the cow valve holding up?

RobinWilliamsHere1942 karma

That cow valve is holding up really well! I graze in the afternoons.

bonesoup1329 karma

What is something you've gotten into and gotten excited about lately?

RobinWilliamsHere2559 karma

My wife's art. To realizing that painting is a full-contact art form. She came out of her art studio all day and I thought she had been attacked because she was covered in red, but it was just paint, and she had this great stunned expression, almost post-orgasmic. The painting was exquisite, a very dramatic landscape. And I realized that she had the same type of emotional response as I do when I perform.

Pt5PastLight1328 karma

Mr. Williams the Warhammer forums have a bunch of stories about you sharing our love of table top wargamming (toy soldiers with rules.) Any truth? I'd love to hear you're a fellow game geek.

RobinWilliamsHere2161 karma

I have several Warhammer armies. But I have never actually played the game. Specifically, Warhammer 40K.

lawlshane1323 karma

Can you come to Canada so I can hug you? I love you for naming your daughter Zelda

RobinWilliamsHere3161 karma

I will be there as soon as I can! You have to give me a more specific location, you are a big country. You are the kindest country in the world. You are like a really nice apartment over a meth lab.

And thank you. My other son, Mario, sends his greetings.

thebearjew411450 karma

That analogy is an epiphany to me...

RobinWilliamsHere1556 karma

What does "epiphany" mean?

(kidding)

Aqpwod1267 karma

Oh captain, my captain!

(Can't you believe that movie is 25 years old now?)

I realize that you have done both drama and comedy films over the years. Which do you have a preference in?

Btw: I'd just like to say, despite the poor reviews received, I still think Patch Adams was one of your most heartwarming performances.

RobinWilliamsHere1292 karma

It's hard to pick, it's like saying pick your favorite child, I can't. I like doing both comedies and dramas, so it's very difficult to say which one I prefer. I've been very blessed to have had the chance to explore such a variety of characters. And thanks for the Patch Adams shout out! Anytime compassion can be contagious, it's a good thing.

FUGGAWAGGA858 karma

Fuck the haters, I loved Patch Adams.

RobinWilliamsHere1484 karma

God bless you! Take off the nose now.

TheSkylerMc1130 karma

Mr. Williams, I have to two things to share with you. The first is that your work especially in Aladdin will always be a source of inspiration to me and is one of the main reasons I want to be a voice actor/performer. The second is that when your episode of Inside the Actor's Studio first aired my brother, mother and I were outside in sideways rain boarding up the house for a hurricane while my father was in the hospital. I have always wanted to tell you how watching that show laughing until our cheeks and abs were sore was a gift. We continue to watch it almost as much as Aladdin. Thank you.

Do you have any advice for aspiring actors?!! PLEASE?

RobinWilliamsHere1454 karma

Just please make sure that you really love doing it. Because that will get you through the hard times. And the good times.

CassaSwack1108 karma

Hello! As to your question, I'm wearing a dress. I went all rebel with it and abandoned the idea of tights or pantyhose.

I wept like an emotionally disturbed infant when I watched "What Dreams May Come." What was the most valuable thing you learned about your acting from that movie/what criticism stuck with you the most afterwards?

Can't wait to catch your CBS show, looks hilarious. Cheers!

RobinWilliamsHere1677 karma

You go girl!

That every moment in life is precious? That the gifts of your relationships with others, don't miss it. That was one of the hardest movies I think I ever did in my whole career. Every day was literally hell, because of the nature of the subject matter, dealing with death and being in hell literally. When I watched the final movie, I felt it was extraordinarily beautiful but I felt disappointed by the ending. There was a different ending that they shot that I felt was much more true to the story. It was about reincarnation, basically, that they were going to meet again. The movie ended with two babies being born simultaneously, one in Bombay and one in the United States, and they held them up, and then the screen went to black. I don't know if it's anywhere.

Thank you so much.

aperturecake1076 karma

What is your favorite book? What were your favorite things to do as a child? And what still gives you a sense of wonder?

RobinWilliamsHere2598 karma

My children give me a great sense of wonder. Just to see them develop into these extraordinary human beings. And a favorite book as a child? Growing up, it was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - I would read the whole C.S. Lewis series out loud to my kids. I was once reading to Zelda, and she said "don't do any voices. Just read it as yourself." So I did, I just read it straight, and she said "that's better."

Euchre1619 karma

And now we know that Robin Williams really does do the voice thing pretty much all the time. Now I don't feel dumb for imagining him breaking into voices in his daily life.

RobinWilliamsHere1955 karma

Every once in a while, I'll do it! But it's not like Cybil.

Ganthamus_prime940 karma

I have nothing to say, just want to thank you for all the laughs.

Great work

RobinWilliamsHere971 karma

Oh thank you.

bour1992923 karma

Whould you play a game like Jumanji in real life? I really loved that movie!

RobinWilliamsHere1369 karma

Yes, I would I think. Because the idea of a survival adventure on that level, with more solving problems versus run and gun, it would exciting.

hulkrules22085915 karma

First off, I’ve been a fan of yours for years and I love you and for my question:

As a fellow gamer, what do you think is the best Legend of Zelda game of all time? I personally choose Ocarina of Time.

And if you have time for a second question, what kind of music and bands does Robin Williams like?

RobinWilliamsHere1949 karma

I agree, totally. Ocarina of Time is the best.

To be honest, I'm kind of challenged in terms of new music. I listen to a lot of Jazz, specifically Keith Jarrett piano solos. And for me, if you want just wonderful ballads and love songs, Tom Waits. I might also have to throw in Radiohead, but I can't quote specific lyrics. AND PRINCE! For those special nights.

FUGGAWAGGA593 karma

Have you played GTA:V yet? What do you think of it?

RobinWilliamsHere1681 karma

No! I haven't. I'm still waiting for the next Call of Duty. It's been very unusual for me because I've done trips overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan, and I would see guys who had just come back from patrol playing Call of Duty, and I would say "you're living this stuff! And yet you're still playing this game..."

Nosfermarki518 karma

God I hope I end up playing a call of duty match with you.

RobinWilliamsHere2112 karma

I don't usually play online, because getting my ass kicked by an 11 year old is very humbling!

Brett_Favre_4404 karma

For them I would imagine it is a bit more relaxing to experience the game than the real thing.

RobinWilliamsHere653 karma

I imagine so. And I think it's a little bit of a shoutout to home.

CelebornX792 karma

Hi Robin!

About 12 years ago or so, you donated to a charity called Happy Feet that my fiancee started as a child for other children who couldn't afford to buy shoes. I think she's a rockstar for all the work she did and thought it was great how you took some time out of your day to help support a kid's ambitious charity operation and gave her a phone call, too.

Thanks for being a cool dude! And thanks for all the laughs, of course!

RobinWilliamsHere749 karma

Aw thanks.

rgraves22770 karma

My favorite bit I have seen you do is the one on Golf... where did you get the inspiration for that piece? Do you play at all?

RobinWilliamsHere1516 karma

From a drunken Scottish friend. I think his idea was "What the fuck is that sport" and I just took it from there. I don't play. I was once at a driving range with my son, I hit 2 balls, and he said "Dad, that's enough."

uwpg2012740 karma

I love your work and Mrs. Doubtfire is one of my favourite movies.

Two questions:

What was it like working with Robert de Niro in "Awakenings"?

You were friends with Christopher Reeve. What is your best memory of him?

RobinWilliamsHere1625 karma

He is SO good, and such a method actor, that Oliver Sachs wanted to hook him up to an EEG to see if he actually duplicated the brainwaves of the actual patients. No joke.

Him being such a great friend to me at Juillard, literally feeding me because I don't think I literally had money for food or my student loan hadn't come in yet, and he would share his food with me. And then later after the accident, just seeing him beaming and just, seeing what he meant to so many people.

visindahouse731 karma

One more thing, what is the exact color shade of your eyes? Did you ever watch it really close in the mirror and found out?

RobinWilliamsHere1576 karma

I don't check my eyes out that often. Now you're creeping me out.

RobinWilliamsHere2194 karma

Wait, if I had to pick a color I would have to say Adriatic Sea Blue.

Atomisys667 karma

What was it like working with Jonathan Winters? I remember him being one of my father's favorite comedians and you were mine so we kind of bonded over Mork & Mindy in a slightly bizarre way.

RobinWilliamsHere1178 karma

It was a joy. I believe i said in the Academy Awards it was like dancing with Fred Astaire but it was even better than that, because being around him, he would perform for anybody. There was no audience too small. I think I once saw him do a cat for a beagle.

And I had the same experience watching the Tonight Show with my dad. Watching and laughing at Jonathan with my dad helped us become closer, very much so. My favorite Jonathan Winters one liner is "Have you ever undressed in front of a dog?"

asian_noodle_soup615 karma

Who was your favorite person to work with? Is there anyone you really want to work with?

Edit: "a night at the met" is the funniest stand up I've ever heard. Just wanted to say.

RobinWilliamsHere1319 karma

My favorite person to work with as a director was my friend Bobcat Goldthwait. My other favorite director would be Peter Weir. It's hard to pick a favorite actor because I've been so blessed to have worked with so many great ones.

People I'd love to work with in the future? Oh, let's see... I'd love to do a movie with Patton Oswalt. Just because I think he's such a gifted standup but also a really, really great actor.

Thank you! It was really fun to do. Performing on the Met Opera. Who knew that I could be on the same stage as Pavarotti? It's one of the signs of the apocalypse.

ownerofstuff600 karma

[deleted]

RobinWilliamsHere549 karma

Thank you so much!

morkandmindy599 karma

Hey--it's half of my namesake!

Which comedian inspired you the most when you were growing up? Was it Jonathan Winters? I'll bet it was Jonathan Winters.

RobinWilliamsHere1246 karma

Big time YES! It was Jonathan Winters!

And Peter Sellers. Dr. Strangelove was the greatest dark comedy ever made.

masteractor483 karma

Welcome to reddit Mr. Williams.

What was your fav role that you played, and what is your dream role you wish you had played?

RobinWilliamsHere1118 karma

I think playing Oliver Sachs in Awakenings was a gift because I got to meet him, and got to explore the human brain from the inside out. Because Oliver writes about human behavior subjectively and that for me was the beginning of a fascination with human behavior.

Dream role - the Fool in King Lear?

KabootleNietzsche448 karma

Got any college tips for a freshman?

RobinWilliamsHere1214 karma

Eat ramen, and also, don't wait until the day before the final to cram for the test (which is what I did for my economics final).

Afarian430 karma

Robin, When 'Aladdin' was made they made the Genie just for you, how did it feel that they didn't even think of any other actor to voice the greatest Genie in the world?

RobinWilliamsHere890 karma

I don't know - initially they came in and I was just doing the scripted lines and I asked "Do you mind if I try something?" and then 18 hours of recording later, they had the genie. I just started playing, and they said "just go with it, go with it, go with it." So I improvised the character. I think that in the end, there were something like 40 different voices that I did for that role.

untitled-1427 karma

Hello Mr. Williams! Thanks for taking the time do to this AMA! I love your work - both movies and standup alike, you're brilliant. I've had Weapons of Self Destruction and Live on Broadway on repeat on many-a rainy days, sick days, lazy days, day days, you name it!

Two questions!

  • When will you be doing another standup bit?
  • In Weapons of Self Destruction you made a joke about Bicentennial Man - Did you mean it was depressing like the storyline was sad or did you think the movie was a flop? Whatever your answer this was one of my favorite movies by you. I hope you will be of service for many years to come!

RobinWilliamsHere781 karma

First question, I don't know when the next standup will be because I have to take at least six months to prepare one. So I don't know when that will be.

With Bicentennial Man, I think it's a combination of both answers. Both its reception and the subject of the movie itself. I am glad to be of service, and eventually I will be augmented. I just got the new Apple iEye.

downtothespark419 karma

Thanks for doing the AMA! My only question is: WHAT YEAR IS IT?!

RobinWilliamsHere1197 karma

We believe it's 2014? We're jumping now to different decades. The time portal will close soon! Another great game - PORTAL. That one is INSANE>

johnhalcyon392 karma

Hook is an all time favorite movie of mine. How did you connect with the role of an adult peter pan? Are you like a child? Lol Have you had any imaginary food fights lately?

RobinWilliamsHere689 karma

I think I am sometimes a poster child for arrested development in terms of I'm fascinated with toys and games. And I'm spontaneous. But no food fights. I'm gluten free. No, not really.

Sykotik354 karma

What are some of your favorite things to do in your spare time?

Also, thank you. You've provided me with hours and hours of entertainment over the years and I genuinely appreciate people like yourself who dedicate their lives to making other people smile. If everyone was like you the world would be a drastically different place.

RobinWilliamsHere880 karma

My favorite thing to do is ride a bicycle. I ride road bikes. And for me, it's mobile meditation.

SUCK_LESS_DO_BETTER329 karma

Hello Mr. Williams! Thanks for doing this AMA, I've seen most of your movies and have loved them all (I just haven't gotten around to watching Happy Feet yet).

I read that you consider yourself a gamer and even named your daughter Zelda, so my question for you is what console do you think you'll prefer: WiiU, PS4, or Xbox One?

Bonus round question: What game(s) are you currently playing?

RobinWilliamsHere775 karma

I'm playing a game called Battlestation Pacific. I'm looking forward to the next Xbox. I can't imagine the graphics being any better. It will be like these characters are living in your house. I'll have to be doing duck and cover just to get to the bathroom!

For the WiiU or the PS4, at this point I haven't seen them yet but I might have to check into the cyber wing at Betty Ford.

yesitsanextender313 karma

When watching Mrs Doubtfire as a young boy, I was confused about how the kids figured out you were a man because of how you left the toilet seat up. Thank you for teaching me about the human anatomy.

RobinWilliamsHere483 karma

I don't know how that teaches you about human anatomy, more about human behavior?

fujinbotan307 karma

Can I first start by saying YAY! I love your work! I loved Mrs. Doubtfire, then seeing you do Patch Adams.. I love what you do in that film, what it stands for, also What Dreams May Come I thought was really creative and really sweet, for how sad the theme was. I also bought your Live on Broadway. >.> Of those 3 films, which was the hardest to portray and why?

Also do you ever think back to what it was like growing up, and if things had not gotten you where you were today, what would you be doing instead, do you think?

P.S.I remember someone asking me once if I could sit down with anyone for lunch that was famous, I picked you! Just thought you should know. :)

RobinWilliamsHere817 karma

What Dreams May Come was the hardest of the three because of the subject matter and the environment.

If I enjoyed math more, theoretical physicist. But quantum comedy exists, and doesn't exist.

Thank you for picking me /u/fujinbotan. And are we splitting the check?

d__c247 karma

Would you ever be interested in directing a feature film?

RobinWilliamsHere608 karma

No.

the_drew227 karma

Is it true the "fart" discussion in Good Will Hunting was an improv? BTW, the way you delivered "I will end you" was a-MAY-zing.

May I use that as my SMS alert on my cell phone?

RobinWilliamsHere357 karma

The "I will end you" is based on a story that I think that either Matt or Ben had heard in a bar of a very large man confronting a guy who wasn't as big as he was, and this little man just literally looked him in the face and said "I will fucking end you" and the big guy walked away. I think the fart discussion was an improv. I think, but I'm not sure.

Good luck using that as the SMS alert!

oros121225 karma

I just want to say thank you for all your work that you've done. Hook was probably one f my favorite movies growing up. I always wanted to know, what was the most rememberable moment shooting that movie (:

RobinWilliamsHere629 karma

Flying. I only felt bad for the five guys who had to haul my fat ass up. At that time there were very few mechanical devices so it was literally guys on pulleys flying me across - I think it was 2 guys to pull me across. They would say "we're doing another take" and they would say "oh not again."

the_NOHO_kid219 karma

Any crazy stories from the set of Birdcage?

RobinWilliamsHere401 karma

Just the fact that the day that Gene Hackman did the story about the leaves that it was so funny that everyone was laughing so hard but had to keep a straight face... and the day I did the "Fosse, Fosse" History of Dance routine, Mike Nichols came up with the line "but keep it all inside" improvised.

FellatioDunbar209 karma

Growing up watching Mrs.Doubtfire, I've always wondering how putting on the suit felt, was it hot as shit? Mad chaffing? Please share.

I've also read that you're a huge Legend of Zelda fan, have you played any other games in the series? if so what ones?

RobinWilliamsHere463 karma

Totally. It was like walking around with a beanbag chair for tits. I think the last game I played was Ocarina of Time, and that was the last one I've had the chance to play all the way through.

doghe14177 karma

What made you want to come back to television?

RobinWilliamsHere294 karma

David E. Kelley.

Retlaw83162 karma

Don't have a question so much as a thanks. I grew up in the 80s and 90s and my family are huge fans of yours. You did a lot to shape my sense of comedy in my formative years.

Actually, I do have a question. I have heard that you did the voice of the genie in Aladdin after people from Disney approached you and showed you footage of the genie delivering one of your stand-up routines. If that story is true, what was that feeling like?

RobinWilliamsHere252 karma

It was exciting! Because I grew up watching Warner Bros cartoons like Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck and Foghorn Leghorn, and to see yourself as a cartoon is really magical. So that really swayed me to do it.

ignitusmaximus145 karma

I have been waiting to get this chance since I was a kid. I love all your work. To this day "Hook" is still my number 1 favorite movie! I admire your voice work, and have been doing voices since I was very young as well. What my question for you is how would I go about perusing a career in voice acting? I understand a lot of people will do YouTube videos showcasing a lot of impressions of other characters, but lack original characters. Its usually a weekly/monthly basis it seems I make up a new voice and create a whole personality around it. Is there a process in which I will have to make a Demo reel/tape? If so, what then? I've always thought you were the perfect person to ask, and I've got to take advantage of this opportunity to finally ask!

RobinWilliamsHere279 karma

Possibly hooking up with another friend who's an animator? So the two of you create a character together to pitch to someone. Also make sure you copyright it!

The_Rain_Check127 karma

If you could be any animal what would you be? And why?

RobinWilliamsHere379 karma

A dolphin. Just their abilities, how social they are, how sexual they are, how intelligent they are, mainly how social they are.

MissF5000099 karma

O captain, my captain! You're one of my favorite actors of all time and so much of your work has been dear to me throughout my childhood and always will be through adulthood.

Today happens to be my boyfriend's birthday. If I provided you a number via private message would you be willing to wish him a happy birthday and make his life?

RobinWilliamsHere140 karma

What's his name and can I just type one out for you?

Elementary_Holmes91 karma

Thank you for showing me and my family that life is truly what you make it and is full of happy sides you are a true inspiration. On the subject of life: What do you believe is the key to life?

RobinWilliamsHere220 karma

Once again: family and friends. And a good pet. For pure loyalty there is nothing like a pug.

Pater-Familias81 karma

I thought your performance in World's Greatest Dad was amazing. How did Mr. Bobcat convince you to play the role?

RobinWilliamsHere111 karma

I read the script and initially I think he just wanted me to play a supporting part, I don't know which one, but I went "This is really moving and very very funny." I know him as a friend but I also think he's a really good director. Plus I played Gerry the mime in Shakes the Clown.

Gulle81 karma

Hello Robin,

I haven't really thought out a question but i watched Aladdin the other day and you have a fantastic singing voice! Does being a comedian and talking to people for a job increase your vocal range, and do many other comedians you know sing well too?

RobinWilliamsHere127 karma

There are a few of them like Dana Carvey who not only sing well but also do singing impressions and are really good musicians. Or Nathan Lane was basically a broadway actor. There are a lot of comics who sing and who are actually really really gifted musicians. Do they do it in their act? Not necessarily but they're qualified to.

inconsequentially71 karma

Hi Robin,

I've been lurking reddit for a very long time but never really wanted to make an account up until now. I'm not going to delve into the nitty-gritty of my personal situation but I feel like it's suffice to say that i'm going through a bad time at the moment.

Any advice for people out there like me who may be going through bad times themselves, for whatever reason?

RobinWilliamsHere201 karma

Reach out to friends. They're out there. And know that you are loved.

Lila753 karma

I just want to say that I absolutely LOVE all of your work and am so excited about your new project, The Crazy Ones. And knowing you, it will be nothing less than a "Crazy One" :-)

RobinWilliamsHere106 karma

to me, it's been so great to do a show with such a great supporting cast. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jimmy Wolk, Amanda Setton and Hamish Linklater. There are moments when we improvise, but the script is REALLY well-written so it isn't necessary to go off that often. But we do occasionally, and it's really fun. I didn't know how crazy advertising was until I started doing some of the research, and found out that these guys are interested in finding the most outrageous ideas they can. It will be entertaining. If not, what the hell, it's free? Tomorrow night, check it out and let me know what you think.

Snowyjoe34 karma

Mr. Williams!
I just wanted to say I love you and that you are my hero.
I don't know what else to say, I just wish one day I could meet you in person.
Thank you so much for doing this AMA.

RobinWilliamsHere52 karma

Thank YOU so much.