10 fun and interesting Robin Williams facts

1. Julliard School Trained Robin Williams to Be a Comedian

At the prestigious Julliard School, Robin Williams was trained by the renowned John Houseman. Houseman saw the potential in Williams and encouraged him to focus on his stand-up comedy rather than wasting his time with acting classes. This advice proved to be invaluable, as Williams went on to become one of the most beloved and successful comedians of all time.

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2. Robin Williams honored by Empire Magazine

In October 1997, Robin Williams was honored by Empire Magazine as one of the top 100 movie stars in the history of cinema. This recognition was a testament to his immense talent and the impact he had on the film industry, having starred in numerous iconic films such as Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, and Mrs. Doubtfire. His unique comedic style and ability to bring characters to life made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world, and his legacy will continue to live on.

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3. "Mork & Mindy" success due to Robin Williams' improv.

Robin Williams was renowned for his improvisation skills, so much so that the writers of the hit show "Mork & Mindy" left huge gaps in the screenplay specifically for him to go wild with his improvisations. His ability to think on his feet and come up with hilarious and creative ideas on the spot was a major factor in the show's success, and it's no wonder that he was so beloved by fans.

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4. Robin Williams is a fan of Jonah Lomu

Robin Williams is an avid rugby fan, and his favorite player is none other than the legendary Jonah Lomu. The New Zealand-born Lomu was one of the most influential players in the history of the sport, and Williams has been a fan since the early days of his career. He has even been known to attend matches in person, and has been seen wearing Lomu's jersey in public. Williams' love for the sport is undeniable, and his admiration for Lomu is clear.

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5. Master of Comedy and Timing

Robin Williams was a master of comedy and timing, and he credited much of his success to the British sketch comedy show "Monty Python's Flying Circus". He often said that watching the show taught him a great deal about comedic timing and delivery, and he was known to quote the show in his stand-up routines. Williams was a huge fan of the show, and he even went on to appear in a few of the Monty Python films.

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6. Robin Williams Remembers Christopher Reeve

Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve were great friends, having met while attending Julliard. Their friendship was strong and long-lasting, with Williams standing by Reeve's side until his death. Williams was a frequent visitor to Reeve's home, and the two were often seen together at events and on the red carpet. Williams was deeply affected by Reeve's death, and spoke fondly of him in interviews and public appearances.

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7. Two Iconic Films Cross One-Hundred Million Dollar Mark

The late Robin Williams was a beloved actor who starred in two iconic films that achieved a remarkable milestone. During the same week in the United States, both "The Birdcage" and "Jumanji" crossed the one-hundred million dollar mark at the box office. This was a remarkable feat for Williams, who was able to bring joy to millions of people through his performances in these two films.

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8. Robin Williams' Aladdin improvisations won him an Academy Award

The beloved Disney classic "Aladdin" is known for its iconic characters, catchy songs, and memorable quotes. What many people don't know is that the majority of the dialogue in the film was ad-libbed by the incomparable Robin Williams. Williams' improvisation skills were so impressive that he was able to bring the Genie to life with his unique brand of humor and wit. His performance was so well-received that it earned him a special achievement award at the 1992 Academy Awards.

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9. Robin Williams considered for role in 'Philadelphia'

When it came to casting the lead role of Joe Miller in the 1993 drama "Philadelphia", Robin Williams was one of the first names that came to mind. Director Jonathan Demme was so impressed with Williams' talent that he seriously considered him for the part, before ultimately deciding to go with Denzel Washington. Williams' comedic style and ability to bring a unique energy to any role made him a strong contender for the role, and it's easy to imagine how his performance would have been different from Washington's.

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10. Robin Williams' Favorite TV Shows

One of the late Robin Williams' favorite television shows was the iconic British science fiction series "Doctor Who" and the classic American science fiction series "Star Trek". Williams was a fan of both shows, often citing them as his favorites. He was known to be a fan of science fiction in general, and these two shows were no exception.