It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since the world tragically lost the tremendous comedic legend, Robin Williams. But since his passing, a great number of heartwarming stories about his kindness continue to inspire all of us. A fan, Brian Lord, recently shared an incredibly touching story about Williams on his blog. While it’s common to have riders (unique contractual stipulations) such as having their favorite candy in their trailer or no one making eye contact with them, etc.; Lord was shocked to find that one of Robin Williams’ riders required that the event organizers or studios employ homeless people.
Brian says that this information changed the way he looked at Robin Williams on screen. “I couldn’t watch a movie of his afterward without thinking of it,” says Brian. Brian never had an opportunity to host the legendary Dead Poets Society actor, but he did once approach the actor about doing an event and was shocked by the rider he was sent. “I was very surprised by what I found. He actually had a requirement that for every single event or film he did, the company hiring him also had to hire a certain number of homeless people and put them to work,” writes Brian. The requirement was about the last thing he ever expected from a major Hollywood star like Williams.
Big-name celebrities and movie stars often make some outrageous demands. For example, Mariah Carey requests a supply of vitamin water to bathe her dog in, Lady Gaga reportedly once asked for a mannequin with puffy pink pubic hair, Iggy Pop asked for a USA Today newspaper that had a story about super obese people in it, according to a report by the Telegraph. Given the trend of these incredibly bizarre, and let’s be honest here folks, incredibly superficial celebrity demands it’s no surprise why Brian was floored by William’s compassionate rider.
Brian says that it reflected a Williams’ desire to help out those in need.
“I’m sure that on his own time and with his own money, he was working with these people in need, but he’d also decided to use his clout as an entertainer to make sure that production companies and event planners also learned the value of giving people a chance to work their way back,” writes Brian Lord. He says it changed the way he watched the actor’s movies since then. “I never watched a Robin Williams movie the same way after that,” writes Brian. “Thanks, Robin Williams- not just for laughs, but also for a cool example,” he concluded.
Robin Williams clowning around outside The Comedy Store (1978) pic.twitter.com/pCDsQVIaZb
— History Lovers Club (@historylvrsclub) September 22, 2019
However, Brian’s story isn’t a surprise to anyone who knew Williams personally. Many of his closest friends spoke out about the actor’s enormous heart and love of humanity. Ricky Gervais recalled working with the actor and spoke of how Williams tried to make everyone around him happy.
“I did a benefit gig with him and there were loads of new comedians that we hadn’t heard of, and he spent the whole night at the side of the stage watching them – you could hear him laughing louder than anyone – and they were just blown away. He was a legend. Amazing. It’s really sad,” according to The Huffington Post. “Even when he wasn’t well, he would just try his best to make you laugh – you could see it was a chore almost but he’d absolutely love it,” said the creator of After Life.
Robin Williams & Saul Bellow pic.twitter.com/I9Su6UZ6Xm
— History Lovers Club (@historylvrsclub) September 25, 2019
Ricky Gervais simply echoed what countless stars have said about Williams. After the actor’s untimely death, Ben Stiller wrote a moving tribute dedicated to Robin Williams.
“His kindness and generosity is what I think of. How kind he was to anyone who wanted to connect with him. And he could not help but be funny all the time. He would do something as long as it would keep you laughing. He made many, many film crews laugh out loud before the audiences ever saw it. So there is the man, and his talent, and I think in his case both were extraordinary.”
Dead poets society- robin williams pic.twitter.com/uFxUzURsU3
— Doğa (@dogastnky) September 23, 2019
Williams was very passionate about helping those in our society who arguably needed the most help. In fact, he even testified before congress in 1990 along with Whoopie Goldberg on America’s homeless problem. Here’s a video of his heartfelt testimony.
What are your thoughts on this story? Do you have any fond memories of Robin Williams you would like to share? Please let us know in the comments section, and please be sure to share this story with your friends and family.
