Robin Williams Got âMrs. Doubtfireâ Co-Star Sally Field Out of Filming for a Day â Hereâs Why
From arranging for the âMrs. Doubtfireâ production to film around Sally Field so she could grieve a great loss, to uplifting Steven Spielberg during one of his darkest times, these eight stories reveal the depth of Robin Williamsâs compassion and the lasting impact he had on those around him.
Robin Williamsâs legacy as a comedic genius is unquestionable, but beneath the humor was a man of profound empathy. His ability to sense when others were struggling and his willingness to step in with kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
Robin Williams on the set of âThe Birdcageâ in 1995 in Miami Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
From his support of a grieving Sally Field on the set of âMrs. Doubtfireâ to the phone calls that lifted Steven Spielberg during the filming of âSchindlerâs List,â these eight touching stories show a side of Williams that was little known but deeply felt.
Robin Williams in New York in 2011. | Source: Getty Images
Robin Williamsâs Compassionate Response When Sally Fieldâs World Was Shattered
During the filming of âMrs. Doubtfire,â Sally Field experienced a deeply emotional moment when she received the heartbreaking news that her father had passed away. He had suffered a stroke a few years earlier and was living in a nursing facility.
The doctor asked if she wanted to put her father on a resuscitator, but Field knew that wasnât what he wanted. She asked the doctor to let him go peacefully and pass along a final goodbye from her.
Sally Field at the 1993 AMPAS Gala Celebrating Female Oscar Winners on January 28. | Source: Getty Images
Devastated by the news, Field tried to continue with the dayâs work. They were filming a pivotal sceneâthe courtroom divorce scene. Even though her heart was breaking, she returned to the set, determined to act as if nothing had happened.
But her emotions were too raw, and she struggled to hold herself together. Robin Williams noticed something was wrong and pulled Field aside to check on her. When he asked if she was okay, Field initially tried to assure him that she was fine.
Sally Field performing a skit on âSaturday Night Liveâ on December 11, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
However, her grief was too much to hide and the actress eventually confided in her co-star that her father had just passed away. Williamsâs response was immediate and compassionate. He insisted that Field should not continue working under such emotional distress.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, he made sure the production adjusted the schedule, allowing her to leave the set immediately. They shot around Field for the rest of the day, giving her the time and space she needed to process the loss.
Sally Field filming âBrothers and Sistersâ in 2009. | Source: Getty Images
This act of kindness allowed Field to return home, reach out to her brother, and begin making arrangements for her fatherâs funeral. âItâs a side of Robin that people rarely knew: He was very sensitive and intuitive,â Field shared.
âHe was the best. The. Best,â a social media user said of Williams. âThat man was a gift to the world,â another person added. A third person commented, âHe was one of a kind, I miss him.â âThe loss of Robin Williams is impossible to get over. Been gone for almost 10 years. Still hits me,â a fourth typed.
Robin Williams and Sally Field at the Campaign for a New GI Bill event on June 22, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Robin Williamsâs Gentle Care for a Grieving Mara Wilson
When Mara Wilson was only nine years old, her mother passed away. Shortly after her motherâs death, she participated in a table read for âWhat Dreams May Come.â During the reading, Williams approached young Wilson with a gentle and quiet demeanor.
He softly inquired about how she and her family were doing, showing genuine concern for her well-being. What stood out most to Wilson was how carefully he handled the conversation â avoiding anything that might have been too painful for her to discuss. âHe was just very sweet,â the actress said.
Mara Wilson filming a scene in âMrs. Doubtfire.â | Source: YouTube/Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
Robin Williamsâs Commitment to Uplifting the Homeless
A story shared on social media revealed one of the ways Williams made a difference behind the scenes. In his rider â a list of specific requirements provided to ensure an artistâs needs are met during events or productions â Williams included an unexpected request.
Robin Williams at the âMrs. Doubtfireâ Beverly Hills Premiere on November 22, 1993, in California. | Source: Getty Images
Whenever he was hired for a film or event, he insisted that the company also hire a certain number of homeless people and give them jobs. The person who shared this story recalled how this discovery forever changed the way they viewed Williamsâs movies.
They admired how Williams not only helped people in need with his own time and resources but also used his influence to encourage production companies and event planners to do the same.
Robin Williams, circa 1994. | Source: Getty Images
âHe was a great multiplier of his impact. Letâs hope that impact lives on without him. Thanks, Robin Williams â not just for laughs, but also for a cool example,â the Facebook post concluded.
Robin Williamsâs Heartfelt Role as a Secret Santa for Hospitalized Children
Another touching example of Williamsâs kind nature was his tradition of volunteering as a Secret Santa at a childrenâs hospital. Pediatrician Carrie Chen, who did her residency at the University of California-San Francisco, recalled hearing from the nurses that Williams visited the hospital every Christmas Day.
Whoopee Goldberg and Robin Williams at a charity event for Children of the Night in 1994 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
He didnât announce his visits or seek attention â the actor simply showed up, bringing gifts and cheer to the children who had to spend the holidays in the hospital. Chen vividly recalled Christmas Day in 1998 while working as part of a pediatric team at San Francisco General Hospital
Robin Williams holding his son Zachary, circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images
They had just finished stabilizing a premature baby born at 28 weeks when Williams arrived in the pediatric ward, carrying toys for all the young patients. After learning that the doctors had been tending to the premature baby, Williams asked to visit the newborn.
Since the baby was stable, the medical team agreed. When Williams saw the tiny, fragile infant, he was deeply moved. Tears filled his eyes as he thanked each of the doctors for their dedication and care, especially on Christmas Day.
Robin Williams filming a scene from âPatch Adams,â circa 1998. | Source: Getty Images
It was a moment that left a lasting impression on everyone present. Afterward, Williams continued his rounds, handing out gifts to the children in the ward. He didnât just bring small gifts â he gave each child a brand-new Nintendo video game, a highly sought-after and expensive gift at the time.
Robin Williams with his children Zelda and Cody, circa 2009. Source: Getty Images
âHe didnât care about the publicity. No one knew he was there, he just slipped in. He just wanted to come and give those children a Christmas present,â Dr. Chen noted. Before his passing, Williams also appeared in a commercial for St. Jude Childrenâs Research Hospital.
Robin Williams with his daughter Zelda and actor Milo Jacob Manheim at the premiere of âHappy Feet Twoâ on November 13, 2011, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Robin Williamsâs Late-Night Encounter That Brought Comfort to a Grieving Family
In a story shared on Reddit, a family had just come from a memorial service, where the manâs father had been struggling to cope with the recent, horrific loss of both his parents.
It was around 2:30 in the morning, and the family, still dressed in their formal clothes, was emotionally and physically exhausted. In an attempt to find some small comfort, they decided to visit a local doughnut shop because the manâs father wanted a doughnut.
Robin Williams at the premiere of âHappy Feet Twoâ on November 20, 2011, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
As fate would have it, Williams was also in the doughnut shop, quietly enjoying a coffee and a bite to eat. Despite the late hour and the somber atmosphere, Williams noticed the family and instinctively understood that they needed a little cheer.
He chose to engage with them, offering both kindness and humor when they needed it most. The Reddit user recalled how Williams managed to make their parents smile.
Williams at the BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards on November 30, 2011, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
âI couldnât tell you what they laughed about, but I remember seeing my parents laugh and smile for the first time in weeks,â the Redditor wrote. The manâs father remembered the encounter fondly, often reflecting on how it was exactly what he needed at that time.
He appreciated that Williams wasnât trying to be a celebrity or draw attention to himself. Instead, he was simply a kind person who saw a group of sad strangers and decided to make a difference in their night â and in their lives.
Robin Williams at the âHappy Feet Twoâ premiere on December 4, 2011, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Robin Williamsâs Remarkable Friendship with a Gorilla
Before his passing, Williams had an extraordinary bond with Koko, a gorilla known for her ability to communicate using American Sign Language. In 2001, the actor visited the Gorilla Foundation in California, where he met Koko for the first time.
Robin Williams and director Barry Levinson posing with Levinsonâs dog, circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images
The encounter was nothing short of extraordinary. Williams and Koko quickly developed a bond, laughing together, tickling each other, and embracing like long-lost friends.
The warmth and ease of their interaction were evident as Koko, who understood spoken English and used over 1,000 signs to express herself, delighted in Williamsâs company.
Robin Williams filming a scene in âWhat Dreams May Come,â circa 1998. | Source: Getty Images
Koko felt so comfortable with Williams that she playfully removed his glasses and tried them on. She even reached into his pocket and playfully rifled through his wallet.
Near the end of their visit, Koko gently kissed Williamsâs hand and pulled him in for a big hug. This encounter was more than just a playful moment; it was deeply healing for Koko.
At the time, Koko was mourning the loss of her childhood companion, another gorilla named Michael, who had passed away six months earlier. According to Dr. Penny Patterson, Kokoâs mentor and surrogate mother, Williams was the first to make Koko smile since Michaelâs death.
The impact of their meeting was profound, as it not only lifted Kokoâs spirits but also seemed to transform Williams himself. The Gorilla Foundation resurfaced a 2001 video of the meeting between Koko and Williams on YouTube.
Robin Williams during the premiere of âHappy Feetâ on November 12, 2006, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on the experience, Williams described it as âmind-alteringâ and âawesome.â Kokoâs reaction to Williamsâs death in 2014 further highlighted the depth of their bond.
Upon overhearing Dr. Patterson discussing the news, Koko became visibly saddened, a clear sign of her mourning for the friend who had brought her such joy.
Robin Williamsâs Gentle Reassurance to a Fan Who Felt Insecure
Another touching story shared on Reddit highlighted Williamsâs kindness and ability to make everyone feel valued. A Reddit user was walking through New York at night and noticed a crowd of people surrounding Robin Williams, eagerly seeking his autograph.
The user joined the crowd, hoping to get something signed but ended up just watching as Williams graciously signed memorabilia and posed for photos with fans of all ages.
Robin Williams at 20th IFP Independent Spirit Awards on February 26, 2005, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
As the line moved, a man in his 30s, who was slightly overweight, approached Williams with a request that was deeply meaningful to him. The man explained that he had bought and saved a piece of memorabilia for over 20 years, specifically because Robin Williams was his hero.
After Williams signed the item, the man nervously asked if he could also take a picture with him. Robin, always gracious, agreed with a friendly âSure, boss.â The man, however, hesitated and took a picture of just Williams instead.
Robin Williams during a photocall on November 15, 2005, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
When Robin asked if the man wanted to be in the photo, the man looked down, clearly self-conscious, and declined, saying, âOh no, thatâs fine⌠I⌠hehe⌠Iâm ugly, I donât want to ruin the picture.â Williams, sensing the manâs discomfort, responded with gentle encouragement.
Robin Williams and his wife Marsha at the Christopher Reeve Foundationâs âA Magical Eveningâ event on November 17, 2005, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
âDonât be like that, come here,â he said, inviting the man to join him for the photo. This small act of kindness left a lasting impression on the Reddit user, who was moved by the way Williams treated the fan with such innocence, kindness, and understanding.
Robin Williams and his daughter Zelda at the premiere of âRVâ on April 23, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Robin Williamsâs Weekly Calls That Helped Steven Spielberg Cope During âSchindlerâs Listâ
The process of filming âSchindlerâs List,â a harrowing portrayal of the Holocaust, was an emotionally grueling experience for director Steven Spielberg. The weight of the subject matter took a significant toll on him, but amidst the darkness, he found an unexpected source of relief and support in his friend, Williams.
Julia Roberts, Steven Spielberg, and Robin Williams on the set of âHook,â circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Spielberg, reflecting on the experience during a 25th-anniversary celebration of the film at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, shared how Williams played a crucial role in helping him cope with the emotional challenges of directing such a somber project.
Robin Williams and Steven Spielberg at the American Museum of the Moving Image Honors Robin Williams event in in 1995 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Williams made it a point to call Spielberg every week during the filming process. These calls werenât just casual check-ins; they were carefully timed acts of kindness meant to lift Spielbergâs spirits.
âRobin knew what I was going through, and once a week, Robin would call me on schedule and he would do 15 minutes of stand-up on the phone,â Spielberg said. For the iconic director, those weekly calls were a lifeline.
Robin Williams and Steven Spielberg at the Ambassadors For Humanity Honoring President William Jefferson Clinton To Benefit The Shoah Foundation event in 2005 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Williams would launch into a spontaneous comedy routine, delivering 15 minutes of stand-up that had Spielberg laughing hysterically. This laughter was a crucial release for Spielberg, who was carrying the heavy emotional burden of bringing such a tragic story to life on screen.
According to Spielberg, âThe way Robin is on the telephone, heâd always hang up on the loudest, best laugh youâd give him. Heâd never say goodbye, just hang up on the biggest laugh.â
Robin Williams and Steven Spielberg during the 38th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Mike Nichols on June 10, 2010, in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his vibrant public persona, Williams was quietly enduring a battle with his health that few knew about. Although he had openly struggled with depression, and drug and alcohol addiction throughout his life, the extent of his suffering only became fully known after his death.
Robin Williams at the 2013 CBS Upfront event on May 15, 2013, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Williams was revealed to have been living with diffuse Lewy body disease (LBD), a degenerative brain condition that profoundly affected his memory and physical abilities. LBD can cause dementia and hallucinations, and while Williams was unaware of the specific condition he had, he was acutely conscious of his declining memory.
Robin Williams filming âThe Crazy Onesâ in 2013. | Source: Getty Images
This decline became evident while he was filming âNight at the Museum: Secret of the Tombâ in 2014, which would ultimately be his last on-screen role. Cheri Minns, a member of the filmâs makeup team, recalled the distress Williams experienced during the production.
Robin Williams at âThe Crazy Onesâ press conference on October 8, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
âHe was sobbing in my arms at the end of every day. It was horrible. Horrible,â she shared. The makeup artist further expressed her concern, saying, âI said to his people, âIâm a makeup artist. I donât have the capacity to deal with whatâs happening to him.ââ
In the final weeks of his life, Williams was particularly low-key. He attended an AA meeting in Mill Valley, California, in July 2014, where a local TV cameraman described him as âvery low.â
Robin Williams during the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 22, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images