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?
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.
Now we have networks that develop photos that never disappear, ever.
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.
Speaking of development of technology, how's the cow valve holding up?
That cow valve is holding up really well! I graze in the afternoons.
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!
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.
Can you come to Canada so I can hug you? I love you for naming your daughter Zelda
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.
That analogy is an epiphany to me...
What does "epiphany" mean?
(kidding)
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.
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.
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?
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.
GitS, awesome - but for a guy who loves family, why not Fullmetal Alchemist?
I think I have a copy but I've never seen it!
But I love Cowboy Bebop!
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)
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.
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?
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.
Have you played GTA:V yet? What do you think of it?
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..."
For them I would imagine it is a bit more relaxing to experience the game than the real thing.
I imagine so. And I think it's a little bit of a shoutout to home.
God I hope I end up playing a call of duty match with you.
I don't usually play online, because getting my ass kicked by an 11 year old is very humbling!
If you were trapped inside Jumanji again and could only bring three items with you which three items would you bring?
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).
What would you need a nightlight/lighter for if you have a flamethrower?
True. Flamethrower might be a bit of overkill. Or maybe just a bottle of bug repellent for the mosquitos.
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?
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."
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?
Did you not get the Mork doll??!?
No, but I got the Popeye doll.
God bless you! Touche.
Robin, was it hard not to laugh at Hank Azaria during the making of "The Birdcage"?
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.
The Birdcage is a movie I quote on a weekly basis (at least) and one of my favorite movies of all time! Thank you for giving us such an amazing movie!!
Edit: Holy Fuck, reddit gold?!!! Thank you kind sir / ma'am!! I'm doing an eclectic form of dance - Martha Graham, Martha Graham, Martha Graham! Or Twyla, Twyla, Twyla! Or Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd! Or Madonna, Madonna, Madonna! ....but I'm keeping it all inside!
Thank you! Well it was a blast to do. A wonderful group of people to work with. And it does not get any better than Nathan Lane.
"One DOES want a hint of color..."
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?
What's his name and can I just type one out for you?
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.
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.
Fuck the haters, I loved Patch Adams.
God bless you! Take off the nose now.
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?
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.
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.
Oh my god, that's a great reference! Thank you for that shoutout. He is one of the great characters of science fiction.
Whould you play a game like Jumanji in real life? I really loved that movie!
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.
What is your favorite book? What were your favorite things to do as a child? And what still gives you a sense of wonder?
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."
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.
Every once in a while, I'll do it! But it's not like Cybil.
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!
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.
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.
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?"
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
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.
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.
Big time YES! It was Jonathan Winters!
And Peter Sellers. Dr. Strangelove was the greatest dark comedy ever made.
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?
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.
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. :)
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?
Robin Williams: A True Friend
http://imgur.com/gallery/cIBWG
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.
Who is your favorite celebrity to impersonate?
What celebrity does an impersonation of you that you enjoy?
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.
On a scale of 1-10, how scared are you when you're around Nicholson?
It's more fascinated than scared. He says things that even Buddha goes "...what did that mean?"
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?
Reach out to friends. They're out there. And know that you are loved.
I have nothing to say, just want to thank you for all the laughs.
Great work
Oh thank you.
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?
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."
p.s. If its true that you really named your daughter Zelda from the game series you are a pretty cool guy.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Thank YOU so much.
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.
My favorite thing to do is ride a bicycle. I ride road bikes. And for me, it's mobile meditation.
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?
My god! I have on nothing but Google Glass! And I'm downloading as we speak.
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?
Just please make sure that you really love doing it. Because that will get you through the hard times. And the good times.
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?
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.
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?
Yes. The Irish accent transitions into two or three others. It slips into Welsh, Scottish, and then it just starts to break down.
If you could be any animal what would you be? And why?
A dolphin. Just their abilities, how social they are, how sexual they are, how intelligent they are, mainly how social they are.
What is something you've gotten into and gotten excited about lately?
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.
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!
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!
Mr Williams
Just wanted to say, forget what all the haters said. HOOK was fucking awesome.
That is all.
Thank you. LOST BOYS RULE!
Thanks for doing the AMA! My only question is: WHAT YEAR IS IT?!
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>
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 (:
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."
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?
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.
[deleted]
Thank you so much!
Got any college tips for a freshman?
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).
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.
I have several Warhammer armies. But I have never actually played the game. Specifically, Warhammer 40K.
Mr. Williams
Thanks so much for doing this! I have been a huge fan of yours for a long time. Your movies helped me a lot when I was younger and dealing with depression and coming to terms with being gay. Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Birdcage, Jack and Bicentennial Man really struck a chord with me.
Some of my favorites of yours have been your least popular for some reason. How do you choose which roles you take and how do you feel when a movie you believed in falls flat with the critics? Also do you think that Mrs. Doubtfire 2 is ever gonna happen?
Mrs. Doubtfire 2 will happen if they could ever crack the script, to come up with a really interesting idea for her to come back! So far, it hasn't worked. But maybe one day.
I choose roles based on if I've done it before, and if so, can I do it in a more interesting way.
Welcome to reddit Mr. Williams.
What was your fav role that you played, and what is your dream role you wish you had played?
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?
Any crazy stories from the set of Birdcage?
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.
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?
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."
What made you want to come back to television?
David E. Kelley.
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?
I don't check my eyes out that often. Now you're creeping me out.
I don't check my eyes out that often. Now you're creeping me out.
Wait, if I had to pick a color I would have to say Adriatic Sea Blue.
UPDATE: I am taking a bathroom break!
UPDATE: I am taking a bathroom break!
UPDATE: I am back!
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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" :-)
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.
Could you survive if Jumanji was real?!
Also, I'm a huge fan of both your funny and serious stuff (Dead Poets Society is my favorite movie).
Have a great day!!
I wouldn't want to bet on me. But if it weren't for Von Pelt, it would be a tough call. As in life, humans are one of the most dangerous creatures in the world.
Thank you so much!
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?
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.
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?
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!
I'm intrigued by your new show. What do you like most about this project?
The cast.
Hello, Mr. Williams. My father wanted me to ask you: "What is, in your opinion, the recipe to success? Thank you, and have a lovely day!
Truly loving what you do. Because there will be good days and bad days.
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.
I don't know how that teaches you about human anatomy, more about human behavior?
Would you ever consider revisiting the character of Mork?
No, it's too late for that. But he had a great run and I had a wonderful time doing it, and I recently re-watched the episode of Happy Days that launched the character as a one-off, and it was really funny.
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!
Aw thanks.
What is your favorite food?
What is the most frustrating aspect of hollywood for you?
I am a huge fan, Thank you!!!!
Pasta pesto.
Publicity. But this is does not qualify as that (so don't worry reddit). This is just fun.
Would you ever be interested in directing a feature film?
No.
Hi Robin! Huge fan. I've always wanted to see a video of you singing "a friend like me" from Aladdin. I've always imagined you having a lot of fun with that one.
Will you make a video of yourself singing that please?
P.S. Hook is one off favorite movies ever
It was really fun! That was the closest I'll ever get to being on broadway in a musical. Unfortunately I can't tape myself right now though.
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?
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.
What did you have for breakfast!!
Eggs. Scrambled eggs. And coffee.
I thought your performance in World's Greatest Dad was amazing. How did Mr. Bobcat convince you to play the role?
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.
In the movie Jack did you and Bill Cosby really eat that gross mess of stuff that the kids mixed together?
I vaguely remember yes.
Jumanji scared the crap out of me as a child. Are you going to be involved in the reboot?
If they do, that would be lovely, but I don't know what character I would play other than myself in the film. They are definitely planning Night at the Museum 3 where I play Teddy Roosevelt, and I hope to be involved with that.
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?
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.
Good Afternoon, thank you for doing an AMA. You did a recording of a Pecos Bill story. It was fantastic. Have you done any other stories?
I think that was for RabbitEars - Pecos Bill and there was another one. Those were the first audiobooks I did.
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?
Once again: family and friends. And a good pet. For pure loyalty there is nothing like a pug.
I just have to tell you, I love you!!! So many films of yours are my favs!!!! Would you ever do a real-life Aladdin??? You're awesome!!! Big hugs from me!!!
You mean a live-action Aladdin? No, it worked so great as an animation. Plus it was one of the last of its kind Disney cartoons in terms of hand-drawn art being enhanced digitally.
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?
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.
