(Images: NBC, Touchstone Pictures)
Since Robin Williams's tragic passing yesterday, many people have stepped forward to share their stories about him. Many of them talk about how Williams was, by habit, kind to people--even complete strangers. He went out of his way to be nice to people who could not reward him.
One of those people was a young Canadian comedian named Norm MacDonald. When he first met Robin Williams, MacDonald was just getting started with his career. Williams did his best to help MacDonald get ready for his big break into the comedy business:
It was my first stand-up appearance on Letterman and I had to follow the funniest man in the world. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014I was a punk kid from rural Ontario and I was in my dressing room, terrified. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014I was on the phone to a friend back home when the funniest man in the world ambled by. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014There was no one else on the floor. In shock, I told my friend who just walked by. Only the funniest man in the world. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014I guess he heard me say his name, cause in an instant he was at my side. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014He was a jewish tailor, taking my measurements. He went down on his knees, asked which way I dressed. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014I told my friend on the phone that the funniest man in the world was on his knees before me, measuring my inseam. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014My friend didn't believe me so I said, "Could you talk to my friend, sir. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014The funniest man in the world took the phone and for ten minutes took my friend's chinese food order. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014I laughed and laughed and it was like I was in a dream because no one else was there. No one. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014The place was out of Moo Shoo Pork, and there was nothing he could do about it. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014He angrily hung up on my friend and I was about to thank him when he said I hadn't even tried the jacket on. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014Then the funniest man on earth dressed me, a complete stranger, and i remember he ended with a windsor knot. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014He spoke mostly yiddish, but when he finished he was happy with his job and turned me to a mirror to present myself to me.#RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
The funniest man alive was in my dressing room a good half-hour and was far funnier than the set I had to do soon.#RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014ll of a sudden it was, had to. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014When he left my dressing room, I felt alone. As alone as I ever remember feeling. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014Until today. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014Unacceptable. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014-via Jim Treacher