Sally Field Recalls “A Side” Of Robin Williams “That People Rarely Knew”

Millions of people adored Robin Williams, but only a few knew him well. He was an icon in the world of comedy and made us all laugh with his quick wit and charm. Robin could improvise a scene off the cuff like no one in the business. He died by suicide on August 11, 2014, just a few weeks after his 63rd birthday.

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Since his death a decade ago, there has been a void in Hollywood and many of our hearts. Although he was undoubtedly one of the funniest people ever born, Robin wasn’t all jokes. There was another side of Robin that wasn’t about silliness. Robin was kind and compassionate, and one of his most famous co-stars experienced that love firsthand.

Sally Field played Miranda Hillard in the 1993 box-office smash Mrs. Doubtfire, where Robin played the titular role. Sally was on set when she got a call that changed her life forever. She recalled learning of her father’s death to Vanity Fair and Robin’s unwavering support.

“I was, of course, beside myself. I came on the set trying with all my might to act,” she said. “I wasn’t crying. Robin came over, pulled me out of the set, and asked, ‘Are you okay?'”
After Robin heard the devastating news, he said,  “Oh my God, we need to get you out of here right now.”

As a producer on the film, Robin worked around Field’s absence so that she could be with her family and not worry about the constraints of filming. She and her family were able to make their funeral arrangements and spend time together. When she was ready to work, she returned without missing a beat.

“It’s a side of Robin that people rarely knew,” Field said. “He was very sensitive and intuitive.”

This story’s featured image is by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.