Robin Williams Had It Guaranteed in His Contract That Homeless People Would Get Jobs in His Films: “I Never Watched His Movie the Same Way After That”

As a lifelong fan of Robin Williams, I can truly say that his legacy continues to inspire and move me even ten years after his passing. The roles he played were not just entertaining, but they touched hearts and souls in ways that few actors can achieve. However, it’s not just the art that Robin created that resonates with us; it’s the compassionate and empathetic person he was off-screen that truly stands out.


Nearly a decade has passed since Robin Williams departed, yet his fans continue to pine for him. This is because of the indelible characters he portrayed, bringing joy, inspiration, and solace to many. Nevertheless, the legacy of this artist transcends beyond just his fans, family, or acquaintances.

It’s widely recognized that this actor had a generous spirit towards his colleagues, as demonstrated by Sally Field’s account of Robin Williams granting her a day off after her father’s passing. Moreover, he extended his kindness to people beyond his professional circle, helping those in need who were not even acquaintances.

It’s interesting to note that Robin Williams included a provision in his contracts which stipulated that homeless individuals should be employed for roles such as extras in the films he was associated with. This not only provided work opportunities and financial assistance, but also helped them reintegrate into society. The compassion of Williams was highlighted by filmmaker Brian Lord’s statement.

In the past, I stumbled upon an intriguing fact about Robin Williams, which left an indelible impression on me. Since then, I’ve found myself contemplating it whenever I watch one of his films afterward. Although I never had the opportunity to hire Robin Williams for an event, I came quite close as his office sent over his contractual requirements (or ‘rider’).

Upon receiving Robin Williams’ contract, I was taken aback by its unique stipulation. Apparently, for every engagement or production he took part in, the hiring company was expected to employ a specific number of homeless individuals and provide them with employment opportunities.

After seeing Robin Williams in action, I can’t help but view films differently. I ponder if production companies carried forward this unique style into their subsequent projects, devoid of Robin Williams. Moreover, I often think about the opportunities and sense of accomplishment that many individuals must have experienced, even temporarily, due to his influence on their careers.

He was a great multiplier of his impact. Let’s hope that impact lives on without him. Thanks, Robin Williams – not just for laughs, but also for a cool example.

Fans, aware of how kind-hearted the actor was, are undoubtedly going to mourn his passing even deeper.

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2024-08-23 15:03