Oral History: How Robin Williams EXPLODED onto Happy Days
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
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"My Favorite Orkan" (Happy Days)
Aired: Feb 28, 1978
Season 5, Episode 22
Written by: Joe Glauberg
Directed by: Jerry Paris
Happy Days creator Garry Marshall - in order to appease his son - devises a dream episode in which Richie (Ron Howard) and Fonzie (Henry Winkler) meet an alien from outer space.
After a long audition process... they finally settle on their Orkan... a relative unknown named Robin Williams.
This video is an oral history of the development of that episode compiled from numerous audio sources from the actors and crew themselves.
#robinwilliams #happydays #mork&mindy #garrymarshall #fonzie
![Robin Williams - Parkinson interview [2002]](/img/n.gif)
This is an amazing piece of editing and production work. An absolutely terrific watch, thank you for your hard work compiling all of that audio, video and material.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Yep! I love it!
What a superb collection this is.
Excellent Job i'm Speeches: Bravo, Stupendous, Magnetic, Electromagnetic, Magnifyingly Magnificent, & Marvelous!!!!! Fantastic Job!!!! Shalom Blessings over you and yours Mazel Tov Mazel Tov Mazel Tov!!!!!!@@tvsbesteps
Exactly. I watch/do a lot of editing and this is top stuff.
I had the pleasure of going to a rehearsal for a season 2 episode of "Mork & Mindy"; it was called "Clerical Error" in which Mork decides to become a priest. There was one point where Robin Williams did this amazing riff about circumcising elephants, and I laughed so hard it's a wonder I didn't lose my voice. The man was a genius in the truest sense... and greatly missed.
@DonnaLang42rockglobally Wow that's awesome!🧑🚀🛸✨🪐
Wow 🤗.... Robin threw the script out the window and imaginised life how it should be.
Hands down my favorite dude from day one. Brilliant, warm, hilarious, human. I still mourn his departure.
The world is a less bright without Robin Williams in it.
Its okay though. Light was only allowed to shine on wickedness for so long. The more light that goes out the more I smile. It just means the end of this wicked world is that much closer.
I remember I did a UA-cam post on my channel about Robin Williams and depression. Robin committing suicide was absolutely shocking. Suicides are common in Hollywood, but I never thought the most “happiest Zane guy what’s succumb to depression. Smokey Robinson was right “ ain’t nothing sadder than the tears of a clown when there’s no one around.
One of the most fascinating things about Robin was his versatility. I think the guy was a musician as well because he went to Juilliard his comedic talents were unquestionable, but he was also a phenomenal actor able to play parts with such sensitivity, insight whimsy, of course, and poignancy. He was brilliant his versatility and acting. He plays a homeless man a corrupt busker manager in August rush a college professor in Goodwill hunting what an amazing amazing career it should not have ended the way that it did but the time he was here, he was a cometand I got a chance to see him burn.
😢 true perhaps, remember his courage and love of meeting the unknown.
We all have a little bit of Robin in us.
Let him out to be free.
Remember love, laughter and courage.
Be true to the you.
@@TheSubwaysurfer When you start getting undeniable proof and experiencing a degenerative brain disease.... I don't think it's the depression that causes someone to exit this life. I think it's acceptance and a feeling of finality that you don't want to live that way.
If someone else wants to live that way? GREAT! FINE! FANTASTIC! But my opinion of Robin William's exit from our plane of existence, is one that makes me cry and smile at the same time. He didn't want to go on that way. So he made a choice you can't go back on. Now that is power over oneself!!!!
He was so special and amazing! Absolutely nothing he did made me say I didn't like him.
Shoot, he was even upset about the success of Aladdin because of his voice acting for the Genie. That's because the Genie BECAME "Robin Williams" instead of "The Genie". He then was sad that so many voice actors would be replaced by already famous actors in order to sell tickets.
I hate how characters in cartoons are now based on their voice actor over being their own unique character :(
So, shortly after Mork & Mindy was cancelled we were in San Francisco for a night out. We used to hit all the clubs in the Bay Area but had never been to the Holy City Zoo. After dinner we went to the HCZ. It was an open mic night, with a two drink minimum, beers were $1.50! LOL
After a couple of acts in walks this guy, dressed in a big parka coat, wearing a ball cap, sun glasses (the club is already dark) and bright orange tennis shoes, and he’s escorted in the area behind the stage. A short time later he comes on stage and it’s Robin Williams. The Zoo is small venue and we’re literally five feet from Robin who immediately launches into an awesome one hour set.
He talks about the cancellation of the show and tries out what describes as “new” material. What an amazing night, great memories
19.00 wow I remember the old tv guide... Carol Burnett Show, Family,PTL CLUB,Get Smart ...movies from 1800's
I lived in Boulder when Mork & Mindy was a thing. Believe it or not, even though the show wasn't filmed in Boulder, I was witness to Robin Williams being in Boulder quite a bit. I was a busker and performed most days in front of The New York Deli, a real deli that was on Pearl Street for many years, and was the deli that, in the show, Mork's two New Yorker friends owned.. One day Robin was walking down the street and watched me perform. I mostly sang John Denver songs at that time. Robin gave me a hundred dollar bill and said "You are why I love Colorado." and, before I could get my wits to actually say anything, he was gone. I love Robin and just about everything he did while performing. I, like Robin, went through a period of addiction and I am now a Social Worker working with addiction. I can actually say that he had a HUGE impact on my life and I will always remember him for being on Happy Days when he was.
Lovely story ❤
Pearl Street is a great place to see street performers, and my job has sent me to Boulder many times. One co-worker can't stop talking about the zip code guy--you tell him your zip code, and he'll tell you where that's located, place you on an outline map of the US, and have a whole arc to his act. Musicians, acrobats, and others, too.
That is an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it.
It's a shame that he probably wasn't able to appreciate how he positively impacted people.
Lots of good stories from whenever Robin Williams was in town, like when he was working in Vancouver, about him mountain biking up in the North shore
Letterman talking about seeing Robin Williams for the first time sounds like every guitar player in the 60's talking about seeing Jimi Hendrix.
Ha ha nice analogy.
Though perhaps Richard Pryor could be used just as fittingly in the analogy? I don’t mean because of skin tone, but being something radically new and exciting.
I can still remember the first time I saw Mork and Mindy. Almost 50 years ago now. Wow.
There is a great story about how when Hendrix arrived in London and he got a gig at a small club. The word got out about this amazing talent and quite by accident the entire rock royalty of the day happened to descend simultaneously on the club. All of them were unanimous in saying Jimmi was the best musician in the room
Watching this reminder of the greatness of Robin my first thought was of Hendrix. Genius is Genius.
The editing on this is great. To perfectly tell the story from dozens of interviews seamlessly is hard and they nailed it.
Thanks!
No offense the audio track is off.
No offense taken. The audio is from various audio sources (podcasts, audiobooks etc) I layered them onto period video of the speakers.
the volume needs to be a bit louder though
Agreed 👍🏻
The Richard Lewis casting story shows why that man is not only a legendary comedian, but a legendary person in general.
A Mensch
There's a great book I just finished called: "I'm Dying Up Here" all about the early days of the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. The Richard Lewis / Robin WIlliams audition is talked about in it. I did not know David Letterman grew up at the Comedy Store, always thought he started in local TV and kept going in TV... but he actually did the stand up thing for a bit until he could become a writer for TV. It's a really great book... highly suggested.
Can confirm. Great book.
@@tvsbesteps Hey BestEps: Do my comments get erased on your end? Cause they do on mine. (I was the one who suggested the book "I'm Dying Up Here". Seems like all my comments get erased.
No I can still see your comment
I had a dream that I wrote 15 killer jokes for Robin Williams and he laughed and laughed and laughed and said;" That'll take care of the first minute!..... What else you got?😅😅
I knew Robin Williams started on Happy Days but had ZERO idea he was THAT big a hit. That must have been the best time of his life - to go from nothing to something overnight. I wish I was alive at the time to be part of it on some level. I miss the old days of television.
I was and it was something to behold! Pretty soon there was Mork and Mindy merch EVERYWHERE and books and magazines and other shows hired actors who could do voices and such he really took off!!
I watched Happy Days religiously. Fonzie was my hero. I was 10 years old when the Mork episode aired. It was incredible. The duel between Fonzie and Mork was one of the greatest things ever!!
How did I not know that Mork’s costume was originally Colonel Green’s uniform on Star Trek? You have educated me sir.
🖖🏻
Once the show went into production, they probably ran off a bunch of custom-made suits to have on hand.
That fact blew me away too!
We miss you Robin. You brought so much joy into so many peoples lives. Your star burned fast and bright.We were lucky to have had the honour to see you perform. Where ever you are I hope you realize how much you were loved. You hold a special place in all of are hearts.Thank you you crazy mad man.
Miss Him ... YES we do ... Lucky and Honored ??? YES we were ... Loved Him ??? From the bottom of our hearts ... Bright career ??? YES it was ... but a fast career ??? ... he entertained us for almost 40 years ... not what I would call a "fast career" ....
These guys talk about Robin Williams the way Clapton, Beck, and the great guitarists of that time talk about Hendrix
I was 10 when Robin was on Happy Days, I remember what an overnight sensation he was. And then Mork & Mindy was the hot new thing for the next few years. Even to this day my mom still says "nanoo-nanoo" lol. What a remarkable career he went on to have. If you see enough of his stand-up, movies, interviews etc., I think you get a real sense of what a kind, intelligent, empathetic, creative person he was.
I call people "nim knows" to this day!
Robin Williams was a person who spread joy to millions. ❤
billions
and stole everyone else’s jokes
Robin Williams spread so much joy and laughter to everyone, but sadly never held any for himself. He will be missed, but his genius and work will live on forever ❤
Don’t talk like you knew the man. Of course he had joy in his life.
Robin called it luck, but he had been working on his craft day in day out and took every opportunity to add and create. And after he got the opportunity he kept giving it more and more into a series. Spin offs don’t usually work. Many other actors had the chance to play that role and turned it down. He won the lottery for being such a talent.
He made his own luck.
For the vast majority of famous actors their fame is due to luck. Maybe it was the whim of a casting director who chose them for a career making role, but over 50 other options. Maybe it was the luck of being born to a family in the business, or some other lucky turn.
However, I am convinced that Robin Williams was destined to be a star. If not for Happy Days it would have happened some other way. He was both one of the funniest comedians and also one of the greatest actors ever.
I remember I was in the 3rd or 4th grade when that episode aired. Boy, Fonz vs Mork the alien was the only thing kids were talking about in the schoolyard for weeks!!!! That episode had some scary elements too (for a kid). The series was great (until it jumped the shark like everything else) but Robin Williams remained a artistic genius. Dead Poets Society is my favorite film of his.
It was a contest to see who could imitate him best on the playground. We little kids were such fans, one of my classmates had a tape recorder. He would hold it up to the speaker of His family TV, and then bring the tape to school for us to re-live and laugh at it. I think the teacher allowed it, too. We were nutz for Happy Days and then Mork n Mindy!
LOL Happy Days was the whole reason we have the phrase "jumped the shark"
Robin Williams as Mork is one of my favourite characters ever. I religious watched Mork and Mindy every week.
So did I - I loved Robin Williams and just fell in love with him on this series of "Mork and Mindy."
M2
Those Marshall's just DOMINATED TV that week; I had no idea this episode was a surprise close 2nd to Laverne & Shirley
You brought the magic of Robin Williams to my day. Thank you.
This little documentary "teared" me up big time. Best Father's Day gift ever... from out of space! Why? Cause I was there, in front of the boob-tube too! Like everybody else trying to escape our struggling mondane lives. Grew up watching black and white tube-television. Thank you to the Marshalls, Ron Howard, and Robin Williams... for the fun, the laughter, the tears... I grew up a year later and started my own family. Thanks for the memories.
I felt that brother ❤
Mork was such a beloved character. So wonderful to see the beginning. Robin is greatly missed.
So cool how Richard Lewis vouched for Robin Williams in the audition.
RIP Robin we all miss you!
Mork was like the great gazoo on the Flintstones.
literally one of the most brilliant shooting stars we got to see weekly then daily.....one of the rarest we will ever know
This was insanely well done. I loved this so much, it made me watch Happy Days for the first time.
Great! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the video, really well done, great storytelling. Without a doubt, Robin Williams was and still is and will always be much-beloved.
Thank you!
@@tvsbesteps Thank you! We all know this story, we all know that first episode with Robin WIlliams, we all loved Mork and Mindy, but I've never heard the story told like this before: best retelling ever, so yes, thank you ;-0) [I got to play an alien from space for a kids touring theatre one time and I definitely channelled a bit of the maestro RW.]
This was an absolute pleasure to watch. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was 11 when this episode came out, we didn't have VCRs at the time so myself and my step brother both recorded the episode on to cassette tape. We played those tapes over and over again. We knew it was something special at the time. Because of star wars it seemed like every show at the time was attempting some kind of space themed episode. So it can be like, "here we go again." Its amazing they found Robin Williams for this episode.
I used to do this too!
So you’re saying that Star Wars is technically responsible for giving the world Robin Williams? Amazing!
A dad taking an idea from his 8 year old boy to work is.
@@curtisbme Who was inspired by Star Wars, 1:02.
@@JoseyWales44s Buck Rogers and Hidden Fortress then if you want to keep going back.. ;)
@@curtisbme Well, it all started with the Big Bang..... Is that the road you are going down? I was just limiting my reply to what was actually said in the video.
@@JoseyWales44s Sure it was mentioned but isn't the abnormal part of how it happened. Star Wars was huge with everyone in the TV/Movie industry chasing it but it made no sense to put that into a 1950's set TV show with no sci-fi aspects, which is why no adult did it. The out of the norm thing is that an adult took a nonsense recommendation from an 8 year old seriously enough to make them write an weird ass episode that somehow worked.
Congratulations on this episode. Very well put together.
Tears of a Clown.
All these veteran actors spoke in awe of Robin Williams
I miss Robin Williams every single day..... EVERY single day.
I never knew Mork started on Happy Days. This is an awesome video.
THIS EPISODE MADE A GROWN MAN CRY!!! MISS ROBIN EVEN THOUGH I NEVER KNEW THE MAN😢
I saw Robin Williams in a pilot before he was in Happy Days. He played a college student who made alcohol out of pencil shavings, and he got drunk from the alcohol. His only line was, "Don't worry about me!"
Yes “Sorority 62” aired the week before he taped his Happy Days spot. It is on YT.
We the fans of Robin Williams have to give credit to late great comedian/actor, Richard Lewis, who recently passed away giving us talent of Robin Williams. Plus, Garry's son, Scott with the idea of an alien on Happy Days.
boy, could we really use a robin williams, these days, he became the master of comedy, even the funniest of comedians couldnt touch his level humour, you would hold you stomach because you were laughing so hard, with tears streaming from your eyes, then turn around and actually make you cry from something we could all relate too. he was greatness none grata ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Dear Robin. We are all so blessed to have watched you on Happy Days and all your wonderful comedy throughout our career. Many thanks for the best in humour.
Great piece. Not surprising the cast and crew all knew they were witnessing greatness.
Excellent video. I host a Happy Days podcast, and there's stuff in here even I didn't know. Wow!
Thanks!! Put a link!
What a beautifully told story. A Lost treasure.
Glad you enjoyed it
This brought back a great memory of my late father being so excited after seeing RW's HappyDay's episode. Thank You.
Glad you enjoyed it
This is so well put together. Just have to say thanks, this was a really special experience
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fisher King is my favorite movie with Robin Williams. It showcases his true acting talent/spirit.
“What Dreams May Come” felt like from he’s heart.
Thank you for a special presentation.
...and thank you for all the joy, Robin. RIP.
Thank YOU for watching.
This story made me cry just thinking about the wonderful Robin Williams and imagining how this all went down and wishing I could have been in the live audience that got to experience that.
The greatest actor and entertainer ever? For me YES indeed, RIP RW. Thankyou Best Eps for this stroll down memory lane.
The bit about creating the names based on what people will then call their pets is an eye opener and exactly what happened to the cats in my home.
This when Tv was great I always want a years later were mork revisited the Happy Days gang. TV now has very little to offer maybe these great actors put their heart and soul into the shows.
Fantastic production with this history of Robin Williams! Would love to have heard from Pam Dawber and her time with Robin!
Thank you!! I had a clip but it was getting really long and since it was more about Happy Days than M&M I snipped it.
Nannu nannu and shazbot became part of the English language for awhile. Actually I think some people might still say shazbot 😅
I use nanu, nanu together with blah, blah, blah or yada, yada 😅
Thanks for this, I remember this watching this being a fan of Happy Days when I was 8 or 9. So happy Robin Williams lived in my lifetime. He was truly Unique, and broke the mold.
This is just beautiful. Thanks for putting this together. What a great homage to such a unique talent.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was too young for Happy Days and only vaguely remember the Fonz being cool because my uncle was into motorcycles. I do remember Mork n Mindy and obviously Robin's later stuff. However, I never knew how the origin story of Robin Williams, the actor. He was so prolific that I just sort of thought he was always there, began famous.
This is how you make a video no loud intro no music playing while people are talking absolute perfection I like how you show the face of people talking I can't believe it's been 10 years since he passed
It was adorable how it all happened. EVERYONE loved this.
Great video. I would have loved to meet him. We miss him dearly.
I was looking for something uplifting today and this video was spot-on perfect. Thank you.
Great!
No one can every replace the unique Robin Williams.
One of the best stories I've ever heard, and in their own words. Great work. Thanks.
Liked/subbed.
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you, Scott Marshall, for making it all possible with your alien idea. Robin made Mork the most endearing and lovable character---need I say hilarious...
This is a great idea for a UA-cam channel. The “My Favorite Orkan” episode of “Happy Days” is classic television.
The funniest, no, craziest Mork and Mindy that I can remember was when Robbins longtime, lifelong hero, Jonathan Winters was on.
Those two together tore up the scripts and used their own.
I laughed so hard I nearly passed out.
One of my favorites was those two on the Johnny Carson's show.
@@graybeard2113 agreed
Robin Williams defines what it means to be One of a kind. RIP
I remember, in grade school our " water cooler" (IDK, " playground" talk?! Lol) was that episode.
I remember, at one point Richie tells him to have a seat and he sat on a chair...head first and the studio audience lost it!
That to me, was the moment when Robin Williams became a comedy legend and EVERYONE knew who he was forever! :)
I am crying.. are you crying?? I really miss his Genius. I hope he is making others laugh wherever he is !. Thanks for this interesting amazing story!
funny thing.. I had two kittens that I named Mork and Mindy LOL.
I maybe 9 months late watching this but it was so well done and explained how Robin Williams went from club performer to household name. Thanks so much. RIP Robin
This is a happy history. Why do I feel like crying? :(
Because Robin Williams deleted himself
Because the world used to have hope
Good people used to be held in highest team
They don't make actors like Henry Winkler and Ron Howard anymore
Today's actors thrive on narcissism and they would've never create space for somebody more talented than themselves like a Robin Williams
Two reasons. #1 The reality that fame is a lonely place. #2 Our Robin is gone, and we didn't see it coming.
👍🏻
Great episode, watching it as a child in grade school was awesome.
Some of your videos are history gold. Robin is one of those people I remember from the night he blew up on Happy Days. A favorite from the beginning and amazing to watch the career he had with stand up, tv and movies.
Thanks so much!
thank you for this. born in 79, this is fascinating
Thanks!
Check out Robin Williams in "Good Morning Vietnam" Most of his script in that movie was adlib. Such talent!
The insane amount of work this took amazes me, compiling all of these, editing it into a through line, finding the appropriate and specific broll, really impressed with this.
Thanks very much! That means a lot to me.
Wonderful to get the origin story of Mork. Our whole family sat around and watched every single episode.
Thank you for sharing this bit of TV history with us. Excellent presentation of the rise of Robin Williams.
Thank you for watching!
I had heard the "Garry Marshall's son wanted an alien" story before, but getting to hear about the creating of the script and trying to find the right actor to play Mork was fascinating. Very well done!!
I’ve watched two episodes and this channel has the best and freshest content, I’ve seen in a long long time. 3 Thumbs Up 👍🏼👍🏼 👍🏼
Wow, thanks!
And his dramatic roles were just as breathtaking❤🙏
That was GREAT!!!! Thank you for putting that all together!
Glad you enjoyed it!
A treat to see Robin Williams' beginnings. I didn't realize (or forgot) that Mork made his first appearance on Happy Days. Still miss Robin.
Oh man, that was an emotional roller-coaster. I didn't realize Robin was on Happy Days first and always wondered how they tied Mork into the show. Having him as Fonzie's dream was a bit of a stretch but holy moly I'm glad they went with it. I dare say Robin would've been a star anyway, especially as he was already turning heads.
It's so wonderful that he got the platform and recognition that he deserved. Words can't descibe how much of a wonderful person he was and how much he's missed.
Very well done. Miss Robin
Met Robin Williams when he did a show at my venue about 5 months before he died. Extremely humble and quiet, like it says in this video.
As soon as he went on stage he exploded. It was amazing to watch
Great content! I watched 2 and can’t wait for more!
More to come! Thanks for the comment!
The candle that burned twice as bright.
Thank you for bringing light into our lives, Robbin.
I'm watching this in a bar and it made me cry tears of joy. Weird I know, but true. I'm not even an emotional person. What a talent.
i was expecting one of those long winded AI voices. this is how all documentaries should be. awesome job!
That’s incredibly nice to say. Thanks!
Man, how he edited the clips to get the voices in so the ENTIRE story is told by the people who were there, WITHOUT a narrator, really highlights how bad and common the ai narration is these days.
The serendipitous trail of breadcrumbs is amazing! From Garry Marshall's kid not watching Happy Days because he wanted sci-fi, to the space man episode, to no one wanting it, to finding Robin Williams who was only a street performer, to an illustrious career. I remember Happy Days being popular, I rarely watched it. I did watch Mork and Mindy a lot though. I did lose interest in it after maybe 2 seasons, though did watch some of the Jonathan Winters episodes.
Robin Williams: the greatest ad for coke ever made.
Dude that's harsh
Miss Robin Williams so much. He brought so much laughter and joy
Great video of info and fun. Robin Williams was a genius and a gift.!!!
Couldn't agree more!
Well done. Enjoyed this immensely.
Glad you enjoyed it
You deserve 10 times the subs. Excellent research and presentation. A lot better than half the current similar junk channels. Keep it up. Don't get tempted to march out the CLICK BAIT titles like the afore mentioned Junkers. Continue to build it. And they will come, 😁😁👍👍🙏🙏
Thanks!
I really enjoyed this video! I'm glad it'd here on UA-cam and hope it gains a lot of attention in the years to come.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Robin Williams was like a kinetic force of nature... that happened to have really good stand up material.
What a stellar work of art you've made with this video. Thank you for all the hard work.
Thanks very much!
1:44 wow. What an awesome dad. He not only asked his kid something, but also listened to what he said and cared enough about including the kids in his work to act on the idea, thereby giving validation to the child, their ideas, and the entire interaction.
I don't know why the algorithm is only now suggesting this to me. I feel a little cheated out of not getting to see this when it came out. One of the best documentaries I have seen in ages. It has a little of the feel of The Kid Stays in the Picture.
High praise thank you!
So blessed to have witnessed it all as a young adult , Robin Williams was pure genius.