Robin Williams Comforted Steven Spielberg With Comedy During “Schindler’s List” Filming
Robin Williams, the legendary actor and comedian, was widely known for his explosive improvisational energy and unforgettable humor. While audiences adored his wild comedy and were deeply moved by his dramatic performances, few truly knew that Williams was also an extraordinarily compassionate and loyal friend.
A Rare Glimpse Into Robin Williams’ Kindness
In a recently resurfaced interview, Robin Williams revealed how he quietly supported his close friend Steven Spielberg during the filming of the emotionally devastating masterpiece “Schindler’s List.” Aware of the intense psychological toll the project was taking on the director, Williams made it his mission to bring moments of laughter during a profoundly dark time.
Rather than grand gestures, Williams chose something far more personal regular phone calls filled with spontaneous comedy.
Robin Williams’ Phone Calls Became Spielberg’s Lifeline
“So I would call him and just riff for him,” Williams explained in the interview, casually recreating the improvised characters and voices he used to lift Spielberg’s spirits.
Slipping into a Yiddish-inspired accent, Williams joked:
“Hello, Steven. I’m sending you some kosher email.”
The audience erupted in laughter as he continued,
“Steven, I’ve been on eBay and I changed it to oy vey.”
Behind the humor, however, Williams acknowledged the gravity of Spielberg’s work.
“It was a hideous, hideous thing,” Williams said, reflecting on the Holocaust subject matter.
“He had to keep going.”
Laughter as a Form of Survival
Williams understood that laughter wasn’t trivial it was necessary. His calls weren’t distractions, but emotional relief, helping Spielberg release the overwhelming weight of telling one of history’s most painful stories.
Even years after his death, moments like these continue to redefine Robin Williams’ legacy, revealing a man who used humor not just to entertain millions, but to support those closest to him.
Fans React to Williams’ Enduring Spirit
Viewers of the resurfaced clip flooded social media with heartfelt messages, remembering Williams not just as a performer, but as a deeply empathetic human being:
“A wonderful man who brought so much light.”
“Super sensitive soul sometimes we laugh just to keep going.”
“So much talent and love for others.”
Steven Spielberg Remembers Robin Williams’ Weekly Calls
According to USA Today, Spielberg later spoke openly about how much those phone calls meant to him. At the 25th anniversary screening of “Schindler’s List” at the Tribeca Film Festival, Spielberg shared that Williams called him once a week like clockwork.
“Robin would do 15 minutes of stand-up on the phone,” Spielberg recalled.
“I would laugh hysterically because I had to release so much.”
Spielberg added that Williams had a signature way of ending each call:
“He’d never say goodbye. He’d hang up on the biggest laugh.”
Celebrities Continue to Honor Robin Williams’ Humanity
Long after his passing, fellow actors continue to share stories of Williams’ generosity and kindness.
In a 2025 People magazine interview, Kirsten Dunst recalled working with Williams on “Jumanji”, saying he left a lasting impression through his grace and respect for everyone on set.
Similarly, Matthew Lawrence, who starred alongside Williams in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” described him as the most brilliant artist he had ever worked with but emphasized that it was Williams’ humility and compassion that truly set him apart.
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A Legacy Beyond Laughter
Robin Williams was more than a celebrated performer. He was a sensitive soul, someone who battled his own inner struggles while continuously showing up for others often through laughter.
By lifting Steven Spielberg during one of cinema’s darkest chapters, Williams reminded the world that kindness can exist even in the face of unimaginable sorrow and that sometimes, laughter is how we survive.