Robin Williams Tribute

Genie from Aladdin

Episode 9 — Robin Williams Tribute

Trenton Larkin: Voiceover is everywhere and you hear it every day from radio… “number one for new country 96.3 Hawkeye in the morning”…to TV… “My name is, Lady Whistledown, You do not know me, but I know you”…to movies… “My name is Optimus Prime, Autobots, roll out”…to animation… “I am vengeance, I am the knight, I am Batman”,…and so much more… “Ba da ba ba ba I’m lovin’ it”…Welcome to episode nine.

Announcer: Welcome to Who Did That Voice The show where we take an in-depth look at the world of voiceover including movies, TV, animation, and more. And now here’s your host, Trenton Larkin.

Trenton Larkin: Hello everyone and welcome to today’s tribute episode featuring the late and great Robin Williams. Today’s episode is especially dear to my heart as Robin Williams has always been one of my absolute favorite actors of all time. Robin was born on July 21 1951 in Chicago, Illinois, to father Robert Fitzgerald Williams and to mother Laura McLaren. While doing my research for this tribute episode, I came across a video interview from a 1984 show called Superstars and their Moms. Robin and his mom are talking about him growing up his acting and life in general. At one point Robin is asked to share his thoughts about his mother. And this is what he had to say.

Robin Williams: She’s wonderful. No, no, my mom is more than just my mum means she’s a friend now which is wonderful. It’s nice to be able to you know I guess at a certain point when you’re growing up your mum’s like, Oh, it’s wonderful someone you can play with. It’s almost like someone you can improvise with and play she’s fun.

Robin Williams Mom: Thanks son I love ya.

Trenton Larkin: I found this clip to be very heartwarming and felt that I should share it with all of you. I love how much you can tell he genuinely loves and cares for his mom. Robin was an American actor and comedian and got his start as a stand up comedian in San Francisco and in Los Angeles in the mid 1970s. Did you know that Robin Williams is credited with leading San Francisco’s comedy Renaissance. Robin’s career first started taking off when he portrayed an alien called Mork, M O R K. In the TV sci-fi sitcom called Mork and Mindy.

Robin Williams: Mindy?

Pam Dawber: What?

Robin Williams: I’d like to kiss my pal.

Pam Dawber: Sure.

Robin Williams: Pulse, rapid heartbeat, temperature rising. I get it.

Pam Dawber: What did you get?

Robin Williams: I think I know what made those car windows steam up at the drive-in.

Trenton Larkin: That clip gets me every time. I’m going to show you another clip from Mork and Mindy. And this is one where the episode was actually called Mork and Mindy meet Robin Williams. And so Mork and Mindy are listening to Robin Williams tell the story of how he became an actor. And I thought I’d include the clip it’s pretty funny.

Robin Williams: Actually, I became a performer by accident. See my dad used to have this job, were he had to move around a lot and sometimes he’d leave the forwarding address.

Pam Dawber: He didn’t do that.

Robin Williams: No you’re right I was kidding. Actually he’d pack me in the crates with the dishes. Anyway it was always being like the new kid in the neighborhood. And well since I was suffering from a case of the terminal shy, I couldn’t make friends that easily. I always spent a lot of time in my room and I created my own little world full of all these little characters that had strange, unusual qualities. After a while I realized that what people found these characters kind of funny and outrageous. And then I got to the point where I realized that the characters could say and do things that I was afraid to do myself. And after a little while, here I am.

TV Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Robin Williams.

Robin Williams: We’re on, Take care. Wish me luck, Bonne-chance, Adieu.

Trenton Larkin: Robbins first starring role in a feature film was when he played the ever popular cartoon character Popeye in the live action 1980 film Popeye.

Popeye: What am I some kind of judge or lawyers, maybe not, but I, knows what law suits me. Careful there don’t ruffle me feathers. What am I? I ain’t no physicist, but I knows what matters. What am I, I’m Popeye the Sailor.

Trenton Larkin: Robin was a man who was known for his fast paced, improvisational performance style and for his performances in films like Aladdin where he voiced Genie one of my all time favorite Disney animated films. The clip I’m about to play for you always got me as a kid and it still does to this very day.

Aladdin: Genie, I wish for your freedom.

Genie: One bonafide prince pedigree coming up. Ah…what?

Aladdin: Genie, you’re free.

Genie: I’m free, I’m free, quick, quick, wish for something outrageous. Say, I, I want the Nile, wish for the Nile, Try that.

Aladdin: I wish for the Nile.

Genie: No way, oh does that feel good. Oh, I’m free, I’m free at last. I’m hitting the road. I’m off to see the world, I’m…

Aladdin: Genie I’m, I’m…gonna miss you.

Genie: Me too Al. No matter what anybody says. You’ll always be a prince to me.

Trenton Larkin: Another great film that I loved growing up with was Hook. It was a film my dad absolutely loved and we both shared the passion for that as I grew up, you know, it was an awesome action packed movie that taught me that just because I grow up, it doesn’t mean I can’t still be a kid at heart who believes in magic, fairies and that he can fly. Here’s a clip.

Peter Pan: What do you want old man?

Captain Hook: Just you.

Peter Pan: You’ve got me, James Hook. Pan the Avenger is back.

Captain Hook: And the Hook is waiting, Peter Pan.

Peter Pan: Put up your swords boys, its Hook and me this time.

Captain Hook: Prepare to die, Peter.

Peter Pan: Too die would be a great adventure.

Captain Hook: Death is the only adventure you have left.

Trenton Larkin: Next up, it’s Mrs. Doubtfire. This film is just downright funny, unique and hands down a must see if you haven’t already seen it. And even if you have why don’t you go ahead and treat yourself to a bucket of laughs.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Let’s go in for the kill.

Miranda: Hello.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Hello. I’m calling in regards to the ad I read in the paper.

Miranda: Yes. Well would you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Mrs. Doubtfire: Oh, certainly dear. For the past 15 years, I have worked for the Smithe family of Elbourne England thats Smithe, not Smith dear. And for them, I did house cleaning, cooking and took care of their four glorious children. Oh, I grew quite attached to them after 15 years, but they grew up as children tend to do. Oh, but listen to me. I’m going on when you should be telling me about your little ones.

Miranda: I have two girls.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Oh, two precious gems. No doubt the jewel of your eye.

Miranda: And one boy.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Oh, the Little Prince. How wonderful.

Miranda: I must tell you there would be a little light cooking required.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Oh I don’t mind that dear. I’d love some heavy cooking. But I do have one rule. They’ll only eat good nutritious food with me. And if there’s any dispute about that it’s either good wholesome food or empty tummies. That’s my rule. I hope it’s not too harsh for you, dear.

Miranda: No, um…would you mind coming on an interview say, Monday night at 7:30.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Oh, I’d love to dear.

Miranda: Wonderful, I’m at 2640 Steiner St.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Steiner. Oh, how lovely.

Miranda: Could you tell me your name?

Mrs. Doubtfire: My name? I thought I gave it to you, dear.

Miranda: No.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Oh,…Doubtfire.

Miranda: I beg your pardon.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Doubtfire dear. Mrs. Doubtfire.

Miranda: Well, I look forward to meeting you.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Oh, lovely dear me too.

Miranda: Bye bye.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Tata…Showtime.

Trenton Larkin: Next up, its Good Morning, Vietnam. It’s just another amazing film and words can’t describe it. It’s a barrel laughs and let the clip speak for itself.

Robin Williams: Goood Moring, Vietnam. Hey, this is not a test. This is rock and roll time to rocket from the delta to the DMZ is that me or does that sound like an Elvis Presley movie? Viva Da Nang. Oh vevo denying me denying me why don’t they get a rope and hang me. Hey, is it a little too early for being that loud. Hey, too late. It’s Oh 600 What’s the O stand for? Oh my god, it’s early. Speaking of early How about that cro-magnon Marty Drywood Thank you Marty. For silky smooth sound make me sound like Peggy Lee.

Trenton Larkin: Next up we’re talking about Jumanji, this movie was a pinnacle of my young life and it left its mark.

Robin Williams: What year is it?

Policeman: Ah, it was brand new.

Robin Williams: No, what year is it?

Kirsten Dunst: Ah, 1995 remember?

Robin Williams: 95

Policeman: You got some ID? Oh, let me guess you probably left it in the other Tarzan outfit right?

Robin Williams: 26 years.

Policeman: Are you from around here?

Robin Williams: I was. But I’ve been in Jumanji?…Sarah?

Sarah Whittle: No, I, I don’t go by that name anymore.

Robin Williams: Sarah whittle?

Sarah Whittle: What do you want?

Robin Williams: 26 years ago you played a game with a little boy down the street. A game with drums.

Sarah Whittle: How do you know that?

Robin Williams: I was that little boy Sarah.

Sarah Whittle: Allen?

Trenton Larkin: Next up, we’re talking about the film that won an Academy Award for Robin Williams the Dead Poets Society. This film helps open your mind’s eye to thinking outside of the box.

Robin Williams: Come on Mr. Overstreet you twerp. Mr. Anderson are you a man or an Amoeba language was developed for one endeavor and that is…

Student: To communicate?

Robin Williams: No, to woo women Mr. Keating.

Trenton Larkin: I hope you guys are up for a field trip because we’re headed to the museum for Night at the Museum. This is just a good family fun film for everyone full of laughs adventure and unforeseen outcomes.

Theodore Roosevelt: Someone call my name. Theodore Roosevelt at your service.

Larry Daley: Teddy, can you get us out of here?

Theodore Roosevelt: Can’t do it man. This is your moment.

Larry Daley: Will you save the lectures please. I’m not you. Okay, I didn’t build the Panama Canal. I wasn’t president of the United States. I need some help. Come on.

Theodore Roosevelt: Actually. I never did any of those things. Teddy Roosevelt did. I was made in a mannequin factory in Poughkeepsie. I never shot a wild beast. I’m not even brave enough to tell that beautiful woman I love her. But you, you got to finish the job this time. You can’t quit. I’m made of wax Larry. What are you made of?

Trenton Larkin: I hope you’re ready for another adventure because now we’re heading off to the rain forest in Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, one of those animations that in my opinion was ahead of its time, inspirational, funny and had a great message.

Batty: Hello, I’m a nocturnal placental flying mammal. A member of the family of terodidi or terodidni to catch up, I’m a BAT? Yes, I am. And they used to call me Batty. Batty Koda. Nice to meet you, bonjour.

Elder: And where are you from?

Batty: I just flew in from a biology lab. I’m back and I’m flapping free. Let me tell you a story and it’s all about…Yo, the name is Batty the logic is erratic, potato in a jacket. Toys in the attic, I rock and I ramble my brain is scrambled, Rap like an animal but I’m a mammal. All of our cosmetics are non-carcinogenic. I been brain-fried, electrified, infected and injectified, vivosectified and fed pesticides. My face is all cut up cause my radars all shut up. Nurse I need a check-up from the neck up. I’m Batty. It seems to have no effect doctor. Get me another one, get me another animal. They used and abused me, battered and bruised me, red wires, green wires stuck em’ right through me. So here my Batty words and exercise a little prudence when dealing with humans.

Crysta: Humans.

Batty: Where. No, no, no, no, no, no, Lucy…

Crysta: No, no there are no humans.

Trenton Larkin: Next up, we’re talking about one of the films that really changed Robin’s career. It was Good Will Hunting. It’s a heartwarming story about how the selfless love of another can change a life forever. Here’s a clip.

Will Hunting: Do you still, uh, do you still cancel veterans?

Sean Maguire: No, I don’t.

Will Hunting: Why not?

Sean Maguire: Well, I gave it up when my wife got sick.

Will Hunting: You ever wonder what your life would be like if you uh, if you never met your wife?

Sean Maguire: Might wonder if I’d be better off without her?

Will Hunting: No, no, no, I’m not saying like…

Sean Maguire: No…

Will Hunting: I didn’t mean it like…

Sean Maguire: It’s all right. It’s an important question. Because you’ll have bad times, but that’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.

Trenton Larkin: Next up we’re talking about Flubber now this movie brings back some memories like how my dad took me to the premiere of the film before it even released to the general public. This movie has always been an absolute favorite of mine. Here’s a clip.

Professor Brainard: Ah, oh bless you. You have a cold. You should it’s 77 degrees Kelvin. It’s very cold. Let’s try and describe you. You’re an elastomer. But yet you can phase shift. Let’s see your moldable. A little ticklish. Your foldable, your gullible. Alright, let’s see. Oh, wait a minute. Okay. And you’re ductile. You’re elastic. Weebo?

Weebo: Yes.

Professor Brainard: Do you know what this is?

Weebo: Flying…rubber.

Professor Brainard: Yes, that’s what it is. It’s flying rubber. It’s Flubber.

Trenton Larkin: You know, I am a huge sci-fi fan and this film was something that I thought was very unique as a boy. Bicentennial Man came out it was a film that I latched on to as a boy of 14 and I love the future and I love robots and I love all things sci-fi, but this film really went to a place I had never imagined as a boy until I saw this movie. It’s a must see for each and every one of you especially if you’ve never seen it and it’s one of my all time favorite Robin Williams films. Hope you guys enjoy this clip.

Robot — Andrew: Are you ones family?

Sir Richard: I guess so.

Daughter: Would you please open the window?

Robot — Andrew: One is glad to be of use. Two cannibals were eating a clown one turns to the other and says does this taste funny to you? How do you make a hankie dance? Put a little boogie in it.

Trenton Larkin: And last but definitely not least is another sci-fi favorite of mine and an extremely unique and visually appealing film is, AI, artificial intelligence which if you haven’t seen is a must as well here’s a clip.

Dr. Know: Welcome to Dr. Know where fast food for thought is served up 24 hours a day in 14,000 locations nationwide. Ask Dr. Know there’s nothing I don’t.

David: Tell me where I can find the Blue Fairy?

Dr. Know: Question me you pay the fee two for five you get one free. Greetings colleagues on offer factual text of fictualized text first or third person usual literacy range from private, limited postdoctoral usual fairytale to religious. Who’s who or where’s where or flat fact?

Trenton Larkin: Now these are not all of Robin Williams works of course, but they are just some of the highlights of films that were really amazing for me as a kid and that touched my life growing up. Robin Williams has always made me laugh and still to this very day he still brings out the little kid in me when I think about Aladdin, Hook, Jumanji, Ferngully, Mrs. Doubtfire and so many other wonderful film shows, comedy acts and beyond. Sadly, we lost Robin Williams on August 11, 2014 when he took his own life. The laughter that he brought to me and to trillions of people around the world will never be forgotten, because his memory will live on forever in the amazing works he took part in. My tribute episodes are done to commemorate and honor those who have gone before us. I do these episodes so that their memories may live on forever and the joy they continue to bring us even after they are gone. I hope you guys enjoyed today’s special tribute episode to Robin Williams. And we’ll see you guys next week. Hey, everyone, and thanks so much for listening to today’s episode of Who Did That Voice. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please check us out online on all social media platforms at Who Did That Voice and on YouTube at whodidthatvoice24. Also remember to check out our website who did that voice.org. Again, that’s www.whodidthatvoice.org. Thank you to all my listeners out there. I just wanted to say if you want to partner with Who Did That Voice, just telling your friends and family about us is the best way to share the show with others and or leaving us a review on Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast from. The third and final way is by joining our patreon @patreon.com/whodidthatvoice.

Announcer: Thank you for joining us today. We’ll see you next time for more discoveries on Who Did That Voice.