Late comedian Robin Williams was honored in New York on Wednesday (October 05) night with the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) Foundation Robin William Center.
The building will be a space for nurturing the over 40,000 actors in New York City. Williams’ long time friend, Billy Crystal, said it means a great deal to those in the industry.
“To have a place that is dedicated to helping people who are not working and people who need help and connection and mentoring and just a place to come and feel connected, that’s a fantastic thing. And that it has his spirit attached to it, which is a tremendous force, I think it’s a great thing that SAG has done,” said the comedian who worked with Williams both on and off screen.
Crystal remembered Williams as a ‘hugger’ and spoke of the warmth the building will bring to visitors.
“He was an incredibly talented man we know, but he was also a gentle spirit and nothing but sharing and kindness and I think that’s what people need when times get rough.”
On the red carpet, entertainer Whoopi Goldberg had fond memories of meeting Williams for the first time.
“He was at the Comedy Show in San Diego and we were just going in a playing and he walked in the room and wanted to play. It was like, really, he was like, yeah, so we did. And that’s 1980 maybe one. So he’s been part of my life a long time,” said Goldberg who worked with Williams on the charity Comic Relief.
The center, located in the theater district of Manhattan, has a 154 seat theater and will offer free educational classes to members.
Opening night was attended by Williams’ daughter Zelda and featured a celebration of the late comedian’s work, followed by a panel with Crystal, Goldberg, actors Hank Azaria and Bonnie Hunt and film maker Barry Levinson.
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2016
