- Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal remember their friend Robin Williams during the Kennedy Center Honors event.
- Williams, Crystal, and Goldberg had a special friendship and collaborated on various projects over the years.
- Williams’ death in 2014 deeply affected both Crystal and Goldberg, who continue to honor his memory.
At the recent Kennedy Center Honors event, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal shared emotional memories of their friend Robin Williams, who passed away in 2014. The three of them had a long-lasting friendship and worked together on numerous projects over the years.
Goldberg, while giving a speech honoring Crystal, became emotional when talking about Williams’ absence. She said, “I want to acknowledge the person who should also be standing here with me is our brother Robin.” Crystal also showed his emotions during the tribute, and before the event, he spoke about his friend, saying, “I’m really feeling I’m missing my friend Robin tonight, very much so, because of all of what we did together.”
The trio’s friendship dates back decades, and they co-hosted several telethons for Comic Relief, a non-profit organization that raises money for those in need. They were involved in the organization’s events throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and in 2006, they joined forces for a live comedy event to support Hurricane Katrina victims. Crystal and Williams also collaborated on various scripted projects, including Father’s Day, Deconstructing Harry, and Hamlet, as well as appearing in an episode of the popular sitcom Friends.
Williams tragically died by suicide in 2014 at the age of 63. After his death, it was revealed that he had been struggling with depression, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy Body Dementia. Crystal and Goldberg both delivered heartfelt speeches during Williams’ funeral, and they continue to honor his memory by speaking about their cherished friend and the lasting impact he had on their lives and careers.