WATCH: Robin Williams’ 5 Funniest Late Night Appearances

Matt WilsteinAug 12th, 2014, 12:49 pm

The sudden and tragic death of Robin Williams Monday prompted most fans to immediately start reminiscing about his iconic film roles. Or perhaps for an old audience, his work on television and stand-up comedy. But just as important for many viewers were his numerous late night appearances over the years, dating back to his debut on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1981.

Williams was that increasingly rare talk show guest who could show up and own the conversation from start to finish, barely letting the host get a word in edgewise. Like Martin Short, Dana Carvey and others, when Williams was on, the host needed only to sit back, relax and enjoy the show like the rest of us watching at home.

Below are five of Robin Williams’ most entertaining late night appearances over the last three and half decades.

Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, 1981

Williams made his Tonight Show debut in 1981 just as Mork and Mindy was about to enter its fourth season. He was just a manically creative sitting next to Johnny Carson as he’s always been, but with perhaps slightly less confidence and some more nerves. “Where is home for you, or did come from a home?” Carson asked him at one point.

Late Show with David Letterman, 1993

When David Letterman moved to CBS to host the Late Show, Williams appeared on his second episode. It was his first of 16 appearance on that show over 20 years (in addition to his four times on Letterman’s Late Night). In this clip, Williams told behind-the-scenes stories about his new hit film, Mrs. Doubtfire. “It’s kind of like Margaret Thatcher on steroids.”

Tonight Show with Jay Leno, 2006

Only Robin Williams could do an elaborate musical version of an African woman giving birth to Angelina Jolie’s adopted baby and emerge controversy-free.

Late Night with Conan O’Brien, 2007

Shortly before Conan O’Brien took over the Tonight Show, Williams made his sixth appearance on his Late Night show. The clear awe and reverence that O’Brien has for Williams is evident, making his moving tribute to the actor on last night’s Conan all the more touching.

Jimmy Kimme Live!, 2013

When Matt Damon hijacked Jimmy Kimmel Live! last January, he decided he needed some help delivering a late night monologue. So he called on his Good Will Hunting co-star to come over and give him a hand. And for a brief moment, we got a chance to see just how brilliant Williams’ stand-up could be on the late night stage.