Norm Macdonald Delivered the Ultimate Twitter Tribute to Robin Williams
In the minutes and hours after news of Robin Williams’ suicide broke, hundreds of comedians and actors took to Twitter to offer their remembrances of the man. Many struggled to find a way to sum up their friend and colleague’s genius in 140 characters, with longtime collaborator Billy Crystal merely writing “No words”:
No words.
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) August 12, 2014
But one of Williams’ greatest admirers decided to use the social media medium to go long, telling the story of his first meeting with “the funniest man in the world” one sentence at a time. Comedian Norm Macdonald’s tribute sums up everything that made Williams so special comedically, as well as the sadness so many feel in the wake of his loss.
It was my first stand-up appearance on Letterman and I had to follow the funniest man in the world. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
I was a punk kid from rural Ontario and I was in my dressing room, terrified. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
I was on the phone to a friend back home when the funniest man in the world ambled by. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
There was no one else on the floor. In shock, I told my friend who just walked by. Only the funniest man in the world. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
I guess he heard me say his name, cause in an instant he was at my side. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
He was a jewish tailor, taking my measurements. He went down on his knees, asked which way I dressed. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
I told my friend on the phone that the funniest man in the world was on his knees before me, measuring my inseam. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
My friend didn't believe me so I said, "Could you talk to my friend, sir. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
The funniest man in the world took the phone and for ten minutes took my friend's chinese food order. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
I laughed and laughed and it was like I was in a dream because no one else was there. No one. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
The place was out of Moo Shoo Pork, and there was nothing he could do about it. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
He angrily hung up on my friend and I was about to thank him when he said I hadn't even tried the jacket on. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
Then the funniest man on earth dressed me, a complete stranger, and i remember he ended with a windsor knot. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
He spoke mostly yiddish, but when he finished he was happy with his job and turned me to a mirror to present myself to me.#RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
No one witnessed any of this. No one. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
The funniest man alive was in my dressing room a good half-hour and was far funnier than the set I had to do soon.#RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
ll of a sudden it was, had to. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
When he left my dressing room, I felt alone. As alone as I ever remember feeling. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
Until today. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
Unacceptable. #RIPRobinWilliams—
Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014
[Photo via screengrab]
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