An incredible Robin Williams scene has gone viral. While the clip has delighted audiences with its authenticity and near-perfect impression of the late comedian, his daughter is not so amused with the video.
Zelda is kindly asking people to stop sharing the scene with her.
Guys, I’m only saying this because I don’t think it’ll stop until I acknowledge it… please, stop sending me the ‘test footage’. I’ve seen it. Jamie is SUPER talented, this isn’t against him, but y’all spamming me an impression of my late Dad on one of his saddest days is weird.
— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) October 12, 2021
Actor Jamie Costa plays Robin Williams in a test scene for a project titled Robin.
In the scene, an actor playing Mork and Mindy co-star Pam Dawber tells Robin that his friend John Belushi passed away the night before.
Robin was one of the last people who saw Belushi alive at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont.
The impression is amazing, I’ve never seen someone capture Robin’s energy quite like this. There is talk of this show becoming a reality as a full series or movie.
Fan Reaction to Robin Williams Impression
Someone hire Jamie Costa right now to play Robin Williams. Make this bio pic. This is just amazing. pic.twitter.com/DSCcEargLC
— James LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) October 13, 2021
I hope Jamie Costa and his team get backing, studio support, whatever they need to make this b/c holy flashbacks, Batman, I swear he’s CHANNELLING Robin Williams. ? https://t.co/vgb0Yxhgnq
— smithbrainz (@smithbrainz) October 12, 2021
Some fans however are not fans of the impression.
1. Why is he playing him like Robin Williams was a child?
2. This is terrible to do, right? Am I off in thinking that this sucks to do? https://t.co/8UalD38sIk— Jesse, a giallo experience (@MuskTillDawn) October 14, 2021
really disturbed by the narrative around the robin williams biopic test footage being WE MUST HAVE THIS MOVIE IT MUST BE MADE
when I can’t find anything about how robins family feels about this, and his daughter has publicly said the footage makes her feel awful
people’s lives
— Calvin Wong Tze Loon 黃子倫 ?? (@ithayla) October 14, 2021
Zelda Williams Deserves Privacy And Respect
I don’t believe people are sharing it with malice or an intent to harm.
Robin Williams touched so many lives and seeing an amazing impression like this reminds me and others of his brilliance.
That being said, Zelda’s request is completely within bounds. Why would someone want to see a video of someone pretending to be their father receiving some of the worst news of his life?
Would you want to see a video of someone impersonating your parents while they receive news their friend died? I know I wouldn’t.
Heck, I wouldn’t even want to see anyone do an impression of my dad period. That would be weird enough.
Zelda doesn’t need to explain herself. Losing a parent to suicide is unimaginable. And seeing someone pretend to be them has to be painful.
On a personal level, Robin Williams’ death affected me a great deal. He is my comedic hero.
I watched his movies endlessly. Growing up my siblings and I had Mrs. Doubtfire and Hook on repeat. I can quote nearly every line of his.
His energy, improvisation, and timing made him the greatest comedic actor of all time.
To make this post a little happier, here is a clip of Robin’s outtakes from voicing the Genie in Aladdin.
Do you agree with Zelda Williams? Share your thoughts in the comments below.