“You’re just hurting yourself”: Robin Williams Left Director Concerned While Filming $72M With Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man Co-Star That Landed Him an Oscar Nomination

Robin Williams is indeed a terrific actor, who cemented himself in the film industry with his phenomenal performance and notable humor. However, even the best of the best can at times push their limits a little too far for others to fathom. Evidently, Williams almost made the director of his 1991 film concerned over his splendid talent exhibit.

Robin Williams

During an interview with Vulture, filmmaker Terry Gilliam discussed The Fisher King, featuring Robin Williams as a homeless man with a brutal past and a wrecked-up life. Explaining what went into the 1991 film, Gilliam shared the challenges of filming and Williams’ madness that brought out a riveting scene.

Robin Williams Pushed His Limits In The Fisher King

Although veteran actor Robin Williams is famously known for his roles in Jumanji and Good Will Hunting, the actor also delivered a phenomenal performance in Terry Gilliam’s 1991 masterpiece, The Fisher King. Appearing as a central character to the film’s brilliance, Williams understood the assignment of balancing between darkness and heartfelt comedy, as mentioned by Gilliam.

The Fisher King (1991)

Playing the role of Parry, a crusading homeless person whose life turned upside down, following the trauma of witnessing his wife’s brutal murder, Robin Williams delivered an exceptional work of art, in his quest for the Holy Grail. Appearing in Terry Gilliam’s unique project, Williams set new benchmarks in his career, as he went a little too far with his acting.

Williams in The Fisher King

Pushing his limits more than needed, the late actor landed an Oscar nomination for his role in Gilliam’s masterpiece, alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man co-star. However, although his dedication turned out to be beneficial for him, it indeed scared the life out of Gilliam. Unaware of the actor’s otherworldly dedication, the filmmaker revealed being concerned for Williams.

Robin Williams’ Dedication Left Terry Gilliam Concerned 

Appearing for an interview with Vulture in 2014, Terry Gilliam reflected upon the terrifying incident while filming The Fisher King. Remembering the late actor for his work, Gilliam discussed the challenges of filming. That’s when the director recalled the particular scene that concerned him for Williams.

Robin Williams pushed his limits for The Fisher King

“It was very hard from an acting point of view because Robin was tearing his guts out emotionally. The interesting thing about Robin in all of those scenes was that he always wanted to do another take. He felt he had even more anguish and pain to spill out of the character. And I had to really stop him.”

Revealing how he had to intervene, Terry Gilliam mentioned, “I had to say, ‘Robin, you’ve reached a point here, way beyond what we expected. We’ve got what we needed. Now you’re just hurting yourself.’” Gilliam further revealed Robin Williams’ madness for his stagecraft almost made him unapproachable for the crew.

Terry Gilliam was concerned for Williams

“He would commit everything and more to what he had to do. That’s also why I think his character in “The Fisher King” is in many ways the closest one to Robin, just that range — the madness, the damage, the pain, the sweetness, the outrageousness.”

In the end,  it was bittersweet to watch Robin Williams in the film bringing his character to peace and helping him conquer his demons after suffering from mental issues and trauma.