Kumail Nanjiani Reveals Robin Williams Impressed Him To Transition From Comedy To Drama

Kumail Nanjiani says the late Robin Williams was considered one of his heroes in life.

The comic, who takes on a dramatic position “Welcome to Chippendales”, says he was impressed to take a darker route along with his new work due to the comedy legend.

“After I take a look at the people who impressed me to do comedy within the first place, somebody I consider rather a lot is Robin Williams,” defined Nanjiani on Wednesday’s episode of “The View”. “once I assume of people that began off as standup and ended up doing darkish dramatic roles, it’s very laborious to beat the extent that he achieved in all these totally different areas. And I used to be like ‘if my heroes are doing this I’ve to a minimum of attempt to observe of their footsteps.’”

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Williams was well-known for his comedic roles, voicing the Genie in “Aladdin”, the determined father in “Mrs. Doubtfire” and bringing audiences laughs in a wide range of ’90s comedies. Later in his profession, he additionally expanded his repertoire with extra severe roles like his award-winning position as Sean in “Good Will Looking”.

Nanjiani revealed that he really met Williams as soon as in actual life previous to his demise.

“Truly, my spouse and I used to do that present in LA at the back of this comedian ebook retailer, only a tiny little present. In the future I used to be internet hosting and I got here again stage and Robin Williams was standing there,” recalled the actor.

He was shocked by the sudden look and invited the legend to carry out on the stage.

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“I used to be like, ‘do you wish to go up on stage?’ and he stated ‘oh no, I can’t.’ ‘Are you certain?’ and earlier than I might end, he was like ‘I’ll simply do two minutes,’” stated Nanjiani. “He went on stage and did 20 minutes. It was superb. He did so nicely.”

Hulu’s “Welcome to Chippendales” premieres with two episodes on Nov. 22, with one new episode rolling out weekly by Jan. 3, 2023.