Yesterday (July 21), on what would have been his 73rd birthday, fans from around the world took a moment to remember the beloved actor Robin Williams. Williams is known for being one of the most cherished actors of all time, with roles in movies like Good Will Hunting, Jumanji, Jack, and Mrs. Doubtfire that not only displayed his incredible acting range but also touched our hearts and made us laugh. It’s safe to say that there was nobody quite like Robin Williams.
Despite his ability to command high salaries for his roles, there was one particular role that Williams accepted for a much lower paycheck. The role was that of Genie in the Disney family movie Aladdin. Instead of his usual rate of $8 million, he agreed to a paycheck of just $75,000. Why would someone of Williams’ stature and earning potential accept such a low salary?
In a 1993 interview with New York Magazine, Williams revealed the touching reason behind his decision. He accepted the lower paycheck because he wanted to be part of the animation tradition and to “leave something wonderful behind” for his children. As a father of three, he saw the opportunity to be part of a beloved animated film as a way to create a lasting memory for his kids.
Not only did Williams accept a lower salary, but he also left Disney with an additional 30 hours of material for them to use. However, he did have one condition – he did not want his voice to be used as a marketing tool for Disney merchandise. In his own words, he said, “I don’t want to sell stuff.” This stipulation showcased Williams’ genuine intention to be part of the film for the joy of creating something special rather than for financial gain.
Despite his initial agreement, Williams chose not to return for the 1994 sequel of Aladdin. The reason behind this decision was that Disney had used his voice to sell merchandise for the movie in advertisements, something he was not comfortable with. However, Williams and Disney would later reconcile, and he went on to star in the third Aladdin movie in 1996.
The role of Genie in Aladdin allowed Williams to let loose and showcase his improvisational skills. He described the experience as a chance to go wild and have creative freedom. “I went into a room and started improvising, and these guys kept throwing ideas at me. It just got wild. They let me play. That’s why I loved it – it was like carte blanche to go nuts,” Williams expressed.
Robin Williams left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his talent, humor, and warmth. Even though he is no longer with us, his incredible performances will continue to bring joy to audiences for generations to come.
