Henry Winkler Knew Robin Williams Was a 'Genius' the Moment They Met at HisHappy DaysAudition

Mar. 15, 2025

Henry Winker (left) and Robin Williams.Photo:Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; Robin Marchant/Getty

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; Robin Marchant/Getty

Henry WinklerknewRobin Williamswould become a star the moment he began his audition forHappy Days.

During an Oct. 1 episode of theFake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donaldpodcast, the actor, 78, recalled sitting in auditions for Mork, a Martian who visits Earth, after the original actor who played the alien left the show.

“When Robin came to audition, now it’s Wednesday. We start Monday morning at 10 o’clock on the soundstage. That is at, 9 o’clock, we read. 10 o’clock, we’re on the soundstage,” Winkler began. “Nobody wanted to play this alien from outer space.”

Henry Winkler (left) and Robin Williams on ‘Happy Days’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

“Finally, a young, very shy, very quiet man comes with the casting director,” he continued, noting how with a flip off a switch, Williams' timid personality changed. “And then this human being picked up the script. When he opened his mouth, it was like a volcano went off on stage 19 at Paramount.”

“And I knew, get out of his way, know my lines, and don’t try to stand toe to toe with this genius that is now standing in front of me,” he added.

(L) Pam Dawber and Robin Williams on ‘Mork and Mindy’.Paramount Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock

In 1989,Happy Dayscreator,Garry Marshallwrote a first-person narrative for PEOPLE where he reflected on the success of the hit show and discovering Williams.

“WhenRobin Williamscame on as a Martian, he was all over the place and was improvising some, and they gave him room,” Marshall said. “At the end of the episode, 300 people in the audience stood up and applauded, which is not usually done. It didn’t take a genius to know he could do his own show, and we made one for him,Mork & Mindy.

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When he needed an actor to play the Martian, Marshall’s sister Ronny was in charge of casting and insisted he allow Williams to audition despite his reservations. After suggesting she bring him actors Jonathan Winters and John Bryners to the audition room, she pushed for Marshall to “make time” for Williams after observing him in an acting class.

“So I made time, and he did the whole audition standing on his head. He was a whole different fresh view of a guy doing an outer-space alien,” he added.

source: people.com