When Robin Williams almost killed Danny DeVito in a swimming pool: “Everybody was laughing at me”
Robin Williams is seen by many as one of the greatest comedians of all time, bringing light and life to each performance, whether it be his role as a haunted therapist in Good Will Hunting, an inspiring teacher in Dead Poets Society or a nanny in disguise in Mrs Doubtfire. The impact of his work is still felt today, and his story is a lasting message on the unseen depths and hidden struggles of our icons and the creatives who do everything in their power to uplift others because they themselves are grappling with their own demons, using art and humour to mask something darker.
When I think of Williams, I think of a man who was generous in spirit and time and someone who dedicated his life to making people feel better, whether through a film or a joke. Another comedic legend has recently spoken about the power of Williams’ comedy and the time he laughed so hard that he nearly drowned in his pool.
Danny DeVito has a name made for show business and is loved by many today for his concurring role on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a sitcom that has been running since 2005, known for its dark comedy and loving portrayal of objectively awful people that are very funny. DeVito has played Frank Reynolds on the show for nearly 20 years but is also known for his work on Taxi, which earned him a Golden Globe and Emmy award, as well as Matilda, L.A. Confidential and Big Fish.
DeVito and Williams worked together on one film in 2002, a comedy-thriller called Death to Smoochy. The film follows a corrupt children’s television host who is caught by the FBI for accepting bribes to bring children onto the show. The film has a manic and bizarre energy, and despite not being super well-known, it did bring the comedic pair together and create a long friendship.
When speaking about Williams, DeVito reminisced about his sense of humour and one [particular incident in a swimming pool. DeVito explained, “I laughed my ass off with him… He once almost killed me in a pool. I’m not a great swimmer, I was in the deep end and he was holding court, and I never laughed so hard – I swallowed a big gulp of water and choked for five minutes.”
Despite not remembering what the joke was, DeVito remembers being pulled out of the pool by someone nearby who noticed him choking, saying, “Everybody was laughing at me. It was pretty good… He used to go off on rants. It could be airplanes, bicycles, anything. He was such a clown and I loved him for that.”
This only highlights Williams’ unique ability to bring fun to any given situation, elevate the ordinary and find humour in everything. Williams’ last performance was in Boulevard, a film about a closeted bank manager whose life changes after meeting a younger man. The film was one of his more dramatic roles, with a melancholic and nostalgic undertone that feels even more present when watching it in the knowledge it was his last performance. His work is still beloved by many, and even in death, he continues to uplift those in need of comfort through his everlasting brilliance.
