Sally Field has opened up about a profoundly emotional experience with her late co-star Robin Williams in a recent Vanity Fair article. Field’s touching revelation, shared in an oral history of Williams’ life and career, highlights the actor’s extraordinary sensitivity and kindness.
In the piece, Field recounts a personal and painful moment during the filming of the 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire. She describes a heart-wrenching phone call informing her that her father had passed away after a stroke. Despite the heavy emotional burden, Field tried to maintain her composure on set, but Williams sensed that something was amiss.
Field remembers, “I was in the camper outside of the courtroom where we were shooting the divorce scene. I got a phone call from the doctor saying my father had passed. I had to make the difficult decision to take him off life support before returning to work.” She notes that although she did not visibly cry, Williams noticed her distress and took immediate action to support her.
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Williams, known for his deep empathy and intuitive nature, insisted that Field take the day off to handle her family matters. “Oh my God, we need to get you out here right now,” Williams said, ensuring that the filming schedule was adjusted so she could attend to her personal needs. Field was deeply moved by Williams’ compassion, acknowledging that his actions revealed a side of him that many people did not see.
The loss of Robin Williams in 2014 at the age of 63 was a tremendous shock to his fans and the entertainment industry. His death by suicide was later attributed to Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disease that affects cognitive functions and motor skills. Despite his struggles, Williams continued to touch lives through his memorable performances in films such as Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society.
Field’s reflections on Williams underscore his remarkable ability to bring joy and laughter to others, even in the face of his own personal challenges. “He always lit up when he was able to make people laugh, and he made them laugh his whole life long — tirelessly,” Field said. She added, “He was one of a kind. There will not be another. Please God, let him now rest in peace.”
This heartfelt story about Robin Williams serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness and empathy, and the lasting legacy left by one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures.
