There is a story about the actor Robin Williams that says he demanded the employment of homeless people in every film production.
Of course I didn't know Robin Williams personally, I'm not necessarily a fan of his, but I like many of his films. As different as his roles were (compare “One Hour Photo” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” for example), I liked him. I had the feeling that he was just a very likeable and straightforward person. – That’s my impression of him, my personal opinion.
In my opinion, the story that has been circulating about Robin Williams for years would fit well into the image I have of him: Williams is said to have demanded that at least 10 homeless people be employed in every film production.
“Did you know that for every film he made, Robin Williams asked the production company to hire at least 10 homeless people so that they would have jobs. In his entire career, he helped approximately 1,520 homeless people. A man with a big heart.”
Based on an anecdote
One Brian Lord shared an anecdote in a blog post (archived here) about what he learned about the actor when he tried to book Williams for an event.
Perry Marshall posted this story on Facebook:
“A Little Known Robin Williams Story:
“Years ago I learned a very cool thing about Robin Williams, and I couldn't watch a movie of his after that without thinking about it. I never booked Robin Williams for an event, but I got close enough to him that his office sent me his rider.
For those not in the entertainment industry, a rider lists an artist's specific personal and technical requirements for an event - from bottled water to the green room to sound and lighting requirements. You can learn a lot about a person from the rider.
[…]
When I received Robin Williams' Rider I was very surprised at what I found. He had a requirement that the company that hired him also have to hire a certain number of homeless people and give them work for every event or film he made.
After that, I never watched a Robin Williams movie the same way again. I'm sure he worked with these needy people in his free time and with his own money, but he also decided to use his influence as an entertainer to ensure that production companies and event planners also saw the value of giving people a chance to give yourself a chance to work your way up again.
[…]
He was a great multiplier of his impact. Let's hope that this effect continues without him. Thanks, Robin Williams – not just for the laughs, but also for a cool example.
Republished with permission from brianlord.org”
Williams' commitment to the homeless
In 2014, Robin Williams spoke before the US Senate when addressing homelessness in America.
During the height of America's homelessness crisis in the 90's — Robin Williams asked if he could testify before the Senate.
Whoopi Goldberg was by his side.
It's the most powerful two minutes you'll see today… pic.twitter.com/y1yiTRQUfd
— Goodable (@Goodable) April 13, 2021
“During the height of America’s homelessness crisis in the 1990s, Robin Williams requested to testify before the Senate. Whoopi Goldberg was by his side. It's the best two minutes you'll see today..."
Here he explained, among other things, that he works in the charitable organization “Comic Relief” , which has made it its mission to help those in need - especially the homeless in the USA. This organization's fundraisers have been televised and hosted by Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg.
Zelda Williams' fundraising appeal
Helping the homeless is obviously a big issue in Robin Williams' family. Zelda, Robin Williams' daughter, called on Twitter on his 69th birthday to donate $69.69 to various homeless shelters.
Today would've been Dad's 69th birthday, so to honor him (& that glorious number), I will be donating $69.69 to as many local homeless shelters as I can. Join me if you like, but regardless, know I am wishing you all at least one hearty, immature belly laugh on Dad today ♥️
— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) July 21, 2020
“Today would have been Dad's 69th birthday, and to honor him (and that glorious number), I will be donating $69.69 to as many local homeless shelters as I can. Join me if you want, but whatever, I wish you all at least one hearty, child-like belly laugh about Dad today ♥️.”
Neither confirmed nor refuted
Whether the story may have arisen because of his commitment to the homeless or is actually true remains a mystery. There is no confirmation from anyone who has ever worked with Robin Williams, nor can any documents or possible extracts from contracts with this clause be found.
There is no official confirmation of Robin Williams' rider requirements when it comes to employing homeless people in film productions.
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Source: Snopes , Newsweek
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