Performers at the Edinburgh Festival have been paying tribute to Robin Williams following his death at the age of 63. Comedian and broadcaster Phill Jupitus described Williams's 1986 performance Live at the Met as a 'game-changer' whose spontaneity and energy redefined live comedy.
Jupitus noted that the mania of Williams's early performances was drug-induced: 'That high-octane madness; there was a silliness and control to Steve Martin and then Williams came along with what we now know was a cokey edge.' He also recalled how Williams would absorb material from other comedians, such as Charles Fleischer, who lost a routine to him after performing at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
Film actor Brian Cox shared his memories of Williams at a discussion about Scottish independence, describing him as 'an extraordinary man, very gentle and very wise in many ways. For all his success I think he was an incredibly lonely person. His talent came from this loneliness.' Cox recounted an impromptu performance by Williams at Billy Connolly's 60th birthday party, where he riffed on the haggis for 20 minutes, leaving the audience in awe.
In a statement, Pamela Stephenson Connolly said: 'Robin was one of the most uniquely brilliant and complicated comic artists the world has ever known. As a performer, he navigated a dangerous high wire at every single moment - with no safety net.' American comedian Will Franken, whom Williams mentored, described him as 'one of the loveliest men I ever knew' and recalled Williams saying they were lucky to show off their insanity on stage.
Standup Eddie Pepitone paid tribute to Williams's support for other comics, noting he appeared in a web series for no money. Younger comedians also praised his influence: Tim FitzHigham said his pace in shows is entirely due to Williams, while John Henry Falle of the Beta Males first encountered Williams as the Genie in Disney's Aladdin.
