Nathan Lane Recalls Working with ‘Kind and Brilliant’ Robin Williams on “The Birdcage”

As “The Birdcage” marks its 30th anniversary this year, actor Nathan Lane has reminisced about his time working with Robin Williams on the iconic film. Lane, now 70, recently joined host Howard Stern on SiriusXM to discuss the dynamics behind the scenes of the beloved comedy, which boasts a star-studded cast including Gene Hackman and Calista Flockhart.

Originally, the roles in the film were intended for different actors: Williams was meant to portray Lane’s character, Albert, while Steve Martin was set to take on the role eventually played by Williams, that of Armand, the drag club owner. However, scheduling conflicts forced a change in plans. Lane explained, “It was supposed to be Steve Martin and Robin. Robin was gonna play the part I played. Steve had another commitment, and Robin thought because he had played Mrs. Doubtfire, he should take on the more subdued role.”

This alteration ultimately paved the way for Lane to step into a major role in his film career. Directed by Mike Nichols and based on a script by Elaine May, “The Birdcage” centres on an unconventional family. Williams portrays Armand, while Lane plays Albert, who is not only Armand’s partner but also performs at the drag club they run together. Their son, Val, played by Dan Futterman, falls in love with Barbara, a woman whose conservative parents are Senator Kevin Keeley and his wife.

When Stern inquired about Lane’s feelings regarding not receiving an Academy Award nomination for his performance, Lane expressed gratitude for the opportunity that the role presented him. “I’m very touched that you say that it was an enormous break for me, and it was certainly the biggest role I’d ever played in a film by that point,” he stated.

During the conversation, Stern also touched upon whether Lane’s portrayal had any impact on Williams as he watched it unfold. Lane recounted, “No, because he was kind. He was brilliant, the most generous soul. We did have a dinner after it was all over, and he did say to me that there were times when he watched and thought, ‘Did I make the right decision?’” Lane added that Williams was a supportive figure throughout the filming, ultimately helping to create an enjoyable work environment.

In 1996, when “The Birdcage” was released, Lane had not yet achieved the level of fame that would later define his career. In contrast, Williams was already an established movie star, known for his many successful comedies. Lane reflected on this, noting, “He was an enormous movie star. He could have easily have said, ‘You got to get Billy Crystal. You got to get somebody an equivalent movie star to play opposite me.’ But he saw my screen test and said, ‘Absolutely.’”

Williams’ belief in Lane’s talent and his admiration for Nichols’ director vision played a significant role in their collaboration. Lane remarked on Williams’ willingness to improvise during scenes, highlighting that his co-star appreciated that Lane could match his energy and spontaneity. “He loved that if he improvised, that I could go with him where he wanted to go. He was the greatest,” Lane said of Williams.

“The Birdcage,” which has since become a classic, is not just a tale about a drag club owner and his partner; it also delves into larger themes of acceptance and family dynamics, resonating with audiences for three decades. With Lane’s heartfelt tribute to his late friend, the film’s enduring legacy is undoubtedly attributed to the remarkable talents of both Lane and Williams, as well as their dedication to their craft.

As fans celebrate the film’s anniversary, Nathan Lane’s reflections serve as a reminder of the friendship and camaraderie that can flourish within a creative environment. It showcases the influence of collaboration in the arts, where supportive partnerships can leave lasting impressions not only on the screen but in the hearts of those involved.