Sally Field Reflects on Robin Williams’ Support During Personal Tragedy
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In a recent issue of PEOPLE, actress Sally Field shared poignant memories from her extensive six-decade career in Hollywood, spotlighting the kindness of her late co-star Robin Williams. The two starred together in the much-loved 1993 comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire”, and during a particularly turbulent moment in her life, Williams provided her with unexpected support.
Field, now 79, recalls the day she received devastating news about her father, Richard Field, while filming a critical scene for the movie in San Francisco. It was during this time that she learned that her father had suffered a severe stroke. The emotional weight of this news became even more profound, as she had previously instructed medical professionals not to resuscitate him, knowing he would not have wanted to endure further suffering.
She vividly describes the challenging scene they were filming, which revolved around a divorce. “This is the scene where we’re shooting the divorce,” Field explains. Just moments before heading onto the set, she had received the phone call from her father’s doctor. “I got a call that my father had had another massive stroke. Please lean down and tell him that Sally says goodbye,” she relayed her instructions to the doctor, aware that this would be their final farewell.
When she returned to the set, the news weighed heavily on her mind. “I went out onto the set, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God.’ We hadn’t been that close, but he was still my father. And I was responsible for him,” Field remembers, as her emotions began to surface during filming.
Williams, known for his keen observational skills, noticed that something was amiss while they shot a scene in a courtroom. Field recalls the intensity of the moment as she performed a scene about parental separation, which served as a mirror reflecting her own turmoil. “It was what happened to my father; the divorce. I was the divorced child,” she stated, emphasising the emotional layers intertwined in both her personal life and her character’s journey.
Realising she was in distress, Williams approached her. “He pulled me over to the side and asked if I was ‘all right’,” she said. Her response was hesitant at first, but soon she found herself breaking down in front of him. Speaking candidly, she revealed, “I said that my father just died, and I was the one to say, ‘Go ahead. Let him die.’”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Williams took charge of the situation. Field recounts how he turned to director Chris Columbus and the crew, proclaiming, “That’s it for the day, guys! We’re wrapped here. You can get a few shots at the kids and maybe one of Mrs. Doubtfire, but Ms. Field’s going home.” He then walked her out, solidifying the profound nature of his support during her time of need.
Field’s reflections illuminate not just the tragedy of loss, but also the unparalleled compassion Williams exhibited as a friend and colleague. She described him as a “wonderful” co-star and referred to him as a “diamond of a soul”, expressing her admiration for him. “I adored him,” she added, capturing the essence of their camaraderie.
Aside from his heartfelt support, Williams was also known for introducing levity to the filming process. Field mentioned, “He’d also drive you mad because he wouldn’t stop.” Despite delivering excellent performances, Williams would often request numerous takes, creatively suggesting ways to alter scenes. “He would say, ‘How about this time if I’m crawling through the kitchen window, and then…?’” she laughed, reminiscing about his playful spirit.
Sally Field’s current project, “Remarkably Bright Creatures”, features her alongside Lewis Pullman and has garnered attention as it streams on Netflix starting this Friday. For those interested in more stories from her illustrious career, the latest edition of PEOPLE magazine is currently available on newsstands.
As Field reflects on her past and shares such heartfelt stories, she reminds us of the human connections and support that are often essential within the demanding world of entertainment. Robin Williams’ memory continues to shine brightly in the minds and hearts of those who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and laughter.