Disney Animator Eric Goldberg Reveals How Robin Williams Helped Bring “Aladdin”’s Genie to Life (Exclusive)

**Eric Goldberg Remembers Robin Williams’ Legendary Performance as Genie in ‘Aladdin’**

Disney animator Eric Goldberg recently reflected on his collaboration with the late Robin Williams in bringing the character of Genie to life in the beloved animated classic *Aladdin*. Williams, who passed away in 2014, infused the character with a unique blend of comedy and warmth, leaving an indelible mark on the film and its audience.

Golberg, who was honoured as a Disney Legend at the 2026 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony held on 16th August in Anaheim, California, was the lead animator for Genie in the original 1992 film. As he accepted his award, Goldberg expressed his heartfelt gratitude to have been part of a project that featured such extraordinary talent.

“Working with Robin Williams as the voice of the Genie was absolutely magical,” Goldberg told *PEOPLE*. He reminisced about the recording sessions, where Williams’ boundless energy and creativity came to the fore. “Whenever he was in front of the mic, it was always 100%,” Goldberg noted, highlighting the actor’s improvisational genius, which raised the bar for the animated character.

The creative process for Genie started with a very different vision. Initially conceptualised as a mere “puff of smoke” capable of transformation, the character’s development took a remarkable turn once Williams began recording. Goldberg explained that they had not anticipated the plethora of celebrity impressions that Williams would deliver, saying, “We just couldn’t ignore the incredible stuff he was doing. It had to be included in the film.”

The character, as penned by directors John Musker and Ron Clements, was intended to draw from various archetypes—an evangelist, an army sergeant, and a game show host, among others. Williams’ impressions added a dynamic layer to the character, allowing him to embody these personas vividly. “When he became Groucho Marx or Ed Sullivan, we built his movements around those nuances,” said Goldberg.

However, the creative challenge was to depict Genie as a character capable of genuine emotion, especially as the relationship between him and Aladdin developed throughout the film. “We had to make viewers believe that he had something to lose when he and Aladdin parted at the film’s conclusion,” Goldberg explained. Williams’ remarkable ability to navigate between outrageous comedy and heartfelt moments made this task more manageable for the animation team.

Receiving the Disney Legend award was a significant moment for Goldberg, who reflected on the privilege of joining a community of revered figures in Disney history. “I grew up admiring so many of them and being inspired by their work,” he shared. Receiving his honour from Jared Bush, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, was particularly meaningful. As a tribute to his work on Genie, the Disneyland Band performed “Friend Like Me,” further underscoring the enduring legacy of *Aladdin*.

During the event, several other Disney Icons were also celebrated, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alan Tudyk, and Dwayne Johnson. The sense of camaraderie among the honourees highlighted a shared dedication to storytelling and animation that continues to inspire generations.

In June, Linda Larkin, who voiced Princess Jasmine, also spoke lovingly of Williams’ improvisational talent, stating, “He had no limits.” Her admiration for his comedic ability aligns with many who had the pleasure of witnessing his brilliance first-hand, noting the challenge of holding back laughter during recording sessions filled with spontaneous creativity.

*Aladdin* not only enjoyed immense commercial success, raking in over $346 million at the box office, but it also garnered critical acclaim, receiving five Academy Award nominations and winning for Best Original Score and the iconic song “A Whole New World.” The film’s legacy extended beyond its initial release, spawning a sequel series and several direct-to-video sequels.

As Eric Goldberg continues to shine as a luminary in the world of animation, his memories of working with Robin Williams will undoubtedly remain a significant chapter in both his career and the history of Disney animation. The legacy of *Aladdin* and its unforgettable characters, especially Genie, remains a cherished part of cinematic history, forever linked to Williams’ extraordinary gift for storytelling and performance.