It's been nearly four months since the tragic death of Robin Williams, yet fans across the world are still mourning the loss of the legendary comedian and actor. Though it will likely be a long while before the pain subsides, it's small things like this that help bring some alleviation to those still grieving Williams: PBS has recently released a never-before-heard interview from 1991 featuring Robin Williams speaking about the meaning of being an artist, amongst other topics — and though it's emotional and bittersweet to listen to, there is a significant feeling of comfort felt when listening to Williams' profound thoughts about the state of comedy, as well as the future of it.
Making the clip even more emotional is that the interview — which was conducted by celebrity interviewer Lawrence Grobel and released through PBS' Blank on Blank series — was animated as well, bringing even more significance to Williams' words. The part where Williams speaks on the meaning of holding the position of artist in the world is particularly moving:
Yeah, for a comic especially, to constantly never let it take itself seriously, to play with, to f**k with the parameters. The premise that comedy is there to basically show us we fart, we laugh. To make us realize we still are part animal. As intellectual as we think we are, you still trip, we still have human foibles, sexuality, all the different things to still make you aware of your humanity. That's what we're supposed to do.
Listen to the rare interview below.
