Rare Encounters with Robin Williams, Exclusive Performance: Stand-Up at Al-Asad, Iraq, 19 Dec 2004
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มี.ค. 2017
- Robin Williams doing a show for the Marines at Al Asad in 2004, when it was still a rugged, dangerous outpost. OIF 2.2. Nothing but respect for this guy.
Robin Williams visited Al Asad Airbase in Iraq in 2004 as part of a USO tour, which included other celebrities like NFL legend John Elway. At the time, Al Asad was still a rugged and dangerous outpost. Williams' visit was part of his extensive efforts to bring joy and entertainment to U.S. troops deployed overseas.
During this tour, Williams put on a highly memorable comedy show for the troops. He was known for his ability to connect with the military audience by incorporating their experiences and challenges into his routines, creating moments that were both hilarious and deeply resonant for the service members. His performances were characterized by a high level of energy and a personal touch, often involving direct interactions with the troops (United Service Organizations) (United Service Organizations).
Williams' commitment to supporting the troops went beyond his stage performances. He frequently took time to engage with service members offstage, listening to their stories and offering words of encouragement. This personal engagement made a lasting impact on many who met him. His generosity and the joy he brought to the troops during such difficult times were remembered fondly by those who attended his shows and interacted with him (United Service Organizations) (United Service Organizations).
For more details on his USO tours and the impact he had on the troops, you can read the full stories on the USO website and another article titled ‘He Brought Them Light’: How Robin Williams Turned his USO Tours into Personal Experiences for Troops.
There were some other folks there too which is commendable, but in re-watching the footage, Robin was the only one to go out of his way to say hi to us, plus he's one of the most amazing people our planet has been graced with. RIP. I know the Marines at Heaven's gate will snap a salute for you.
NOTE: This was filmed with what passed for digital quality in 2004. The sound quality is not the greatest, and sometimes the laughing and yelling get loud, piercing even. But if you're complaining about the troops being too loud and happy while they're spending Christmas in Iraq, I've got nothin' for you. - ตลก
I will never forget this day! I am one of the marine sitting on stage during this performance. It was one of the best days of my life. I will never forget meeting Robin Williams. He gave me the warmest of hugs. He hugged many of us. Thank you sir for shining a light into the darkness
Fantastic You Guy,s have my uptmost Respect and gratitude.
@@davidrobinson1230 how lucky they are to have your gratitude Maybe they can die now 🙏 🙌 ❤️
@@goggins8471 WTF are you smokin.
You're lucky. I had tickets to see him, but the show had to be canceled because of his heart surgery. I really missed out.
Awesome story Mark. Thanks for sharing!!
"Sorry, didn't mean to pass you by." What an amazing human being. So humble and loving.
😥 😥 😥
😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it
To the marine who recorded this, I thank you immensely for the behalf of the world Robin Williams is sorely missed. Thank you.
Me too? Awsome! Started to share on fb, too many f words. I love & miss him. What a loss. Thank you for your service.
I was there for this show. Best part show I’ll ever see in my life.
Agreed and thanks to all of the Marines (all military) for their service. This was 2004, not all came back home. RIP
We ALL thank you!
More than you or he knows how sadly we miss him
1:32 The soldier says "Nice to meet you." Robin: "You too". Not an ounce of ego in this man, he treats everyone as an equal. What a legend, rest in peace.
I was actually there for this, on the left side of the isle as he walks down I can see the people i was sitting with, everyone was excited to see Leann and John Elway, but the whole room changed when he walked in. This was even better in person because when the power went out John Elway was on stage and Robin jumped on stage and started yelling what John was saying and signing, it was hilarious and random, and afterwards they all had a little table set up for pictures and autographs and he made sure to stay and meet everyone that wanted to meet him, even after the others were done. He was a great guy
William Wilcox I was in the back. I’ll never forget this. Glad someone added it.
I am too Nathan, I had been trying find this for a while.
Respect to you guys love from the UK 🇬🇧
Thank you, William and Nathan, for your service to this country!! What an amazing night this must have been! My son joined the Army a little over a year ago and I couldn't be more proud!
Who was the MC, would love to meet her. We have a little in common.
I was on base during the filming of this, but didn’t get to attend. I’m so glad I get to witness it now, 16 years later. RIP Robin.
Thank you for your Service and putting your life on the line for you Country. ♥️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🇬🇧🇺🇸⚘🤗
I was deployed as CCDG-12 Staff during this timeframe… He flew to the Enterprise and did a show for the crew… After the show, Robin did a special meet & greet for the Staff… It was amazing meeting him
Robin walks into a room and everyone smiles and lights up... he was a walking smile maker
No wonder he was "called to join Heaven" so young. He gave so much joy in a short life time. 💜
he put miles on your smileometer
When I'm feel'n down all I gotta do is watch him n I'm NO LONGER SAD💔😭😂 RIP sir🙏💙🙏❤🤗😘
mamiluisamia e
Just hearing his name still makes me smile. Watching a TON of Robin Williams stand up during the Coronavirus. Can't imagine what he would say about the all of the crap going on in not only the U.S., but the entire world during these days. He instantly brings a smile, hysterical laughter and a sense of peace when I watch him. Hopefully he is at peace now and making the heavens laugh hysterically.
He did this WITHOUT a microphone. Apparently the power had gone out. I love it. True performer. #RESPECT
Owen Smith He Was the power....force of nature lol
Professional, indeed.
So focused through all the camera flashes too
Owen Smith HE is the power 👍 he didnt need that mike!
And Loved you
The world is a lesser place without him!
Nathan Howland the world is a better place for having had him. We can keep the good alive.
Yes it is
@@robynlydick8126 Nathan Howland is right. The world is a lesser place with him gone. You are also right. The world is a better place for having had him. Keep him alive and remember all the good he has done!
Tis up to you to make it better. You could have just asked him and he would have told you that. 💖
Nathan Howland Yes I really feel the same!
It hurts to think that a man who had such a gift of brightening a room could be so lonely himself and felt alone even in room of thousands who adored him. He was such a force of nature. God bless him and others like him that have an illness that makes them feel like there is nothing more here for them.
His illness had a lot to contribute to his death as well.
Basically, it was the Lewy Body Dementia that killed him. It degrades the brain to such a point that suicide seems like a good idea. He was definitely not himself when he made that choice.
@@MrAdomus is it fucked up that i'm somewhat more ok with his suicide because it wasn't really him? idk ig now i feel like it was a more natural death.
well, he knew it couldn't get better, and would only get worse for him and family.
@@watchgoose his diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia was not found till after his death. Some of the side effects of that particular Dementia is depression, confusion, hallucinations and thoughts of suicide. We can never know for sure what really happened that night but I choose to believe that the Dementia had taken control of his body that night. The real Robin would have never done it willingly.
it's good that this recording survived.
Yes indeed, just wish the whole time he spent on the stage with the troops was available on DVD.
When he went and shook the wounded soldiers hands it brought tears.
2004 man, what a wild time.
I hope your soul has found peace. You are loved and missed.
A thesaurus, a dictionary even, it would seem maybe some fore thought into it at least. Even a nonformal event requires a legend of his caliber and remain an amazing genuine person deserves more
R.I.P Robbie boy u wur thee Man ãnđ made eternal now wi play backs u had yir reasons I Guess n that Is/Was your choice Bless yi be Always one a the good one's(FactsBe)..
This is when any comedian is at his best...with no form of censorship....
So many times yanks say they are the best...well this was one of those rare occasions they were correct. Robin truly was one of the finest comedians of all time. It is an honour to be able see him perform
Yanks? Very few Americans are actually Yanks!! Dear me!
@@davidjma7226 you a confederate? Never heard nobody care so much about "where" the yanks are. Literally look north, genius
@@siggylloyd3566 an “american” writing from the northern part of the u.s.
Most of us are descended from immigrants, sherlock.
I absolutely agree with you.. ♥️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Alexis.....I Absolutely think he is a Brilliant Yank ♥️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🇬🇧 🇺🇸🌹⚘🍁🌴😰🎤💔..
For those marines it was the performance of a lifetime. For Robin Williams it was Tuesday.
These guys often say these were their beat performances. It is so much more personal than a paid ticket.
At 2:15 "sorry, didn't mean to pass you by"... Turns back to shake a hand... Such a class act.
I was there exactly 1 week after him and we actually had the same security team. They couldn't stop talking about what a cool guy he was.
I don't know how 70 people...how ANYONE could not like this footage?! The moment he saw the wounded troops....need I say more? He was a true 💎 miss ya man! I know our good Lord looked down and laughed...we sure did!
wait was was this
probably the opposite side
aka our enemies
Watching this in 2022, you have to admit, for something filmed back in 2004, it’s actually a really good quality! Thank you to the Marine who filmed this!
He had the biggest heart ever. So selfless. The way he immediately went over to the wounded Marines and shook their hands was pure gold. It's been seven years and I still can't believe he's gone. I never had a celebrity death affect me like his did. I almost feel like we didn't deserve him.
He gave so much of him self to every performance... It is a shame he was hurting so much inside tho.
The first 2 months of Quarantine were sooo hard, I’m not the type of person who cries often but....during that time I would curl up on my bed and cry almost every week. However I was also laughing and smiling during those months too, if not briefly, and that’s because of Robin Williams. He helped me get through it (and still is), and it’s so amazing that even after he’s gone, he’s still helping people be happy. Thank you so much Robin! We miss you!
I love the spontaneity and energy of Robin Williams. I miss him😞
The improvisations! Amazing!
He love coke.I saw him and the great Richard Pryor in the same comedy club .and I kid you not I believe everybody In the club was coked up .now that was a great night.😎😱🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it
Thank goodness for the videos, eh 👍
Makes you realize that his performance in Good Morning Vietnam wasn't a performance per se, but just him being him.
RIP Robin Williams (July 21, 1951 - August 11, 2014), aged 63
You will be remembered as a legend.
Mankind is forever going to be missing him...
Who the F disliked Robin Williams? Bless his heart and his humor. I will always miss him and remember how smart, funny and how big a heart he had. ❤💔❤
People complain about the sound quality. It was taken with a digital camera carried into a combat zone in 2004. What can ya do...
Robin Williams was a comedy genius. Saw him in New Orleans several years ago. Can't forget a show like that. Unforgettable human being. Gone too soon.
He is helping me right now with the whole beer bug and Quarantine. Hes keeping the dread and cabin fever at Bay.
One of the most giving and most Brilliant Minds of our day he is forever missed rest in peace Robin Williams
Robin was one of the funniest, if not THE funniest, comedian who ever lived. There is no joke.
I’ll argue for George Carlin and Jonathan Winters.
@@Quaker-tc8ue😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
I have cancer vert aggressive cancer and I'm losing my memory so god help any marine that 🙏 slags off a humble loving man he was selfless😢😢
I don’t know how Robin felt about George, but he was a great admirer of Jonathan.@@taraokane3490
1) More than ever, this world NEEDS his comedy.
2) If he were still alive, he'd have so much material to work, it would be insane.
and 3)... We will never have a friend like him again.
Oh god.... I got the hugest smile on my face thinking of all the jokes he would make about Biden and Haris... I am sure he could make a heck of a skit out of Trump to...But there is so much crazy stuff going on in the world he would have a ball with working what we call life now.
@@jonathanbair523 Lol. I watched his Weapons of Self-Destruction special with my parents a few weeks ago and my mom said the same thing X,D
Robin was the funniest man ever to walk this planet. I'm so glad that these videos of him are still available to us. There will never be another like him. If there's a Heaven, he's up there making God laugh.
I wonder just how many people this man has met? I was lucky enough to stay late after a comedy show he did in San Diego in hopes of getting an autograph, and he was cool enough to come up, give my mom and me his autograph, and give a handshake. That was such a cool moment. That surely was just a drop in the bucket for him, tho. I wonder if he met hundreds of thousands of people? Fascinating.
Wish this had opened up with "Good mooooorning, Al-Asaaaaad."
Watching this, listening to the applause made me cry. Where are you, Robin... we need you now more than ever.
This Jewel of a recording must shared and then shared AGAIN!! Absolute RESPECT for ALL who serve- rip Mr Williams. It is a world that could certainly use your brand of optimistic humor right now.. ironic...🌷
Hands-down, the funniest person ever, and despite the fame one of the nicest human beings to grace the planet. Hard to believe he's gone. Kudo's to the marine who recorded and posted this.
Wow. The woman who introduces robin williams is....well stunning.
To me Robin you'll always be remembered as 1 of the......
Hairyist people who ever lived !!
Peace and love to all...
Randomwhiteguy U.K.
Amazing dude
Robin Williams brought so much JOY!
I AM SO GLAD HE DID THAT.
After viewing this Brilliant showmanship, for the Soldiers who are FIGHTING for our Country; in Iraq ... nobody would EVER believe in 10 years from that day, as Robin Williams, gave his most heartfelt thanks to the Men and Women in their Uniforms of Camouflage, a great Show of Genius, ....would be gone from our lives ... Thank you Robin. You are at Peace , and we love you and miss you more than mere words can express. We shall 'keep your children, in our hearts & prayers, for they were your Treasure in life. ♥️♥️♥️♥️ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🇬🇧 🇺🇸🌴⚘⚘⚘ ⚘🌋
His material was damn spot on for his audience. I bet doing goodmorning veitnam got him quite a bit of interaction with service members and helped him write this stuff.
Robin, your country misses you....
We all miss him.
the world is missing him rip robin
Yes, the whole world is missing him!
Greetings from Germany!
Steve Lindsey ; the Netherlands misses him too 😥
England misses him 🙏🏼
This is what you call a class act! He took the time to shake as many hands as possible and even went back to make sure he got some he accidentally passed by. He was not just funny, he had a big heart and donated his time many times to USO and many charities including visits to children's hospital wards. It was a true loss of an american treasure. Still can't believe he is gone.
On top of that, he was one of few acts willing to fly into what was an active combat zone. He was incredible!
I was on that stage , I did standup as a part of an army talent show a few months before this. Thx for posting!
Wow. Good for you.
Robin Williams.. what a great man! Him and the others were let off the plane near the Fire Station at Al Asad. All the firefighters on duty that day were not able to attend their show. On the way in, he stopped and shook everyone's hand. On the way back to the plane is when he and everyone else stopped and took pictures with the firefighters. John Elway threw a football with some of the firefighters there, and everyone signed autographs. I was there at the station, and managed to go see him at the theater too. He is missed.
The phrase.
' Only the good die young. '
Hits hard.
Miss this talent.
I regret that anyone worth living dies not knowing a better way to live.
What a class act, coupled with his genius intellect and witty deliveries, one of a kind, thank you Lord for blessing us with Robin.
No doubt about it I definitely miss Robin Williams. One of the best comedians of all time. I bet him and Richard Pryor are up in heaven doing comedy. So many great comedians have died in the last few years. Rip. To all the great comedians
Aw this is so wonderful, look at all those faces light up in joy. Love him truly miss him.
He brought joy to all the servicemen in Iraq and Afghanistan on their Christmastime. Some say he did it for free. He was one of the good souls of Holywood.
😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it
Don't forget the people on the other side. True Genius.
This is internet gold. So glad I've stumbled upon a treasure.
My laughter is with tears when I watch only you can make a person lol and cry with concern you will be missed
it is hard to go through this comment section and not get tears in my eyes.....!
@@ronvalley1973 ....i know. 😥 😥 😥
cry with concern is right
Man I miss Robin... Thank you to the awesome soldier who took the time to record this rare gem of a no-BS performance from Robin!
Indeed, the new generations get the comedians and the politicians they deserve. Thank chance for not being part of the "woke" generation stupidity!.
@@hoenircanute Nobody could've delivered that message better brother.. I miss the days when people got thick skin and you can dish out massive heavy roasting without people crying and whining all over the place.. (social media babies we're watching you!!!)
They guy did this regularly for years and never advertised it once! No camera crew. No publicists. Even these are filmed by the attendees themselves.
That is thousands time more meaningful then these other celebrities putting up lame video about how virtuous they are while not actually lifting a finger.
He will be missed.
By what I’ve seen/heard/read, if the movie he was currently filming went ‘out on location,’ he insisted that either he or a production assistant go out to the street, find ‘x’ number of homeless people to work, ‘give them the dignity of a day’s work and a day’s pay.’
Thankyou for your service 😢
13:19 Robin was the best; my laugh came spontaneously with him. RIP.
The man was always switched to ON....but never allowed to quiet the voices in his head.....RIP my grateful friend who allowed me to enjoy life through your voices through all of my life, a life that didn't help you when you needed it the most. For that, the humans of this life of the World apologizes for its misstep in helping you when you truly needed it the most
Robin Williams was such a class act and the worlds most loyal friend. Not only did he pay for Christopher Reeves medical bills, but also took care of his youngest son Will after his mother died of lung cancer.
He had me laughing the whole time - a true comic genius. RIP Robin Williams.
Thank you for uploading this man!!!!! I miss him.
Robin will for ever be in our hearts
Robin Williams--you are missed!
What an awesome guy! Visits like this mean so much to troops overseas.
I lost my shit when he hit us Aussies 😅 Thanks for uploading this.
So good that he did this no ego just putting a smile on troops face's the world needs more of this. Robin you rocked!!
amazing actor truly amazing, you could never know what he will do next Rest In Peace Mr. Robin Williams, and god bless all the woman and men who serve may god protect you all
That's a whole lotta kick ass in there. Damn we miss you Robin.
💖😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it
I'm so glad I ran across this. Amazing heart, soul, and man gone too soon. Thank you for sharing this. From a military family, and I'm right there with ya if someone wants to complain about the hollering from joy, fuck em. Thanks again.
😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it
@@arongunner1522 last week I believe? 😊
@@Try2JudgeRozay oh OK. I Do play it every week it my favorite song. So tell me where are you from
Watching this in May 2020 in England during lockdown. Great comedy and entertainers just live on, thanks for recording this.
Thank you for everyone's service! Glad you made it Home. God Bless the Men & Women who didn't make it home. May you be resting In Peace!
Thank you for posting this. He was such a beautiful soul, still sad that he's no longer with us.
😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it
Yesterday it was two vids detailing the sweet life and the loss of a respectful gentle loving man the world needs and misses, Mr. Rogers, RIP
Today the recomm. Is a brilliant, creative hilarious bright star the world needs and misses, Mr. Williams, RIP
Sadness. 😢💔
Going to skip a few days, these recommendations are killing me.
The world was blessed to have had Robin Williams in it. He made us laugh and he made us cry when he died. God bless you Robin ...rip.
💖😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it
The face of severe Depression. The silent Killer. Please, reach out to those who you think are suffering!
my mother had depression but she was a violent bipolar so one couldn't let their guard down. If you'd show compassion she'd attack. And I mean physically. Everyone's illness shows up differently. I do miss Robin's kindness, and wit tho, and am so sorry he was in pain. So so sorry.
God.
Robin Williams had started drinking again for the first time in decades when this video was shot in 2004. It would be 2 more years before he checked himself into rehab. There was another stint in 2014 to deal with a relapse. But what actually was the "silent killer" for Robin was Lewy Body Dementia, and the paranoia and depression that resulted from those symptoms, which nobody would learn until after his passing. RIP Robin Williams.
...miss you robin....you were the light in my darkest times.
Robin Williams was a genius in more ways than one !! He was just Robin sent to make the world a happier place ! Our gift from God telling us to chill , laughing is good for the soul !
💖😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it
Robin Williams was the best.He left us too soon.He is entertaining God in Heaven.
Robin, sadly missed.
From Australia 🇦🇺
Wow I absolutely love this guy... he was an amazing comedian /actor but even better man your missed my friend
I miss him. He’s the very best. No one can replace
COMEDIC GENIUS! I miss him SO MUCH! I Pray that he has them laughing hysterically in Heaven. 💝🙏✌️🇺🇸
This man was the definition of a legend.
What an amazing man... He is missed 😢. I don't thing he ever realized what an impact he had on the world.
Life is a lot more empty since his death. Truly an entertainer for the ages.
warmth, love, and laughter!!!!
I miss him so much!! What a gem he is truly! I'm so happy he could give our brave people in our a military a brief period of ultimate joy and laughter!
💖😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it
A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING
RIP
He was such a great guy, and wonderful talent. We will never see his like, again. He must be knocking them dead in Heaven! He is sorely missed! I love coming into TH-cam, where I can see hours of his performances. I wish I had met him in life.
From how he came in, it felt like he wanted to shake hands with every single one of them. What a guy!
Can’t believe 200 people didn’t like this ....WTF? ...legend comedian doing stand up for the troops.
Thank you SO much for this valuable footage! I so loved Robin and miss him dearly 🥰😃
Thank-you for this; precious!
Robin Williams God rest his Soul, is the Bob Hope of this Generation, he is sorely missed !!!! From a greatfull Vet
this is true comedy thanks for sharing!
So awesome he went to entertain our troops.
Thank you, aleckirstein. The subtle changes made for this particular audience, were awesome.
Thanks for sharing this.. R.I.P. Robin, RESPECT
I missed most every show that happened in Iraq/Kuwait in my 15 months. It was mostly headquarters type folks at the shows. We occasionally got to send a few folks.
I challenge you all to try and randomly jump to a time during his routine where people aren’t laughing. Man was he the best. I miss him still
Thanks for posting, I played the bagpipes on that same stage in 06 and didn't know he was there 2years before.