1986: Jonathan Winters and Robin Williams improvise

[@HikaruKatayamma]

You can see the love in Robin's eyes when he's watching Jonathan. What a beautiful friendship.

[@micheallogiudice407]

O

[@ninja011]

I met these two together once, I was depressed at the loss of my mother, sitting in a diner, both of them out of the blue sat down at my table and started trying to cheer me up. I can honestly say they helped me a lot with that random kindness, RIP you two loons, you two great souls.

[@realtsavo]

Really? I would like to hear that story.

[@ninja011]

Long story short, I was in California looking for work, mom had passed less than two years before from a long battle with cancer, and after her death my family kicked me out of the house and took everything. So I was living like a gypsy looking for a safe place to live and work. By the time I was in California I had become borderline suicidally depressed. One night I was at wits end with life, and thinking of crossing the line to live border. Out of the random night, in walks two individuals cracking jokes and laughing like loons, they must of seen what was written my face, because they walked up to my table and just sat down. From there the rest is history, they started cracking jokes with me, playing characters like the table was a stage to do skits on, they even got me to do my Khrushchev impersonation, which turned int me and Robin conversing in Russian to Winters confusion at times. They that night with kindness saved my life. Good night you two, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

[@SUNMAYDEN518]

wow

[@SUNMAYDEN518]

where do you live LA?

[@jimmysmom7449]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story! Благодарю от всего сердца! From Baku, Azerbaijan

[@andrewtongue7084]

Two of the greatest comedians, ever - the world has become a sadder place without you - RIP, Gentlemen.

[@Avidcomp]

Winter's cracking up after Williams' Egyptian gag, then walking off saying "all this money"... love it

[@MrHighLife90]

Avidcomp what that means?

[@cliftondaigle841]

You can see Robin's brain just moving and going with it again, again, again. Pure Genius.

[@jackfenn7524]

And the wonder is, that he means it! He can have no true understanding what it means to be a mere mortal, such as I. "I, destined to live without the funniest of bones, the HUMEROUS!" Actually that is why these men are so brilliant and funny. They have a massively over-developed Humerous!"

[@distantcoff7391]

@@jackfenn7524 I C what you did there😉👍😄

[@HematomaFalafalPatrol]

I'm absolutely devastated that these two are gone only a year and a half from each other. Rest in peace.

[@mytowerisaneyefull1275]

really only a year and a half? Wow :( maybe jonathan was helping him through parkinson's :( oh man

[@duckbrew]

Life is fleeting. It's hello/goodbye my friend until we meet again....

[@jeanphillippemercier4036]

If heaven exists... it's having a ton of fun with those two around.. xD

[@BAKER22-l4u]

@@jeanphillippemercier4036 it definetly exists

[@kentneumann5209]

Bob Baker - In voice of Jonathan Winters character, Wayne Secondfeese, average american citizen... I'd feel an awful lot better if you could provide any proof of that, son. Not that I'm afraid of goin' up er down. Its just in case I go up.

[@ktpinnacle]

Both fought through their own demons to bring laughter to our lives. There's a special spot for both of them.

[@kangaroojackson98]

Brilliantly gifted. Both suffered from depression at certain points in their lives.

[@82luft49]

Not to mention demanding

[@blutoblutarsky6529]

82 Luft that's a very good point you have to be funny all the time that would be tough

[@krisscanlon4051]

That sigh from Johnny is funny...he is entering Robin's world

[@thedarci1368]

There was nothing more enjoyable nor funny as seeing Jonathan Winters and Robin Williams being funny together:)))) Both are missed terribly......

[@picklesthewise]

Robin's love for Jonathan was wonderful. Looking around the beam at him, he looks like a little boy watching his hero, and getting to improvise with him is the happiest I've seen him. It's very sweet. Robin's death was horrible, but it's hopeful and helpful to think that he and Jonathan are reunited now.

[@himayamata]

I'm imagining Jonathan Winters welcoming Robin Williams in heaven. :)

[@TheCliffandPhilShow]

There must be a lot of laughter in heaven tonight.:(

[@Squillionz]

Right here with you.

[@billgedeon4686]

Exactly..

[@Trainy2]

I'm not sure people that do such a terrible thing to their loved ones go to heaven, if there is one. What he did was extremely selfish and will forever cause a great sadness to his family. I'm just glad it wasn't his wife or kids who first discovered the body.

[@himayamata]

***** That is what happens when you are depressed. :(

[@dermpathmd]

Two of the greatest comedians ever! Thanks!

[@KunraVong]

I don't know whether the tears running down my face are from grief or laughter.

[@lewbiller9278]

Jen royale

[@jackfenn7524]

I can recommend a therapist!

[@CatherineGrainger]

They are together again, making each other laugh - rest peacefully hilarious heros.

[@Squillionz]

And with Ed Bradley watching in awe.

[@blachubear]

The Master(Johnathan Winters) & his student that became a master(Robin Williams). When those two get together you had to hang on to your seats. Both are gone now. Rest in peace to these legends of comedy.

[@tomroyston6780]

no one could keep up with Jonathan Winters He is a treasure to all generations

[@mytowerisaneyefull1275]

his voice was oddly calming...its like he really "spoke" to people

[@frazzyblue1384]

Robin could 😂

[@paulsimmons5726]

God, that's the way comedy should be. Both of these guys are missed, especially now in dark times where decades of progress are being rolled back by the soulless.

[@jackpics]

Yeah, I agree that the European Union is horrible, Paul! Indeed, dark times. Thank goodness for the light of people like Trump, Farage, and Bolsonaro. Make nationalism great again. We'll get back to greatness.

[@jackfenn7524]

Are you quoting Shakespeare, or the EPA regulations. (Question mark key sticks!)

[@bhigdiplomat]

Can't agree with you more. I went to a comedy club with my daughter a few years ago and the comedian comes up on stage and the first 6 words out of his mouth were 6 F bombs. That's it. Nothing else. And the audience was laughing. And I said to myself, "This is comedy?" It only improved a little bit after that.

[@andrewtongue7084]

You have that right, Paul....

[@pianowoman1357]

Twin sons of different mothers with one of my favorite interviewers.

[@guitarvocs]

I was born at the right time to grow up with these two in my life, and now I miss them terribly.

[@susanfriebel4409]

I miss both of them so much! Thank goodness for videos like this to enjoy any time!!!!

[@tim2muntu954]

How wonderful we had these people in our lives - two souls who can, and did, understand each other:- what chemistry.

[@MeenyMcSweeny]

Imagine how awesome it'd be if Jonathan Winters appeared on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

[@KENNETHUDUT]

I love Jonathan Winters

[@jamesstroud9697]

Look at Robin’s eyes when he is looking at Jonathan…that’s beautiful

[@jeffrey6244]

The whole crew filming this must have had the time of their lives!

[@supermanhannay]

My first name is Johnny, not Jonathan, but my dad would always call me "Jonathan" whenever I was being funny. Once I knew who he was, I took it as a great compliment. I also came to love Jonathan as much as I did Robin. Losing them both was a terrible loss. RIP.

[@elosogonzalez8739]

These two were magic together. The world won't be the same without their gift of laughter they left us. Absolute geniuses!

[@tvmattkc]

Robin looks like a kid in a candy store while working with his idol Johnathan Winters

[@JustinMcBrainDrums]

It's so great to see.

[@abailey9810]

the fact that Robin Williams got Jonathan Winters to laugh...

[@Nick-ty9us]

That’s like his boyhood dream working with his idol

[@BigBisalreadytaken]

I have been looking for this episode for ages!

[@EdWeibe]

Robin making the Master laugh. That is something. very good. very good.

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

I just want to say this: God Bless you Robin Williams, Jonathan Winters and all the great who have passed over. You made us all smile!

[@Jazzywazz]

I was lucky enough to meet Johnathan Winters. He came up to Me and did a 'skit' while I was on my brake as a waitress! He was Pedro, my waiter, and He morphed into the character! It was hilarious and all for Me!! I feel special!!!

[@sebring1960]

Even though most of these replies are years old, It's still great to see the masters of comedy. No doubt that Robin Williams had looked at Jonathan Winters as one of the greatest grand masters of improvisational comedians as an influence. You can just see it here! He was totally inspired! He truly loved and respected the man! And yet, even though inspired by Jonathan Winters as just one of his major influences, Robin had became a grandmaster himself! Which proves the case ; "Even the masters have masters!" God bless you Jonathan Winters & Robin Williams! Your art has made you two immortal, for just that alone!

[@marklowensteinmusic]

Absolutely two of the most talented comedic geniuses ever. Like Groucho Marx, quit wit is a sign of pure genius. They left us with enduring memories and humor. Their captured performances live on and will continue to make people laugh and lift us out of ourselves and the heaviness of this world. Thank God for such fine talented people. They are truly missed.

[@heru-deshet359]

I have tears of laughter watching this, then I get teared up when I realize we don't have them anymore. :(

[@greenwich1754]

I think Robin is in a class of his own. I've never seen a mind work as quick as his. As fantastic as Robin is, I still think that Mr. Winter's sheer class & humbleness shines above Robin. I know it's the modern age, but Mr. Winters never used the F-bomb (to my knowledge), and never got political (which tends to divide people). I think Robin is the superior talent, but Mr. Winters is the lovable grandfather type we just want to hug.

[@jazzmanchgo]

Well, different generations. Students learn from their teachers, then take what they learn and adapt it to their own era's needs and tastes -- Muddy Waters learned the acoustic blues from Son House in Mississippi; he moved to Chicago, picked up an electric guitar, and revolutionized American popular music. Then, a little later, Chuck Berry learned from Muddy and did the same thing all over again, this time with rock & roll. Charlie Parker studied under straight-ahead, swinging big band saxophonists and then took it to the next level and helped invent bebop. And so it goes . . .

[@sunshinewater4659]

Those two were certainly kindred spirits...and they sure had fun around each other. Love watching this video...Great post!

[@johnmaddin8533]

I was at a book signing at Powell's Books in Portland, OR some years ago. Jonathan Winters was there as the guest author to sign copies of his book of short stories, Winters Tales. The place was jam packed, absolutely filled to capacity when Winters came out to the front table. An employee of Powells, a young guy in his 20's, started the proceedings and during his somewhat stammering introduction made the mistake of trying to make a joke , and Winters' reaction was priceless: a double blink and slight roll of his eyes toward the young fellow as his right eyebrow lifted - which was all he needed to do to send the crowd into a roar of laughter as the young guy laughed himself and finally gave the spot to Winters. One of those you-had-to-be-there monments I'll never forget. R.I.P Jonathan Winters and your immensely gifted and well-loved protegé, Robin Williams.

[@the60sKid]

You can see Robin's brain just moving and going with it again, again, again. Pure Genius.

[@michaeldoster4847]

HYSTERICAL!!! Two LEGENDS! Thanks for the POST!

[@michiganjack1337]

“They’re all buried over here.” My sides are splitting

[@jackfenn7524]

Funny until the Po-leece dogs show up, and the rotting bodies are discovered!

[@a.banks.7682]

Unbelievable to think that all 3 of these guys are gone! What a huge loss of talent, that did speak for humanity....

[@jimmycatt]

Brilliance to the likes that we shall never see again. They are dearly missed.

[@johnkeeper5604]

I had the honor of meeting and 'hanging' with Mr. Winters for a day > all I can say .. he was an awesome person, BIG heart, kind, thoughtful, honest and a delight. I will forever treasure the day. Truly a genius! RIP my friend.

[@bearone7777]

Thank you Bill for sharing your experience with this comedy genius-----AND I AGREE WITH YOU R.I.P. JONATHAN!!!!

[@tomtalker2000]

Two of THE BEST comedians this world will ever know. God bless them both.

[@arthursteven5601]

❤ 100percent

[@vickikerns1]

I wish the meeting of Jonathan Winters & Robin Williams up in Heaven could have been recorded. I'm betting they still have everyone in stitches."There's seating down at the front." Thank you both for keeping us laughing.

[@webkahmik]

IT WAS recorded, in "heaven's unchangeable heart" - (Jack Kerouac)

[@2degucitas]

Brilliant. Like a train going off the rails, but never crashing.

[@2degucitas]

RIP, Robin!! You took your life yesterday, I cried, the whole world hoped it was a hoax, but no. Have fun with Jonathan goofing in heaven. Say HI to Andy Kaufman.

[@tangelineforever]

2degucitas And Chris Reeve..he's had alot of friends meet him to take him home.

[@castalia60able]

The fact that Jonathan Winter and Robin Williams worked together is wonderful because they have similarity in their style of comedy. So happy they worked together.

[@climbthatmountain]

Winters and Williams- batteries ARE included, pre mixed, fully fueled, and ready-to-race. If there were ever two more creative, high-energy individuals I've not witnessed them. They are loved and missed.

[@dennispratt5995]

I was parking cars years ago in Beverly Hills and Johnny Winters drove onto the lot and proceeded to spend a good 30 minutes with me ad-libbing about the nazis in the top floor of an office building across from us. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants. Cut to a year later, my wife and I were walking along in Toluca Lake and John drove up and yelled, "Hey, where you been?" Couldn't believe he remembered me. We walked over to his car and chatted with him for a few minutes, and of course, he made us laugh before going on his way. A few months later the same thing happened. He pulled up at the curb and we made each other laugh for a few minutes. Just a sweet, wonderful, talented man. Wish I could see him just once more.

[@waradi.alkhalijj7081]

The world's laughter Jonathan Winters, rest in peace, what a beautiful laughter is better than a comedian.

[@careystarkey456]

I know Robin Williams loved Jonathan Winters. They were a pair. God Bless them both.

[@tuxguys]

Williams and Winters unleashed? This is HUGE.

[@KaBoomChannel]

Jonathan had such an amazing voice. If he never did comedy he could have had a lucrative career as a voice over artist.

[@BillChild2njoy]

Laughing is a great thing and those like Robin and Jonathan that gave us the ability to laugh will always be remembered.

[@tylerkendall1695]

Thank you Jonathan for all the memories. You showed me how to laugh. Thank you much sir. May you rest in peace. Jim

[@mrtracyadams289]

Two of greatest comedians in the world I always wanted to be like Robin I did some stand up with some friends at my church long story but. Funny I did Robin Some of Robins bit they went crazy I will miss him Rip my friend

[@belladonna1999]

Now is a good time for people to realize that nothing good lasts forever and what is good should be appreciated and held close. Life is very short and goes by very fast. Sometimes people leave us sooner than you could ever imagine. But we forget this. We get involved in the small things that don't count and the wrong things that eat away at our joy. Above everything, appreciate the truly good people in the world and the happiness they bring. They are rare.

[@zovalentine7305]

Rest in powerful peace my favorite celebrity ( and homie) of all time Robin Williams 🙏✌♥️⚘⚘🎶✊

[@StevenFordrockabillycat]

This man was pure class.

[@WarriorMigs24]

RIP Jonathan Winters thank you

[@soonerboy9831]

Brilliant man. Such a loss when he passed. Loved him.

[@glennhoddle10]

*2 legends of comedy who didn't need profanity to make people laugh.*

[@srinivasu1060]

Well said

[@dancingponies7971]

Or racism or sexism..or drama..

[@jessicaduna7260]

I'm crying. Two great comedians.

[@ReverendSyn]

Two of the true badasses of comedy.

[@robbiewalker2831]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Sir Quigley from Journey to the West, and the Genie from Aladdin.

[@robertwinonafan968]

Jonathan Winters has left this world. But his comedy will always be with us forever. I discovered him back in 1963 when I saw "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World". I was 12 years old at the time. He is a comic genius. ----- Rusty

[@RCGB31]

Two Geniuses: Robin Winters and Jonathan Williams...twin Souls...Soulmates...Genii !

[@mytowerisaneyefull1275]

They had something special :) This kinda thing isn't seen much...he had such a way of speaking to everyone like they are alll equals. In his beautiful mind...im sure we were all equals.

[@j.w.3345]

In today's 'I have a Boo-Boo on my feelings' climate, Jonathan would have been called a racist and God knows what else. He was a creative genius and a comic legend.

[@LarryRobinsonintothefog]

Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters, what a team.

[@ronniedavis4184]

Robin was a very wonderful human being. Sadly missed.

[@MrCalidan69]

All 3 to include Mr. Bradley, are legends! Let's not forget how gracious & awesome Mr. Ed Bradley was. Others may have been offended....he rolled with it getting the humor of it all

[@h.a.linscott3881]

I used to live on the West Side in NYC and saw Ed Bradley frequently at a fav sushi restaurant or just about in the neighborhood. Love Winters, but it is also wonderful to see Bradley's smile again!

[@MarkJRedmond]

Oh the laughs they will have in Heaven. The two of them, could you just imagine the standup shows they could have done! There would not be a set of dry pants in the audience. RIP Robin and Jonathan. You are and will be forever missed.

[@barbarariley1782]

Two of the funniest men who ever lived. May they rest in peace.

[@antikoerper256]

What a privilege to have lived even in part of the age these talented men lived! Extraordinary, both of them!

[@otherworlder1]

I am finally seeing these on my feed after so many years. Pure genius! Pure joy!

[@shanke300]

Two laugh angels. Miss em so much.

[@tmacart]

They both had natural comic genius...made generations laugh, and they loved each other for who they were.

[@juancarlosmescalero5526]

Genius on display. RIP and thanks for sharing.

[@bobstoloff6607]

Makes me even sadder to lose such a comedic genius!

[@genedavis101]

Somewhere in heaven there is one hell of a show going on! Miss these two guys a lot.

[@jackfenn7524]

His patter is always going on in his mind. There is a terrific subtext, and a full set, with different aspects of his personality taking turns writing, directing, and producing. (The challenge is keeping all those guys at work, and away from the craft table!)

[@carlfromtheoc1788]

"They're buried over there......" Priceless.

[@radfatdaddy4169]

Carl FromTheOC That is the best one.

[@yakoobjunior9631]

Two beautiful men and their beautiful craft that simply cannot be emulated 👏

[@carlosfuentes3627]

I'm so glad to have known these two Iconic geniuses in real life. Jonathan was hilarious growing up & Robin came along during my teen years. Still, I admire both of them with the likes of Pryor, Carlin, Lewis, Witherspoon & Costello. Now they are a memorable part in a Royal Constellation of "The Funniest Men That Ever Lived" R.I.P.

[@judehylton9692]

Jonathan Winters was a genius...so hysterical 😅

[@TruthSurge]

OMG. J.W. had me laughing at that Chinese accent he did. man... crazy guy.

[@Ghostmanriding]

I would say a comedic genius TS.My all time fave.

[@VOLCAL]

SADLY ENOUGH THESE SOCALLED COMEDIANS OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS WERE OK WITH DOING THE RCIST ASIAN STUFF BUT BALK AT DOING THE RCIST BL STUFF...HYPOCRITES AND COWARDS.

[@blackmore4]

@@VOLCAL So called? D'you not consider Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters to be comedians? Surely you think at least _some_ of their stuff is funny? I didn't detect any racism in either Winter's Asian or black stereotypes that he did in this video. What d'you think is the racist bit?

[@VOLCAL]

@@blackmore4 DONT MATTER WHAT YOU THINK. THEM COMEDIANS THESE DAYS AINT DOING THOSE KINDS OF JOKES...WELL AT LEAST NOT TO BLK AND JEWELRY THESE DAYS...BUT THESE COWARDS STILL DOING THOSE JOKES TO ASN AND LTINO.

[@wbslnger2004]

Wow even before robin came in, I could see so much of johnathan winters in robin Williams. Those 2 were amazing

[@joeframo3347]

Brilliant man Jonathan Winters brilliant Robin Williams also it's a shame they're left us they left us Cuts Like a Knife two human beings that made me laugh got a lot of pleasure and enjoyment watching them now I'm getting old now my life is coming to an end soon people were losing all the good comedians they're leaving us

[@judypruitt8459]

Jonathan was the king of improve! I really miss him. And now Robin......

[@trysometruth]

I guess to be the king of improv, you probably do also need to be the king of improve.

[@melissawilliams6635]

What hilarious comedy geniuses Robin Williams and Johnathon Winters were. I remember them very well in one of my favorite sitcoms Mork and Mindy.

[@debbiepa1954]

Those two together are a powerful force of talent...I miss them .

[@tracyseymour6059]

Two comedy legends... Rest In Peace, guys! :)

[@bootyman234]

What wonderful loving and talented individuals. They are sorely missed.

[@bubbastill2040]

God I didn't know Jonathan died on my birthday.He was a familiar,friendly and funny face from my childhood.On the back of his first comedy record Robin Williams acknowledged Jonathan, saying, "Thanks to Jonathan Winters for giving me the spark"/rest in peace to both,and may they experience the joy and comfort they gave so many millions super multiplied

[@EmporerAaron]

We lost Winters and now Williams.....the worlds a darker place when true actors, entertainers, and comedians area dying breed

[@donaldrutter1738]

They gave me the Greatest Gift anyone one can . They made me LAUGH! Heaven is a very funny place now .

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

It's strange, I was in the hospital on the day Jonathan died. Never knew until today. I cried. I have always thought of Mr Winters as one of those "Greatest" types that come along once in a lifetime. He was a true visionary. He; to me was like the Thomas Edison, Frank Lloyd Wright, Steve Jobs or Edward Van Halen of comedy... He came along and changed EVERYTHING in the world of comedians. IMHO. RIP Jonathan Winters.

[@susancummings3930]

Johnathan Winters and Robin Williams were 2 beautiful souls God gave us to help us laugh when we need it. This world needs laughter so much. Love Johnathan so much because he gave us clean humor. I cannot stand vulgarity. I know Robin crossed the line some but I know he is a amazing actor and comedian who I watched in mork and mindy when his comedy was clean. But ❤ them both. Watched its a mad, mad, mad, mad world a MILLION TIMES. RIP you two thanks for the laughs and laughter my stomach ached and still aches at your laughter ty both so very much. Robin you left us too soon wished you stayed longer with us but tysvm idk what you were going thru but I want you to know YOU ARE STILL LOVED AO VERY MUCH !!!!!!❤❤❤❤RIP❤❤❤❤❤

[@xmasever]

As much as I love and adore all the older generation comedians from the 40, 50s, 60s, 70s, robin will always be in a class of his own, he was most definitely a one of a kind in his prime..

[@jimcharnoske9614]

Wow, Definitely Funny Guys. Anyone Could See Robin Idolized Jonathan Winters By The Way He Looked At Him When He Performed. Both Geniuses, Both Shall Be Missed.

[@bradh3139]

Two geniuses exponentially unleashing each other’s greatness. RIP gentlemen.

[@XanderZane]

Jonathan was brilliant. The best at improv and a wonderful comedian and actor. He'll be missed, but we thank him for all the wonderful performances he left behind for us to enjoy.