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Did 'View' Host Joy Behar Grab Robin Williams by the Crotch?

The Academy Award-winning comedian and actor died in 2014.

by Rae Deng, Dec. 15, 2017


A clean-shaven white man with a square face and short brown hair looks upward.

Image courtesy of Getty Images


Comedic icon Robin Williams is best known for his improvisational skills and critically acclaimed roles in everything from "Mrs. Doubtfire" to "Dead Poets Society" to "Aladdin."

But his star power and reputation for kindness also make him the frequent target of rumors online, especially after his death by suicide in 2014. For example, one rumor claimed Williams had a contract clause requiring all of his movies to hire homeless people; another mistakenly attributed a quote to him that said, "everyone you meet is fighting battles you know nothing about." 

His long and storied career also means people often speculate about subjects such as whether or not director Stanley Kubrick considered hiring him to play Jack Torrance in "The Shining." 

Below, in no particular order, are eight rumors about or surrounding Williams and our findings regarding their veracity. 


By Rae Deng

Grace Deng specializes in government/politics and is based in Tacoma, Wash.

Did Robin Williams say, 'A hungry stomach, an empty wallet and a broken heart can teach you the best lessons of life'?

April 14, 2025

For years, the quote appeared with Williams' name on quote-collecting websites and as memes on F ...

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A white man smiles at the camera. His left hand wearing a wedding ring is touching his left cheak.

Analyzing claim that Robin Williams had contract clause requiring all his movies to hire homeless people

March 23, 2025

Versions of claim about the comedian's unique contractual demand have been circulating online si ...

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Robin Williams Said, 'The Saddest People Always Try Their Hardest to Make People Happy'?

Nov. 4, 2024

The comedian and actor died by suicide in 2014.

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A quote purportedly from Robin Williams included the following words beginning with everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

Did Robin Williams Once Say, 'Everyone You Meet Is Fighting a Battle You Know Nothing About'?

Feb. 3, 2024

While it's certainly possible that Williams would have wholeheartedly agreed with this sentiment ...

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Arizona Republicans were not trying to cancel Mrs. Doubtfire.

Did Arizona Republicans Try to Cancel 'Mrs. Doubtfire'?

Jan. 13, 2023

Released in 1993, "Mrs. Doubtfire" starred Robin Williams as a divorced father who dresses up as ...

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We investigated whether comedian Robin Williams once said that "politicians should wear sponsor jackets like NASCAR drivers."

Did Robin Williams Say 'Politicians Should Wear Sponsor Jackets Like NASCAR Drivers'?

April 26, 2021

The comedian would not have been the first to make such a suggestion.

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was robin williams considered for role of jack torrance in the shining?

Was Robin Williams Considered for the Role of Jack Torrance in 'The Shining'?

Jan. 20, 2023

Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film "The Shining" starred Jack Nicholson as the menacing Jack Torrance.

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Did 'View' Host Joy Behar Grab Robin Williams by the Crotch?

Dec. 15, 2017

A 2006 photograph shows Behar and Williams cutting up with fellow comedians Billy Crystal and Wh ...

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