The Voyager star couldn’t believe the famed comedian bowed to him!
The larger-than-life Robin Williams was a comedic genius and thespian with an unparalleled flair for the dramatic. However, some people might not realize that the Oscar-winning (Good Will Hunting) A-lister was also a HUGE Trekkie. And when Star Trek: Voyager's Ethan Phillips bumped into the late actor: pure magic!
Fans can watch Phillips recall his “special” meeting with Williams in its entirety (below), courtesy of The Transporter Room. Phillips, who portrayed fan-favorite chef Neelix, had just finished having his Talaxian makeup applied and was on his way to the set to shoot an episode of Voyager.
While strolling down a city block-length alley separating sound stages, Phillips and Williams crossed paths. “Oh my god, it’s Neelix!” Williams exclaimed to Phillips’ surprise. And then to the Voyager actor’s astonishment, the late comedian graciously bowed to him and said, “I love your character.” Overwhelmed by emotions, the two hugged right there in the alley before parting ways.
As a lifelong fan of both Star Trek and Robin Williams — who doesn’t love The Birdcage? — I absolutely adore Phillips' “special” story. For those who aren’t as familiar with the late comedian’s personal life, Williams was without question a Trekkie.
In fact, Williams was supposed to guest star in the season 5 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation “A Matter of Time,” as the con artist Berlinghoff Rasmussen. The character, which was written specifically for Williams, claimed to have knowledge of the Enterprise-D crews’ futures but turned out to be a fast-talking fraud.
Unfortunately, Williams was prevented from starring in the episode due to scheduling conflicts. And, as most Star Trek fans know, it was Max Headroom himself, Matt Frewer, who eventually portrayed the part — “Nanu Nanu!”
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Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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