If there's any doubt that Robin Williams is no longer funny (really, do you need anymore evidence than any talk show appearance he has made in the last several years?), here's a clip from yesterday's episode of Ellen. Thrill! As Williams does an Irish accent. Marvel! At the Italian accent that's ten times for cliched than that Italian chef on The Simpsons. Wonder! Why Ellen DeGeneres would actually pick a game for Williams to play that actually highlights his most irritating quality. Isn't it about time that people realize that not only is he not funny, but these "impressions" are about as good as the kind your buddy does after three beers on a Friday night?
The audience seems to love it, but maybe it's only in that "yeah, it's kinda lame, but I'm on TV so I should laugh" kind of way. At least I'm hoping that's why they're laughing.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-16-2006 @ 2:24PM
MrsEldubya said...
Ellen told him she would donate either $100 or $200 per accent to the Comic Relief fundraiser this weekend. So that is wh she was doing it. She knew he could do it and support Hurricane Relief at the same time. She's from New Orleans so she is big on Hurrican Relief efforts.
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11-16-2006 @ 2:29PM
seth brundle said...
Robin Williams is one of the world's most brilliant comedians, whether 'Blogger Bob Sassone' is entertained by him or not.
So, could you express this piece a little more as opinion, rather then fact?
His appearance on The Today Show was poignant, honest, and also charming and funny.
Yes sometimes his appearances are hit or miss, I agree, but they have always been that way, because he is an improvisational comedian.
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11-16-2006 @ 2:33PM
MacGuffin said...
Somebody needs to do an intervention on this guy. So unfunny when his lithium isn't working.
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11-16-2006 @ 2:53PM
Darren said...
You guys are correct - this guy isn't funny, never has been, never will be!!
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11-16-2006 @ 2:54PM
PB said...
Or maybe you don't like it, but maybe it's only in the "yeah, I'm kinda lame and don't have a sense of humor" kind of way.
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11-16-2006 @ 3:00PM
Hey Alex said...
I laughed at the clip from Ellen.
I can't say I always find him funny, but when he gets going, he can be hilarious. It's just too bad he doesn't do more comedic roles. If I'm not mistaken only 4-5 movies out of his last 25 films were actual comedies.
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11-16-2006 @ 3:10PM
Bob said...
He was funny enough at my AA meeting last week. He's not the same person he used to be - you can't expect him to be as funny anymore.
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11-16-2006 @ 3:22PM
Michael G said...
Same jokes, same accent, same same.
Why Belushi and not this guy, I will never know.
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11-16-2006 @ 3:27PM
Retro TV Sitcoms said...
I think he's pretty funny at times. (when he played mork on happy days hint hint).
I also liked him in good morning vietnam to.
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11-16-2006 @ 3:54PM
Albert English said...
The ol' boy has to be high or drunk to even approach being funny. It is especially hypocritical when he cracks on other alcoholics - that's always a rib tickler!
Washed up, over the hill, too many drugs, too much alcohol, another Mel Gibson or any other formerly employed actor. Go away, leave us alone. Your shtick is no longer funny.
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11-16-2006 @ 4:00PM
Shane said...
he was funny in RV
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11-16-2006 @ 4:29PM
MacGuffin said...
I think we need to differentiate his level of funniness/unfunniness.
He is often very funny in film.
He is always very UNfunny on talk shows.
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11-16-2006 @ 4:46PM
Gig said...
He has lost all touch with the audience. It happens often to stand-ups who go on to film or TV. Seinfeld had to go work a LOT of small clubs to get back where he could make a major club audience laugh and some would say he never did get back to where he was before his TV show.
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11-16-2006 @ 4:59PM
S. Phillips said...
Robin Williams has not been funny since Mork AND Mindy.
Did not see the show you refer to, do not watch perverts shows.
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11-16-2006 @ 5:39PM
Karen said...
Robin Williams truly hasn't been funny since, oh, maybe "Aladdin." I think "Patch Adams" was probably the beginning of the end for him. Generally, when he's on talk shows, he's so ADHD all he can do is shtick; he can't even talk. Martin Short is the same way.
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11-16-2006 @ 6:07PM
Rogerdoger said...
"only 4-5 movies out of his last 25 films were actual comedies."
His last four films in a row were comedies. I find you comment inadvertently funny - it doesn't say much for him as a comedian lately. 9 of his last 25 movies were comedies. Including classics like "Death to Smoochy". His next four films are supposed to be comedies, and include such possible nutty laugh fests as "Ms. Doubtfire 2" and "The Krazees"
Robin Williams has always strongly depended on shtick (talking fast with lots of crazy voices) to be funny. The problem is shtick has a very short shelf life. We've all seen it, and seen it when it was better and fresher. The comedy part of his act was always weak, and is getting weaker.
Robin Williams is this generations answer to Milton Berle. Finally someone else noticed.
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11-16-2006 @ 7:25PM
TomB said...
Bob, that comment about him being in your meeting was out of line.
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11-16-2006 @ 7:45PM
JW said...
Robin Williams is one of the greatest and funniest comedians ever! He was on Jay Leno and Conan o'Brien recently and I laughed my head off.
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11-16-2006 @ 7:54PM
Sara said...
I think Robin Williams is very funny, regardless of what the blog says. Just because he is a comedian doesn't mean he is going to be funny ALL the time. He hasn't been in the spotlight so much lately and his movies aren't as popular as his earlier years. I still find him to be a genuine guy and still a great comedian. He is also nominated for a People's Choice Award for favorite funny male star. If you want to vote for him or anyone else you can at www.pcavote.com. I work with the People's Choice Community and already voted.
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11-16-2006 @ 10:26PM
Justin said...
Patch Adams. That is all.
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