August 18, 2014 – Much has been said over the last week about Robin Williams’ incredible generosity and kindness. Redwood High School experienced it first-hand back in 1987 when Robin Williams spoke during our graduation ceremony. I created a little slideshow to watch as you listen to his sage advice. Thank you for everything, Robin! We miss you. — Jason (Special thanks to Dave Allen and Amy Koppelman Kahn for helping provide the VHS recording.)
Click the PLAY button above to listen to Robin Williams’ pre-recorded graduation speech delivered to the Redwood Class of ’87. In the middle of the ceremony, student Ted Gold pretends to answer an unexpected telephone call from Thailand where Williams was shooting “Good Morning Viet Nam”.
Ted Go
“Robin Williams meant a lot to me growing up. He gave me a lot of laughs when I really needed them. Fueled an early passion for comedy and weekly pilgrimages to The Punchline, The Other Cafe and The Holy City Zoo. He also attended my high school. So during senior year I contacted Robin to speak at our graduation. He said he’d love to but had to pass because of a thing called “Good Morning Vietnam”. No way to make the date. I countered that our school would pay to put his speech on film and rent a projection system large enough and strong enough to screen during daylight hours for the entire student body friends and family. He said yes. Of course I had forgotten I was in public school, and it was 1987– neither funds nor available technology to achieve such things. Eventually pity prompted Robin to agree to put his speech on audio cassette. It was the first thing I produced and for one day I got to be a hero to my class. For years, I tried to track Robin down at local events to thank him. I was never able, possibly because I got myself put on some kind of stalker list. Anyway, thanks Robin. For everything. So much great work and spirit. RIP.” — Ted Gold
Ted Gold is currently a television producer in Los Angeles. His most recent project is a big-budget pirate series called “Crossbones” starring John Malkovich. He helped launch numerous other TV shows including Fox’s “Prison Break” and its 3rd highest rated drama “Bones”.
Bronwyn Galloway
“It’s like me because I have no ending.”
Kathryn Montgomery Burum
I loved it.
Rich Reynolds
I’ve been to Hollywood, I’ve been to Redwood…..
Jacqueline Tabb
Thank you!
elizabeth_dodge
I graduated from RHS in 1984 and had never heard this before. Made me cry, but thank you. We miss you, Robin.
jean_danowski
Thank you for this! I remember seeing Robin Williams on his bike, at the bike shop in Sausalito and in a Cafe, through the window once. He always smiled and waved back! Such a funny generous man. He will be missed! He’ll be honored at the Emmy Awards by Billy Crystal, Aug. 25, this Monday 5PT/8ET on NBC.
Deanna Mirabel-Salvador
Sara Hattem!!
Alana Hope
I was there!!!
Dez Kuimelis
I had the great fortune to run into Robin in Mill Valley a few years after we graduated. I went up to him to thank him from the whole class of 1987 for doing this recording. He was so sweet and seemed genuinely touched to know it meant so much to us. I miss him. Thank you Ted for making this recording happen!
Amy Koppelman Kahn
It was perfect.
Jason Lewis
Thanks. Was weird/cool how the “I’m free” line synched up so well with the Aladdin cartoon.
Amy Koppelman Kahn
Glad to have been able to be a part of it. Your video montage is great, well done!
Jason Lewis
Special thanks to Dave Allen and Amy Koppelman Kahn for their. help. Ted Gold deserves major kudos for making it all happen in the first place.
Katie Sarachelli
This is a wonderful thing!
Molly McDaneld
This is great Jason! I totally remember him laughing about Tino lavezzo. Thank you for sharing.
Stacy Saperstein Kadesh
Thanks for posting Jason and thank you Ted Gold for what you did to make our graduation so special. I have told my kids about this address many times, especially in the last week, and I am so happy share this with them. Made me smile and laugh out loud. Great memory.
Arla Luna
Just another great example that no matter where Robin was or what he was doing, part of his heart was always at home.
Mark Lomas
http://youtu.be/oziLWy5IVo8
Heather Gold
Great job with the slides! Xo
D'arcy Corman Nickerson
Thank you for posting this. I think if was fantastic that you took on the task to bring him on board for your graduation!
Barbra Ann Schora
Excellent.
Elise Durenberger
This is the MOST precious Robin Williams routine, ever! Great job, class of ’87! What a fantastic send off you had!