David M. Russell/CBS

Williams returned to TV’s starring position for the first-time since his death in 2005. Mindy and MorkPlaying Sarah Michelle GellarThe CBS sitcom features a father-and-daughter advertising executive. Crazy OnesThe show ended in May 2014, after only one season. While filming, he was alone and lived in Los Angeles.

“I’m kicking myself for not visiting him during that time,” his son Zak was quoted in Itzkoff’s Robin. Because he was very alone during that time. Retrospectively, I think I should have been there to spend time with him. He didn’t get the support that he required.

There was excitement when the show was being developed, but there was also hope for its success considering the lead actors. Gellar exclaimed about Williams in 2013 to CelebHomes News: “He’s a legend.” It’s the best stand-up comedy ever, Academy Award Winner and the nicest man in the world.

“It’s like if Gandhi did stand-up,” Williams quipped.

When he died, Gellar joined the rush of former co-stars, friends and fans paying tribute, writing on social media, “My life is a better place because I knew Robin Williams. My children called him Uncle Robin. His colleagues called him the best boss they had ever seen. For me, Robin was the father I always longed for.

It Buffy the Vampire Slayer star continued to pay tribute in later years, posting on what would have been his birthday in 2019, “Grief takes everyone on a different path. “I have reached a point in my life where I no longer feel the need to cry when I think about you. Instead of feeling flooded with hot tears, my eyes light up and I can smile big.”

That was Williams’ wish.