The story of how Robin Williams was cast as Mork in Mork & Mindy traces its roots to inspiration from a classic episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show and some unique casting choices by Garry Marshall and Jerry Paris. A blend of childhood enthusiasm for Star Wars, creative sitcom veterans, and a memorable audition would thrust Williams into a role that would define his early career.
The Origins of a TV Alien: Inspiration from The Dick Van Dyke Show
Robin Williams’ breakthrough as Mork can be linked to George Lucas and Dick Van Dyke. In 1977, Garry Marshall, the producer behind Happy Days, found himself convinced by his son’s love for Star Wars to develop a storyline involving a comedic alien visitor. Marshall discussed the concept with Happy Days director Jerry Paris, asking him to consider how an extraterrestrial might interact with the Cunningham family in Milwaukee. This idea resonated with Paris, who drew direct inspiration from an episode he directed for The Dick Van Dyke Show, titled
“It May Look Like a Walnut.”
“It May Look Like a Walnut”
stands out as the most unusual installment of The Dick Van Dyke Show, and it marked Jerry Paris’s debut as a director. Known to fans as the neighbor Jerry Helper, Paris earned his spot in the director’s chair after Carl Reiner appreciated his creative input. Reflecting on his first day directing, Paris admitted,
“the night before I directed for the first time, I threw up,”
—Jerry Paris, Director. Despite his nerves, Paris made his mark on the episode, which featured aliens from the planet Twylo. He claimed credit for the episode’s memorable spectacle by saying,
“I invented the idea of the 1,100 pounds of walnuts in the closet,”
—Jerry Paris, Director.
Resistance and Triumph Behind The Scenes
The Dick Van Dyke Show cast enjoyed the sci-fi script’s quirkiness, but producer Sheldon Leonard was initially unimpressed. According to Rose Marie, Leonard dismissed the concept, declaring,
“I don’t think it’s funny. Good luck.”
—Sheldon Leonard, Producer. The skepticism was evident, with Rose Marie recalling,
“We all looked at each other and somebody said, ‘It’s still a good idea, why don’t we try it?’”
—Rose Marie, Actress. When
“It May Look Like a Walnut”
aired, it quickly became a standout, despite some unexpected side effects. Dick Van Dyke later joked,
“We ate so many walnuts, the entire cast and crew got constipated!”
—Dick Van Dyke, Actor.
After seeing the finished product, Leonard reversed his opinion. He addressed the team, saying,
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is a very funny show. I’m sorry, I was wrong.”
—Sheldon Leonard, Producer. This episode solidified Paris’s reputation and remained a highlight of his directing career. Years later, Paris used this creative success as the foundation when Garry Marshall asked for ideas for a Happy Days episode focused on an alien encounter.
The Unconventional Search for Mork
When the time came to cast Mork, both Paris and Marshall explored various options. Multiple actors auditioned before Robin Williams entered the room, making a lasting impression by unexpectedly sitting on his head during the reading. Williams’s unique humor and unabashed physical comedy set him apart from the rest. Marshall would go on to remark that Williams landed the role because he was
“the only actual alien who auditioned.”
The performance marked a turning point, propelling Williams into fame and shaping the entire direction of Mork & Mindy.
Legacy of an Out-of-This-World Casting
The journey behind how Robin Williams was cast as Mork in Mork & Mindy reflects the collaborative creativity of comedy legends like Garry Marshall, Jerry Paris, and Carl Reiner. What began as a child’s request and a nod to TV history became a pivotal moment for Williams and television comedy. The show’s origins link back to a classic episode that challenged expectations and embraced imaginative risks, forever coloring the legacies of Robin Williams, Jerry Paris, and the influential series they helped create.
