Steven Spielberg played a pivotal role in securing the Robin Williams cameo in To Wong Foo movie, uniting two Hollywood icons for a brief but unforgettable scene in the cult classic about drag queens. This behind-the-scenes collaboration highlights the power of friendship and creative synergy in the film industry.
How Spielberg Brought Robin Williams to To Wong Foo
The 1995 comedy-drama To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar brought together the talents of Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo, portraying three professional drag queens setting off on a cross-country adventure. Among its many surprises, the film also featured the notable Robin Williams cameo in To Wong Foo movie, a moment initiated by Spielberg’s intervention.
Mitch Kohn, then a development executive, was responsible for presenting the screenplay to Steven Spielberg for consideration. Although the veteran director appreciated the overall script, he had reservations about its comedic elements. Seeking a second opinion, Spielberg reached out to Robin Williams, his long-time friend and comedic legend, and asked him to review the script. Williams responded enthusiastically, endorsing the project and giving Spielberg the confidence to push it forward.
The director’s admiration for Williams didn’t stop at creative advice. According to accounts relayed by Today, a memorable incident occurred when Spielberg and Williams found themselves on a flight together. Spielberg prompted Williams to read a segment from the script aloud, and was left “mesmerized” by his performance. This impromptu audition convinced Spielberg that Williams should appear in the movie, leading to his playful casting as John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, the character who helps send the drag queen protagonists on their journey. This small but impactful role was only made possible through Spielberg’s direct request and Williams’ willingness to bring energy to the project alongside stars like Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo.
Williams’ Unforgettable Friendship with Steven Spielberg
The creative connection between Steven Spielberg and Robin Williams extended beyond the set of To Wong Foo. Their friendship was especially significant during 1993, as Spielberg undertook the emotionally taxing production of Schindler’s List, a historical drama about Oscar Schindler’s efforts to save Jews from Nazi persecution in Poland. The weight of such a difficult subject took a personal toll on Spielberg, leading him to question whether he could handle the responsibility.
During this period, Williams served as a crucial source of support for the director. Spielberg recalled in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter how Williams used humor to lift his spirits during filming:
“Robin knew how hard it was for me on the movie, and once a week, every Friday, he’d call me on the phone and do comedy for me. Whether it was after 10 minutes or 20 minutes, when he heard me give the biggest laugh, he’d hang up on me.” —Steven Spielberg, veteran director
This weekly ritual became a cherished tradition, helping Spielberg to refocus and overcome the stress associated with one of his most challenging projects. Williams’ support contributed to the completion of Schindler’s List, the film that would later be heralded as one of the most powerful narratives about the Holocaust, starring Liam Neeson as Oscar Schindler.
To Wong Foo’s Box Office Success and Ongoing Legacy
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar premiered in September 1995, capturing audiences with its unique storyline about three drag queens traveling across America in a classic Cadillac convertible, after cleverly converting airline tickets into travel funds. The film went on to earn $47 million at the worldwide box office, a significant sum for a movie centered on drag queen culture in the mid-1990s.
The Robin Williams cameo in To Wong Foo movie remains a testament to Spielberg’s creative instincts and Williams’ versatile talent. The cross-pollination of talent from icons like Julie Newmar, John Leguizamo, and Wesley Snipes elevated the film’s status, while Williams’ brief appearance continues to be a highlight for fans and film historians alike.
For viewers eager to revisit this unique piece of movie history, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar is currently available for streaming through Peacock in the United States. The film stands as both a testament to enduring creative partnerships and to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in mainstream cinema during the 1990s.
The Impact of Timeless Collaborations
Steven Spielberg’s creative foresight and friendship with Robin Williams not only brought an unforgettable cameo to To Wong Foo but also demonstrated the positive influence artists can have on one another’s work. Their mutual support—whether it was Williams offering emotional relief during the making of Schindler’s List or Spielberg orchestrating an iconic film moment for Williams—underscores the longstanding impact of collaboration in Hollywood. As To Wong Foo continues to resonate with audiences and new generations discover the Robin Williams cameo in To Wong Foo movie, the legacy of these two cinema legends remains firmly intertwined.
