Kirsten Dunst shared insights about working with Robin Williams on the 1995 film Jumanji, recalling a lesson from the late actor that profoundly influenced her. During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on Thursday, Dunst described Williams as a respectful and kind presence who taught her, at just 13 years old, the importance of treating a film crew with respect.
The Impact of Robin Williams on a Young Kirsten Dunst
Dunst spoke openly about how Williams left a lasting impression on her both personally and professionally. She expressed sadness reflecting on his passing in 2014 but emphasized the grace that defined his interactions with others. Sharing with Drew Barrymore and their guest Channing Tatum, Dunst said,
“He was just like… He left such an impression on me with his grace and the way he treated everyone,”
and added,
“And then, on top of it, he gave me my first computer? And he just was so generous with his spirt and everything.”
She noted that Williams’ behavior offered her an invaluable lesson early in life.
“Again, what a lesson for me to learn at such a young age how to treat a crew,”
Dunst remarked.
“I mean, just a very respectful, beautiful human.”
The Story Behind Jumanji and Its Cast
Jumanji, directed by Joe Johnston, tells the story of siblings Judy and Peter, played by Dunst and Bradley Pierce, who find a magical board game in their attic. Their play inadvertently frees Alan, Robert Williams’ character, who has been trapped in the game for decades, unleashing various dangers. This film became a formative project for Dunst, shaped in part by Williams’ influence both on and off set.
Drew Barrymore’s Early Encounters with Robin Williams
Although Barrymore and Williams never worked directly together, she recalled meeting him during her early years. Hosting Saturday Night Live at age seven, Barrymore met Williams in 1982 when director Steven Spielberg brought him on the show.
“I got the privilege of meeting him for the first time when I was 7 in 1982,”
Barrymore told Zelda Williams, Robin’s daughter, in 2024.
“[E.T. director] Steven Spielberg brought him to Saturday Night Live that I was hosting… Still the youngest host!”
Barrymore added that despite that early meeting, it was not until she filmed alongside Williams that she truly felt nervous.
“I wasn’t nervous until your dad came, and then I got nervous,”
she said.
“He’s so wonderful and he has put so much beauty into this world. And he means so much to people.”
Zelda Williams’ Request Regarding AI-Generated Videos of Her Father
Recently, Zelda Williams spoke out against AI-generated videos depicting her late father, asking fans to stop sharing such content. She described these videos as disrespectful and hurtful.
“But please, if you’ve got any decency, just stop doing this to him and to me, to everyone even, full stop,”
she wrote.
“It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he’d want.”
Zelda further criticized the creators of these videos, stating,
“not making art, you’re making disgusting, over-processed hotdogs out of the lives of human beings, out of the history of art and music, and then shoving them down someone else’s throat hoping they’ll give you a little thumbs up and like it.”
She concluded bluntly, “Gross.”
Lasting Legacy and Influence of Robin Williams
Robin Williams left a profound impact on those who knew him, evident in the stories shared by Kirsten Dunst and Drew Barrymore. His generosity and respectful nature became a guiding example for Dunst in how to engage with colleagues on set, shaping her approach as an actress. The discussions on his daughter’s concerns about AI portrayals highlight ongoing challenges related to honoring an individual’s memory respectfully.
Williams’ influence remains deeply felt within Hollywood and beyond, reminding audiences of his talent and humanity. For Kirsten Dunst, the lessons learned from Williams continue to resonate, underscoring the importance of treating every member of a production team with dignity and kindness.
