Margaret Cho Breaks the Silence on Robin Williams with “Funny Man”
Robin Williams—one of the greatest comedic minds of all time—still holds a special place in the hearts of millions. However, according to comedian and musician Margaret Cho, people seem hesitant to talk about him these days. In a recent interview, Cho opened up about how uncomfortable many people are when discussing Williams, despite his undeniable impact on comedy, film, and television. She hopes to change that with her latest song, Funny Man , a heartfelt tribute to the late comedian.
Cho’s connection to Williams runs deep. Growing up in San Francisco, she first encountered him as a child, later crossing paths with him throughout her comedy career. Though she never considered him a close friend, he was always present—both in her world and in the larger entertainment landscape. His passing on August 11, 2014, was a shock that left a profound impact, sparking conversations about mental health, grief, and the hidden struggles even the most seemingly joyful people face.
Yet, as time has passed, Cho has noticed that Williams’ name doesn’t come up as often as it should. "Very rarely do you hear his name mentioned," she said. "I think people just don’t want to talk about mental health and all those things that make it a difficult conversation. But I want him to be remembered.”
Also Read:- Olivia Rodrigo to Headline Osheaga 2025 Alongside Tyler, The Creator
- NSW Takes Charge as Konstas Shows Restraint Against Victoria
That desire led her to write Funny Man on the very day of Williams’ passing. At the time, there was an overwhelming sense of, What can we do? How can we help? For Cho, one answer came in the form of #BeRobin , an outreach movement inspired by Williams’ own dedication to helping those in need. The project brought together musicians and comedians who performed in public spaces, raising funds, food, and supplies for homeless communities in San Francisco. It was a modern twist on Comic Relief , the charity Williams championed alongside Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg.
Although Funny Man was written in 2014, Cho hadn’t performed or recorded it until recently, including it on her new album Lucky Gift . The track celebrates the laughter and light that comedians like Williams bring to the world while acknowledging the personal battles they often face.
A particularly touching moment in the song is the laughter heard at the end—recorded during a 2024 show with actor Kyle MacLachlan. It serves as a reminder that even in grief, joy can be found. “The song could apply to so many people,” Cho reflected, noting that it also felt like a tribute to another legendary artist, David Lynch.
Cho’s memories of Williams stretch back to her childhood. Her first-ever autograph came from him when she was just eight years old—too shy to ask for it herself, she had her father do it. Later, as a teenager performing stand-up at the legendary Holy City Zoo comedy club, she often found herself going on stage after Williams. “It was the scariest thing—to follow Robin Williams,” she admitted. “But I guess it made me a better comedian.”
Williams’ influence remains undeniable. In his prime, his mere presence in a comedy club was enough to stop traffic—literally. “Every bar and restaurant would empty onto the street just to watch him perform,” Cho recalled. “We were all so lucky to be in his presence.”
Now, through Funny Man , Cho hopes to keep that presence alive. Robin Williams wasn’t just a comedian; he was a force of nature, a generous spirit, and a beacon of light. And though he may be gone, his laughter, kindness, and brilliance deserve to be remembered—not just by those who knew him, but by all of us.
Read More:
0 Comments