The world remembers Robin Williams for his extraordinary generosity and unique sense of humor. Even years after his tragic suicide at the age of 63, his name remains a household name, synonymous with laughter and kindness. Even though he has graced the entertainment industry with a wide variety of acting roles, a character for which he was never seen on screen stands out vividly in people’s minds. This character was the Genie in the Disney animated classic, “Aladdin”, released in 1992.
While Robin Williams was known to command a hefty fee for his film roles, often in the $8 million range, he agreed to significantly less compensation for lending his voice to Genie. It might come as a surprise to many that he only received $75,000 for his exceptional contribution.
In a 1993 interview with New York magazine, Robin Williams explained his decision to accept a greatly reduced fee for “Aladdin”. He revealed that he chose this lower income because he wanted to be a part of something truly special. Most importantly, he wanted to leave a legacy for his children. This choice, in retrospect, shows his deep commitment to both his craft and his family.
Robin Williams wasn’t content to just accept a lower salary. In addition to their voice acting, Disney generously provided around 30 hours of unreleased content for them to use as they saw fit.
He did this to leave something for his children, but he had a condition in mind. He didn’t want to use his voice as a salesman or as a marketing tool. He claimed he didn’t.
In another interview, this one with the Today Show, he made this claim. All he said was that he would do a voice-over. Basically, I’m doing this because I want to continue this legacy of animation. I want something for my children. One thing is, I just don’t want to sell anything, like at Burger King or with toys or stuff.
Additionally, he chose not to return for the 1994 sequel. This was due to Disney’s displeasure at his voice being used to promote items.
According to him, it doesn’t matter if they make dolls; the interesting part comes when they use his voice.
Williams received a $1 million Picasso painting from Disney as a gift. Although he said it happened before the breach, other people believe it was their way of apologizing.
The problem is they didn’t give me the Picasso as punishment for breaking the contract, William said. First Picasso came, then they broke the contract, and finally, we ended our marriage. They then expressed their regrets, which was all I needed to hear.
“I wanted them to say, ‘We broke the contract, and then we ran a press campaign that made it look like you were trying to extort money from us. Studios often engage in this behavior, but they never admit it. Shh! (Assumes voice) Lies, you say? But they did, they apologized and now they’re back,” he continued. “It was hard for a while.
How do you explain to the kids that we’re not going to Orlando for a while because Dad is in a dispute with Disney? No more merchandise, hunchbacks, or stuffed toys.
Disney added that they discussed everything with his wife Marcia before using his voice in any promotional materials. They said, “He agreed to the deal, and then when the movie became a big hit, he didn’t like the deal he made.”
They would eventually shake hands and renew their friendship. Williams even had a role in the third Aladdin film, released in 1996.
Williams recalled his experience working on the third “Aladdin” film and described it as a liberating endeavor. He entered the room and began improvising, with the creative team throwing ideas at him. It quickly spiraled out of control, but that was exactly what made it so enjoyable. He reveled in the freedom of the wild, knowing he had creative license to take the character to new heights.
Williams shared some funny anecdotes about his improvisations and relished the opportunity to push the boundaries of creative expression. His irreverence and humor left a lasting impact on the Genie character and by extension the entire “Aladdin” series.
Robin Williams’ decision to lend his voice to the character of the Genie in “Aladdin,” despite accepting a fraction of his usual fee, wasn’t just an act of generosity. It was an expression of his deep love for his craft, his family, and his determination to maintain the integrity of his contribution.
His legacy as a Genie lives on, a timeless reminder of his unique talent and his unwavering dedication to his art. While the relationship between Williams and Disney has had its ups and downs, it ultimately serves as a testament to the enduring power of artistic collaboration and the capacity for reconciliation.
As we celebrate the remarkable talent and indelible mark left by Robin Williams, we are reminded that his contributions to the world of entertainment go far beyond dollars and contracts. His legacy lives on, not only through his iconic roles but also through the lessons of creative integrity and the enduring power of a beloved voice.