Remembering Robin Williams: Heartwarming Stories and Untold Facts That Celebrate His Legacy

The late Robin Williams would have turned 74 today, and the beloved comedian-actor is once again lighting up screens as Disney’s Genie—this time in the studio’s new 13-minute short Once Upon a Studio, released as part of Disney’s 100th-anniversary celebration. Using never-before-heard outtakes from Williams’ original 1992 Aladdin recording sessions, animators brought the shape-shifting blue genie back without resorting to artificial intelligence, a point Disney emphasized after receiving the blessing of the Williams estate. Streaming now on Disney+, the short unites 543 characters from 85 classic films for a once-in-a-century group photo led by Mickey and Minnie. Genie’s cameo arrives three minutes in, bursting out of Olaf’s sketchbook with Williams’ trademark energy and ad-libbed jokes that feel freshly plucked from the recording booth. Long-time Disney animator Eric Goldberg, who supervised Genie in the original Aladdin, returned to animate the new footage frame-by-frame, preserving Williams’ improvisational style. The release lands amid an industry-wide debate about AI voice cloning. Earlier this month Zelda Williams, the actor’s daughter, called AI recreations of her father “personally disturbing,” warning that they create “a horrendous Frankensteinian monster” when done without consent. Disney’s decision to mine archival audio instead of synthetic speech offers a high-profile example of how studios can honor legacies ethically while still delighting fans with familiar voices. Why the Genie’s return matters for fans and searchers today • Birthday buzz: July 21 marks Williams’ birthday, driving a surge in social-media tributes, quote threads and viral clips from Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting. • Fresh content: Once Upon a Studio gives longtime viewers new Robin Williams material for the first time in over a decade. • Streaming accessibility: Unlike limited theatrical re-releases, the short is available worldwide on Disney+, making it easy for audiences to watch and share instantly. • AI controversy: As Hollywood grapples with deepfakes and digital doubles, Williams’ posthumous performance spotlights how archival creativity can coexist with ethical boundaries. Where to watch and what to look for To catch Williams’ Genie, press play on Once Upon a Studio on Disney+. Keep an eye out for sly in-jokes: Genie photobombs Hercules’ Megara, trades riffs with Olaf and even sneaks a split-second high-five to the late actor’s Flubber character in a blink-and-you-miss-it Easter egg. The short culminates in a soaring rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star,” with Genie’s booming harmonies anchoring the chorus. Remembering the man behind the magic Beyond the animated spectacle, July is often a reflective month for fans. Williams’ open discussions about mental health and his philanthropic work with Comic Relief remain touchstones. Many charities encourage donations today in his honor, using the hashtag #RobinWilliams74 to spotlight organizations such as the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bottom line Robin Williams’ spontaneous genius once redefined what a cartoon sidekick could be; three decades later, that same spark is driving a new wave of nostalgia, conversation and clicks. Whether you’re revisiting Aladdin, streaming Once Upon a Studio or debating the future of AI in Hollywood, one thing is certain: the world still can’t get enough of Robin Williams—and for at least one more birthday, he’s granting us one last wish.