The Emmys will be the first major Hollywood awards show since the death of Robin Williams and producers are planning a meaningful tribute to the iconic comedian, who was introduced to audiences through television.
In an interview with TV Guide, producer Don Mischer said that the Television Academy is trying to “figure out what to do in the right, appropriate and meaningful way” for a tribute.
“It's about what can we do to properly remember Robin and create perhaps an emotional moment about Robin, knowing all that he did for all of us who love entertainment and love comedy,” Mischer continued.
Mischer made similar comments in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. He said that plans for Williams’ segment are a topic for discussion.
“While we are all still coming to terms with this week’s tragic news, we are working to give Robin Williams the proper and meaningful remembrance he so well deserves,” he told THR.
Awards show producers have plenty of experience when it comes to making last-minute changes for tributes to late stars, sadly. Mischer himself told TV Guide that he had to make last minute changes when the great Jessica Tandy died just hours before the 1994 Emmys. Just two years ago, Grammys producers scrambled to get a Whitney Houston tribute together, as she died the day before the ceremony.
Mischer will have time to make sure the Emmys tribute to Williams does Williams justice. The broadcast isn’t until Aug. 25. Mischer worked with Williams several times and fondly recalled the 1998 special Christopher Reeve: A Celebration of Hope.
“He was always ready to devote time to trying to help people. That was a part of who this guy was,” Mischer told TV Guide.
Williams died on Monday at age 63.
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