Josh Charles reflects on the toll fame took on Robin Williams during Dead Poets Society

"I could see his humor but I could also see the human behind it and the toll that took on him," Charles said

Actor Josh Charles is reflecting on his time working with the late Robin Williams on the 1989 classic Dead Poets Society and how he witnessed the personal cost of fame on the beloved star. In a recent interview on The View, Charles described the experience as “incredible” while sharing insights into Williams’s life behind the humor.

Charles recalled Williams as “obviously such a huge star and such a funny man” who was “really kind to all of us” and “very respectful of knowing that he was one part of this ensemble.” He emphasized that despite Williams’s larger-than-life presence, he treated the cast with warmth and consideration.

Yet Charles also noticed a deeper side to Williams. “I could see his humor but I could also see the human behind it and the toll that took on him, even at that young age. I could see it,” he said, highlighting the pressures that accompanied Williams’s rapid rise to fame.

The actor also fondly remembered bonding with Williams over Richard Pryor impersonations, saying, “Very funny man and we bonded over Richard Pryor immediately because I grew up a big Richard Pryor fan,” reflecting on the camaraderie they shared on set.

Williams, who passed away in 2014 at age 63, is remembered for his boundless energy and iconic performances, with his role as English teacher John Keating in Dead Poets Society remaining one of his most revered. Charles also spoke about revisiting the film decades later, noting the recent tribute in Taylor Swift’s 2025 music video for “Fortnight” as “a unique experience to have to see people discovering this film that you made long ago that’s touching people today.”

Through his reflections, Charles offers a heartfelt look at Williams’s brilliance, kindness, and the unseen struggles that fame can bring, reminding fans of the humanity behind the legend.