The Unforgettable Audition: How Robin Williams Stole Hearts and Upside Down Couches for ‘Mork & Mindy
During the early days of casting for “Mork & Mindy” (1978-1982), a peculiar audition captivated everyone in the room. Robin Williams, auditioning for the alien Mork, walked in and immediately sat upside down on the casting couch, claiming it was “how they sit on Ork.” Producer Garry Marshall later said, “He was the only alien who auditioned.” Pam Dawber, on the other hand, was chosen for her natural warmth and chemistry with Williams, which was evident from their very first read-through. This unusual pairing laid the foundation for one of television’s most beloved sitcoms.
“Mork & Mindy” originated as a spinoff from an episode of “Happy Days” (1974-1984). Robin Williams’ character, Mork, debuted as a quirky alien intent on taking Richie Cunningham back to Ork for study. The audience’s reaction was so overwhelming that ABC greenlit an entire series around the character. Pam Dawber was cast as Mindy McConnell, a grounded, kind-hearted Boulder, Colorado, resident who takes Mork under her wing. The show combined sci-fi absurdity with heartfelt human connection, a balance made possible by the undeniable chemistry between Williams and Dawber.
Behind the scenes, Robin Williams was a whirlwind of improvisation. Writers often found themselves scrambling to adapt scripts to keep up with his comedic genius. Williams would regularly stray from the script, adding lines, gestures, and accents that left both the cast and crew in stitches. Director Howard Storm once noted that keeping up with Williams was like “chasing a tornado with a butterfly net.”
A particularly memorable behind-the-scenes story involved a scene where Mork was supposed to eat a “bowl of strange alien food.” Instead of sticking to the script, Williams poured milk over a pile of bolts and screws, exclaiming, “Breakfast of Ork champions!” Dawber, who was in the scene, barely managed to stay in character.
Pam Dawber provided the perfect counterbalance to Williams’ comedic chaos. Her portrayal of Mindy was nuanced, showing compassion and patience that humanized the alien antics. Behind the scenes, Dawber was known for her professionalism and her ability to maintain composure even during Williams’ most outrageous moments. In one famous scene, Mork begins speaking in a string of alien languages. Dawber, maintaining a straight face, replied with, “Well, I hope your tongue’s insured.”
Dawber’s role as the grounding force extended off-screen as well. Crew members often recalled her calming presence during long shooting days, when Williams’ energy could sometimes overwhelm the set. She described her experience working with Williams as “exhausting but exhilarating,” saying, “You never knew what he was going to do next, but it was always brilliant.”
The show was packed with unforgettable scenes, many of which showcased Williams’ improvisational skills. One fan-favorite episode, “Mork’s Mixed Emotions,” required Mork to experience a cascade of human feelings in rapid succession. Williams transitioned between laughter, tears, rage, and euphoria in a matter of seconds, leaving the audience in awe. Dawber later admitted that even she couldn’t predict how Williams would pull it off, describing the performance as “a masterclass in acting.”
Another classic moment came during a live studio audience taping where Mork attempted to mimic Earth customs. Williams spontaneously decided to wear Mindy’s apron and mimic cooking, only to “accidentally” set a pan on fire. The scene was so hilarious that it ended up in the final cut, even though it wasn’t in the script.
“Mork & Mindy” wasn’t just a sitcom; it was a cultural phenomenon. Mork’s catchphrases, like “Nanu Nanu” and “Shazbot,” became part of the American lexicon, and his rainbow-striped suspenders turned into a fashion trend. Williams’ portrayal of Mork brought a childlike wonder to the character, making him relatable despite his extraterrestrial origins. Dawber’s Mindy served as the audience’s emotional anchor, guiding viewers through the chaos with her unwavering kindness.
Behind the scenes, the cast and crew faced challenges balancing the show’s wacky humor with meaningful storytelling. Despite these challenges, “Mork & Mindy” became a top-rated series in its first season, capturing the hearts of millions.
The show eventually ended in 1982 after four seasons, but its impact endured. For Robin Williams, it was the launching pad for a legendary career. For Pam Dawber, it cemented her status as a beloved television actress. Tragically, Robin Williams passed away on August 11, 2014, at his home in Paradise Cay, California, at the age of 63. His death was ruled a suicide, linked to his struggle with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder. Pam Dawber, who remains alive and well, is currently 72 years old and continues to be cherished for her contributions to television.
