Conan O’Brien learned of Robin Williams’ death as he was taping his talk show on Monday and was tasked with announcing the tragic news to a stunned audience.
“We tape these shows a few hours early, and by the time you see this now on TV, I’m sure that you’ll know. This is unusual and upsetting, but we got some news during the show that Robin Williams has passed away,” the talk show host, visibly upset, told the crowd.
Gasps could be heard from the show’s studio.
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“I’m sorry to anyone in our studio audience that I’m breaking this news. This is absolutely shocking and horrifying, and so upsetting on every level,” he continued. “Obviously, we don’t know much yet. We know that this has happened and we’re absolutely stunned to get this news. I know that everybody here, we’ve all worked with Robin over the years.”
Andy Richter added, “He was an amazingly kind and generous person and it’s got to be a terrible time for his family, and our thoughts go out to his family.”
The night’s guest Will Arnett, who starred with the late actor in “RV,” shared his own thoughts on the actor’s death.
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“As funny as he was, he’s truly one of the all-time greats, he was even better as a person. He was even more fantastic. He was one of the loveliest and sweetest and kindest guys I’ve ever worked with, just such a soft, warm, emotionally sweet guy,” Will said. “It’s a major, major loss for everybody. Like Andy said, it’s a terrible tragedy.”
Conan closed the show, telling the audience, “God bless Robin Williams.”
— Jesse Spero
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