Hollywood Big Shot Claims Robin Williams Sabotaged His Standup Act
- Paul Feig faced challenges in his standup career due to Robin Williams performing before him at the Improv.
- Williams' lengthy sets often resulted in reduced audience attendance for Feig's performances.
- Feig eventually transitioned to writing and directing, achieving great success in Hollywood.
In the United States, Paul Feig, the director of 'Bridesmaids,' recounted his early struggles in standup comedy during a podcast interview. He shared that while trying to establish his career, he faced unexpected challenges when Robin Williams, a legendary comedian, would take the stage before him at the Improv. Feig described a specific instance where he was ready to perform for a full audience, only to have Williams request to perform a quick set, which ultimately led to a significant drop in audience attendance after Williams' lengthy performance. This experience contributed to Feig losing his passion for standup comedy, prompting him to shift his focus to writing and directing. His subsequent career has been highly successful, with films like 'Spy' and 'Ghostbusters' earning over $1.4 billion collectively. Feig's transition from standup to directing highlights the unpredictable nature of show business and the impact of established stars on emerging talent.