Recently, Ben Affleck spoke about Robin Williams and his impact on him.
He said, "I loved Robin. He was the first person that I really met or knew who was, like, 'famous.' And we had just written this movie, and it was sort of amazing that it got made, and then Robin Williams–who was probably the biggest star around at that time–was in the movie."
Ben continued, "I mean, he did so much for us by believing in us and doing that movie, and also by how warm and lovely and how kind he was and collaborative. And I just thought, well if this guy can do it, and be kind to people and collaborate and work with people and care about them, and listen to them, I certainly can."
Affleck added, "You know, he was a really extraordinary, kind, loving guy, and that to me is the legacy of Robin. That's what his comedy was rooted in, kind of a basic goodness and humanity."
He continued, "I wish I had known him my whole life. I didn't have that opportunity growing up, but when I did meet him, I was a pretty young guy. I was 24. It made a massive impression on me and I thought, okay, that's how you do this. I'm going to spend my life trying to live up to this example."
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