Remembering Christopher Reeve and Robin Williams

Whoopi Goldberg recently took a heartfelt trip down memory lane, reminiscing about her close friendships with the late Christopher Reeve and Robin Williams, two iconic figures who left a lasting mark on her life. During a special episode of The View, Goldberg and her co-hosts sat down with Reeve's three children—William, Matthew, and Alexandra—to discuss their father’s life and legacy, as well as the upcoming documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. This highly anticipated film, which flies into theaters on September 21, offers intimate interviews with Reeve’s loved ones, including Whoopi Goldberg herself, who shared fond memories of their time together.

The conversation took an emotional turn when co-host Sunny Hostin brought up one of Reeve’s most memorable post-accident achievements: his directorial debut with the 1997 film In the Gloaming. This project, a powerful reflection on the AIDS crisis, starred Whoopi Goldberg and Glenn Close, and showcased Reeve’s determination to create meaningful work despite the physical challenges he faced after his tragic injury. Goldberg admitted to being completely shocked when Reeve personally called her to be part of the project. “I was like, ‘Are you sure?’ He said, ‘Yeah, I want you.’ I didn’t even need to know what the project was about—I trusted him completely,” she recounted with a smile.

In the Gloaming, which also featured Robert Sean Leonard and Bridget Fonda, told the heartbreaking story of Danny, a young man returning home to spend his final days with his family after being diagnosed with late-stage AIDS. Glenn Close portrayed his mother, and Goldberg played Myrna, the compassionate nurse who helps the family through the emotional journey.

Reflecting on her connection with Reeve and Robin Williams, Goldberg became visibly moved, expressing how deeply both men impacted her life. “I was lucky enough to have them both in my world before they passed,” she said. “To me, they were more than friends—they were rocks. Even though I didn’t see them often, they were always with me in spirit, teaching me how to navigate life’s hardest moments.” Reeve passed away at the age of 52 in October 2004, while Williams, beloved for his comedic genius and profound empathy, tragically died at 63 in August 2014.

Goldberg’s admiration for both men was palpable as she shared how their friendship taught her valuable lessons in resilience and moving forward. “They weren’t just actors or icons; they were incredible human beings who showed us all how to persevere,” she reflected. “I’ll never forget the time I spent with them. I was truly blessed.”

The View continues to be a platform for important conversations like this one, airing weekdays at 11 a.m. ET/PT on ABC. Goldberg’s heartfelt tribute serves as a beautiful reminder of the impact friendships can have, even after people are gone, and how legacies continue to inspire.