The bad thing about being a famous comedian is that every now and then someone approaches me to tell an old joke. Don't tell me jokes - I have that. People also say the weirdest things, sometimes sarcastic things, and even evil things. They like to provoke to get a reaction.
Interpretation
Fame can lead to unwanted interactions and expectations from others.
In this quote, Robin Williams expresses the downside of being a renowned comedian, highlighting how people often approach him with the expectation to hear jokes or provoke a reaction. This illustrates the burdens of fame, where public figures are sometimes subjected to strange and unsolicited interactions that can feel bothersome or intrusive.
In practice
During a comedy show, a comedian might say this quote to relate to their audience's understanding of fame.
It's that idea that you can have one drink - and no you can't. Within a week I was drinking heavily. It was so quick that even I was like, 'Wow.' Because you have that initial warm feeling going, 'Oh, I remember this'. And your body does, too. And your body goes, 'Yeah, so do I'. Then the demon voice comes, 'Yeah, so do I. You know what would be great? You know we bought a little bottle before? A full bottle would be wonderful'.
I always thought the idea of education was to learn to think for yourself.
Sometimes over things that I did, movies that didn't turn out very well - you go, 'Why did you do that?' But in the end, I can't regret them because I met amazing people. There was always something that was worth it.
I've never been asked to appear on 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!,' so I guess I mustn't be on the professional skids just yet.
The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying, 'Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and yelling, 'You want a piece of me?'
I write on big yellow legal pads - ideas in outline form when I'm doing stand-up and stuff. It's vivid that way. I can't type it into an iPad - I think that would put a filter into the process.
I'm getting rather hoarse, I fear,_x000D_ _x000D_ After so much reciting:_x000D_ _x000D_ So, if you don't object, my dear,_x000D_ _x000D_ We'll try a glass of bitter beer -_x000D_ _x000D_ I think it looks inviting.
When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.
A fellow who has a funny bone can learn to hone his skills, but I don't think you can develop a funny bone - you either have it or you don't. And by the way - when you get it, we don't know it.
Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.
They all laughed when I said I wanted to be a comedian. Well, they're not laughing now.
I hate editors, for they make me abandon a lot of perfectly good English words.
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