Jeffrey Katzenberg recalls Robin Williams' brilliance in 'Aladdin'

Jeffrey Katzenberg recalls Robin Williams’ brilliance in ‘Aladdin’

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An iconic Bay Area tunnel, commonly known as the Waldo Tunnel or Rainbow Tunnel, will be named after the late actor Robin Williams.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin Williams performs at the Universal Amphitheater on July 1, 1979 (Tony Barnard / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin Williams stars as Popeye the sailor man, whose secret source of strength turns out to be spinach, with Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl, in 1980’s “Popeye.” (File / AFP/Getty Images)

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Robin Williams performs at the Universal Amphitheater on Aug. 16, 1982. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

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In 1984’s “Moscow on the Hudson,” Robin Williams plays Vladimir Ivanoff, a saxophonist in the Moscow circus who defects to the U.S. Here, Williams is pictured with actor Cleavant Derricks and director Paul Mazursky. (Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images)

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Robin Williams in San Francisco in 1991. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin Williams speaks to the media backstage after his performance at the Sam Kinison tribute held at the Celebrity Theatre in Anaheim, Sept. 3, 1992. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

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In 1993’s “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Robin Williams plays Daniel Hillard, an irresponsible father who creates an alter-ego in the form of a nanny in order to spend time with his children. (Phil Bray / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin Williams plays Alan Parrish, a man who was trapped in a board game for 26 years in 1995’s “Jumanji.” He costarred with Bonnie Hunt. (Rob McEwan / Los Angeles Times)

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Robin William plays Armand Goldman, owner of a South Beach drag club who must hide his same-sex relationship with Albert (Nathan Lane) from their son’s future in-laws in the 1996 film “The Birdcage.” (Lorey Sebastian / Los Angeles Times)

By Richard Verrier

Aug. 11, 2014 6:53 PM PT

Robin Williams may have been best known for his roles in such as movies as “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Dead Poets Society” and “Good Will Hunting.”

But it was his turn as the fast-talking genie in the 1992 Disney animated movie “Aladdin” that stood apart, recalled Jeffrey Katzenberg, chief executive of DreamWorks Animation and former chairman of Walt Disney Studios.

“I really was blessed to have to been associated with him for a number of his incredible works over the years, from his ‘Mork and Mindy’ days at Paramount to ‘Dead Poets Society,’ ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ and of course, ‘Aladdin,’ ” Katzenberg said Monday night. “His was truly one of the most brilliant and singular performances in the history of animation.”

Katzenberg worked with Williams on the hit movie that helped revive Disney’s storied animation studio.

“That moment in which he introduced himself to the audience was purely of his imagination,” Katzenberg added. “For me, it was one of the most breathtaking, pure moments of creativity I think I have ever witnessed. Aladdin would not be the classic movie it is without his brilliance.”

He also praised Williams for his contributions to numerous charities, including Comic Relief.

“There were so many ways and so many things he did for so many people,” Katzenberg said. “He really had just a giant heart and that’s what makes me so sad.”

Twitter: @rverrier

Jeffrey Katzenberg recalls Robin Williams’ brilliance in ‘Aladdin’

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