When Pauly Shore was just a young kid, he had the privilege of witnessing one of the greatest comedians of all time, Robin Williams, honing his craft at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. The Comedy Store was no ordinary comedy club—it was owned by Shore’s mother, Mitzi Shore, a legendary figure in the comedy world who helped shape the careers of many iconic comedians. For Pauly, growing up in the shadow of such immense talent was an experience that would leave an indelible mark on his life.
“The guy was special,” recalls Pauly Shore, now 56, as he reflects on his memories of Robin Williams. “His improv skills mixed in with the stand-up was just another level. He would literally go on stage and just grab someone’s drink and then just do 10 minutes on it. When Robin was going off, everyone gathered in the back to watch.”
Robin Williams, who tragically passed away ten years ago today at the age of 63, was a regular fixture at The Comedy Store during the 1970s and 1980s. Alongside other comedic giants like Richard Pryor, David Letterman, and Sam Kinison, Williams electrified the stage with his unique blend of rapid-fire wit, improvisational genius, and boundless energy. His performances were more than just comedy; they were a whirlwind of creativity that left audiences in awe.
For Pauly Shore, the memories of Williams are particularly vivid. Growing up in the house behind The Comedy Store, he had a front-row seat to the comedy scene that his mother helped cultivate. The comedians who performed at the club would often come over to the Shore household after their sets, hanging out with Mitzi and her family. It was during these moments that Pauly had the chance to see the off-stage side of Robin Williams—a side that was remarkably consistent with the persona he projected in his performances.
“My mom’s office for The Comedy Store was at the house, and Robin used to come over to pick up his $25 check or whatever it was,” Shore remembers. “I remember he was in the middle of filming Mork & Mindy and he’d be in his outfit still, and then we would mess around. He was just always the same guy on stage, off-stage. Just very playful and cool.”
Williams’ ability to seamlessly transition between the on-stage and off-stage versions of himself is a testament to the authenticity that endeared him to millions of fans around the world. Whether he was performing in front of a packed audience or joking around with the Shore family in their living room, Williams remained true to his playful, kind-hearted nature.
The impact of Williams’ presence at The Comedy Store extended far beyond the stage. For the comedians who frequented the club, he was a source of inspiration and camaraderie. His fearless approach to comedy, willingness to take risks, and unparalleled improvisational skills set a standard that many aspired to reach. Yet, despite his immense talent, Williams never lost his humility or his ability to connect with others on a deeply personal level.
As Pauly Shore reflects on the decade that has passed since Williams’ untimely death, the memories of those early days at The Comedy Store remain as vivid as ever. “Robin was more than just a comedian—he was a force of nature,” Shore says. “His ability to make people laugh, to bring joy to others, was unmatched. And he did it all with a genuine kindness that touched everyone who knew him.”
Today, as we remember Robin Williams, it’s clear that his legacy lives on not only through his films and stand-up specials but also through the countless lives he touched, both on and off the stage. For Pauly Shore and many others who had the privilege of knowing him, Williams was not just a comic legend but a friend, a mentor, and a source of endless inspiration.
In a world that often feels heavy, Williams’ humor and humanity continue to shine as a beacon of light—a reminder of the power of laughter and the enduring impact of a life well-lived.