When Garry Marshall snagged Robin Williams

Editor’s Note: Pam Dawber, producer, actress and former star of the TV comedy “Mork & Mindy,” lives in Los Angeles with husband Mark Harmon and two sons. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

Why was Garry Marshall, the man who hired me to work on “Mork & Mindy” and was responsible for so many classic comedy shows, such a naturally funny person?

This is hard to describe. The reason is that it was all in Garry’s delivery: His minimal responses in his thick Bronx accent – his use of his accent was what made him so comical. “Don”t Worree. It’s Funnee. It’s gonna be fiiine,” are not necessarily funny lines, except they were when he said them.

Pam Dawber

Once he had to approach me on the last episode of the first year to tell me the network wanted me to start wearing a padded bra. I blew a gasket and said I refused to do that. It’s my memory of Garry’s exiting after my hissy fit that plays funny in my memory. “OK. Fiiine, don’t worrree, it’s okaay.” You had to be there.

Garry Marshall and Bob Perlow

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He was one of the last of the good guys; no, not just a good guy but a great guy.

How on Earth do we say farewell to Garry Marshall — an immense talent, who emerged in a kinder gentler era? Someone whom the words “they sure don’t make ‘em like that anymore” describe completely.

Robin Williams and Pam Dawber in "Mork & Mindy" on September 14, 1978.

I most vividly remember my first meeting with him, for lunch in 1978 in New York, where I was living. Back story: I was rather upset that ABC (where I was under contract) had, unbeknownst to me, plopped me into a sitcom called “Mork & Mindy” with some GUY named Robin Williams.

I wasn’t sure I wanted to even do it. The concept sounded dumb to me. Garry came to New York to talk to me about it, touting this new brilliant comedian they had discovered on a “Happy Days” episode.

He swore the guy was a comic genius and the sitcom would be like no other ever shot because you never knew what was going to come out of Robin Williams’ mouth. He was all about improvisation. Therefore it would be a very loose set without a completely set script.

Robin Williams died August 11, 2014, at age 63. Williams' peers regarded him as a brilliant actor and comedian. His friend David Letterman remembered him as "nothing we had ever seen before." Click through to see moments from the beloved actor's remarkable life.

Williams first shot to stardom with Pam Dawber in the sitcom "Mork & Mindy" in September 1978.

Williams attends the Robin Williams Opening Party on April 11, 1979, at Studio 54 in New York City.

This 1982 file photo originally released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Williams as T.S. Garp from the film "The World According to Garp."

Williams and his first wife, Valerie Velardi, join a huge number of photographers packed into singer Paul Simon's apartment to celebrate Simon's wedding to actress Carrie Fisher in New York City on August 16, 1983.

Williams, center, takes time out from rehearsal at NBC's "Saturday Night Live" with cast members Eddie Murphy, left, and Joe Piscopo on February 10, 1984. Williams would appear as guest host on the show.

Robin Williams was honored during 2014's Emmy telecast with a tribute led by friend Billy Crystal, who hosted the "Comic Relief" benefits with Williams and Whoopi Goldberg (seen here in 1986).

Williams enjoys music through a headset in a scene from the film "Good Morning, Vietnam" in 1987.

Williams portrayed a teacher in the movie "Dead Poets Society" in 1989, one of his first mostly dramatic roles.

Williams went to all lengths to stay with his children in the 1993 movie "Mrs. Doubtfire."

From left, Bonnie Hunt, Bradley Pierce, Kirsten Dunst and Williams hold one another in a scene from the 1995 film "Jumanji."

Comedians and co-hosts, from left, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Williams sing and dance the 1940s-era opening number to "Comic Relief VII" on November 11, 1995, in Los Angeles.

Jay Leno laughs as Williams jokes around during a taping of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on November 13, 1995, at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

Williams and Nathan Lane starred in the film "The Birdcage" in 1996.

Williams visits a sick child in a scene from the film "Patch Adams" in 1998.

Williams and his wife, Marsha, pose for photographers with their daughter, Zelda, as they arrive at the premiere of the film "Patch Adams" in December 1998 in New York City.

Williams wears a clown nose as he places his hands in concrete during a ceremony outside Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in 1998. In the critically acclaimed "Patch Adams," he played a doctor who used humor to help heal his patients

Actor-writers Matt Damon, left, and Ben Affleck, right, pose with Williams, holding the Oscars they won for "Good Will Hunting" at the 70th annual Academy Awards in 1998. Damon and Affleck won for best original screenplay, and Williams won for best supporting actor.

Williams donates blood at the Irwin Memorial Blood Center in San Francisco on September 11, 2001.

U.S. Postal Service team rider Lance Armstrong rides with Williams during training on a rest day of the 89th Tour de France cycling race in Vaison La Romaine on July 22, 2002.

Williams plays Rainbow Randolph in the 2002 black comedy "Death to Smoochy."

Williams and Oscar host Billy Crystal perform at the 76th Academy Awards show in 2004.

Williams poses for pictures with U.S. soldiers at the main U.S. base at Bagram, Afghanistan, on December 16, 2004.

Williams in 2007's "License to Wed."

Williams and Susan Schneider arrive at the premiere of "World's Greatest Dad" in Los Angeles on August 13, 2009.

Williams at the pre-premiere party for "Happy Feet Two" at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on November 20, 2011.

Williams poses for photographs in Sydney, Australia, on December 5, 2011. He and Australian director George Miller were in Australia to promote "Happy Feet Two."

Upon his death, Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, said, "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."

Remembering Robin Williams

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He handed me a videotape of the “Happy Days” episode to watch before I made the decision. After viewing 15 minutes of the show I had my agent on the phone, telling him “I’m IN! Sign me up! This Robin Williams is fantastic!” And the rest is history.

Photo courtesy of the author.

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The wondrous humor Garry prolifically created and shared with the world is his legacy. But for those of us who were lucky enough to have reaped the benefits of his genius, sharing time and space with him on planet Earth, the feeling of loss is profound.

I think I can risk saying that Garry was all of our favorite uncle — the one you could drop in on at any time, who would welcome you with open arms, be there to chat, guide you or help you out of a pinch if you needed it.

Garry was “the it” guy, a larger than life character whose ultimate goal was to “just make it funny!” Those of us who were catapulted to fame because of the great fortune of being drawn into his orbit will be eternally grateful for the amazing careers we might never have had otherwise.

So to Uncle Garry, thank you and farewell. We on planet Earth shall miss you.