Billy Crystal will pay tribute to Robin Williams at Emmys

Aug 21, 2014 07:32 am

Comedian Billy Crystal will pay tribute to late actor Robin Williams at television's Primetime Emmy Awards on August 25, the show's organizers said on Wednesday.

Crystal, 66, who rose to fame in the 1970s comedy circuit that also thrust Williams into the spotlight, will commemorate Williams during the annual awards show's In Memoriam segment, which honors late actors who have influenced television.

Oscar-winning comedic virtuoso Williams, whose madcap style and dramatic versatility made him one of film and television's top stars, was found dead from an apparent suicide at his home in Northern California last week. He was 63.

Comedians Robin Williams (R), Billy Crystal (L) and Whoopi Goldberg share a hug on the stage of New York's Radio City Music Hall on June 14, 1998. Photo: Reuters

Crystal and Williams had starred together in the 1997 comedy Fathers' Day and remained friends. On the day of Williams' death, Crystal simply tweeted: "No words".

Don Mischer, executive producer of the awards show, said the memorial segment will also feature a performance by Grammy-winning singer Sara Bareilles. - Reuters