Norm Macdonald First Robin Williams Metting

Photo: REX USA/Brian J. Ritchie Photography Ltd/Rex

The sudden and tragic loss of Robin Williams elicited an overwhelming outpouring of tributes, stories, memories, and anecdotes from both those who knew him and those who didn't. It's been truly staggering to see how many people the beloved actor touched over the course of his life.

Williams had a fondness for fledgling comedians. And, since news of his passing broke yesterday, many of our greatest comics have recounted tales of their brush with greatness. Whether it was as a colleague on set, or just a chance encounter somewhere, it was, in a word: special.

Norm Macdonald was one of those up-and-comers who serendipitously crossed paths with the legend, and it's a moment the Saturday Night Live alum has never forgotten. The usually sardonic Macdonald showed a rarely seen softer side today, when he took to Twitter to reminisce about the first time he met Williams. Macdonald was a green-behind-the-ears comic about to take the stage for his very first Letterman appearance. Williams was also on the show that night and, well...take it away Norm.

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It was my first stand-up appearance on Letterman and I had to follow the funniest man in the world. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

I was a punk kid from rural Ontario and I was in my dressing room, terrified. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

I was on the phone to a friend back home when the funniest man in the world ambled by. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

There was no one else on the floor. In shock, I told my friend who just walked by. Only the funniest man in the world. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

I guess he heard me say his name, cause in an instant he was at my side. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

He was a jewish tailor, taking my measurements. He went down on his knees, asked which way I dressed. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

I told my friend on the phone that the funniest man in the world was on his knees before me, measuring my inseam. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

My friend didn't believe me so I said, "Could you talk to my friend, sir. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

The funniest man in the world took the phone and for ten minutes took my friend's chinese food order. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

I laughed and laughed and it was like I was in a dream because no one else was there. No one. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

The place was out of Moo Shoo Pork, and there was nothing he could do about it. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

He angrily hung up on my friend and I was about to thank him when he said I hadn't even tried the jacket on. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

Then the funniest man on earth dressed me, a complete stranger, and i remember he ended with a windsor knot. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

He spoke mostly yiddish, but when he finished he was happy with his job and turned me to a mirror to present myself to me.#RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

No one witnessed any of this. No one. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014

The funniest man alive was in my dressing room a good half-hour and was far funnier than the set I had to do soon.#RIPRobinWilliams
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) August 12, 2014