David Letterman expressed his appreciation and utmost respect for longtime friend Robin Williams during a heartwarming tribute Monday on the “Late Show.”
Letterman said he knew the Oscar winner for 38 years and admired the way Williams treated those around him.
“He was always so gracious,” Letterman told the audience.
“It was just a pleasure to know the guy. He was a gentleman and delightful. People were drawn to him because of this electricity, this whatever it was that he radiated that propelled him and powered him.”
Letterman played a highlight reel of several of the quick-witted funnyman’s most unforgettable appearances on the “Late Show” — he interviewed him more than 50 times.
“Beyond being a very talented man and a good friend and a gentleman, I am sorry,” Letterman said once the heartfelt video ended.
“I — like everybody else — had no idea that the man was in pain and that the man was suffering.”
“What a guy,” he added.