Annette Bening Celebrates Robin Williams' Lasting Legacy on 'Jack' 30th Anniversary

In a recent interview, acclaimed actress Annette Bening reflected on her experience working with the late Robin Williams in the 1996 film 'Jack'. Bening, who is set to receive the ICON Award at the 2025 Newport Beach Film Festival Honors, opened up about her co-star and the lasting impact he had on her.

In 'Jack', Williams played a boy who aged four times faster than normal, while Bening portrayed his mother, Karen. Bening fondly remembered Williams as "a breath of, more than fresh air" who "set the bar so high in terms of good energy." She was particularly touched by the "lovely wrap gift" he gave her - a book of Shakespeare's complete works that he had signed.

Bening explained that the gift was fitting for Williams, who she said could "do all of it" - from "the court jester" to "King Lear" and everything in between. "He brought all of it with him," she remarked, highlighting his remarkable versatility as an actor.

Though 'Jack' received mixed reviews upon its release, the film has since gained new appreciation, with director Luca Guadagnino praising it as one of Francis Ford Coppola's masterpieces. As Bening noted, the mistakes and regrets that come with an acting career are all part of the journey, and she remains grateful for the opportunity to have worked with a talent like Robin Williams.