When you think of Mork & Mindy, the first thing that likely comes to mind is Robin Williams’ electrifying performance as Mork, the lovable extraterrestrial from Ork. His wild improvisations, zany humor, and endless energy made the show an unforgettable classic.
But Mork & Mindy was more than just a showcase for Williams’ comedic genius. It had its own hidden details, surprising facts, and behind-the-scenes drama that many fans may have overlooked. Let’s dive into the untold stories that made this show even more fascinating!
A Spin-Off That Almost Didn’t Happen
Did you know that Mork & Mindy was actually a spin-off of another hit show? Mork first appeared in an episode of Happy Days in 1978, titled My Favorite Orkan. The idea was originally meant as a one-time gimmick—Mork was a dream sequence meant to amuse audiences.
But something unexpected happened: Robin Williams stole the show. His off-the-wall portrayal of an alien studying human behavior left audiences laughing hysterically. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that ABC immediately greenlit a spin-off series.
Robin Williams Was the Only ‘Alien’ to Audition
The search for Mork was short-lived. Robin Williams wasn’t just the best choice—he was the only choice.
Producer Garry Marshall had heard about Williams from his sister, who had seen him perform stand-up and insisted he was perfect for the role. At the audition, when asked to sit down, Williams promptly sat upside-down in the chair—a quirky move that sealed the deal.
Video: Mork & Mindy (1978): 20 Things You Never Knew!
Marshall later joked:
“He was the only alien to audition.”
Other actors, including Jeff Altman, Richard Lewis, and even Dom DeLuise, were considered for the role, but none came close to Williams’ unique energy.
Pam Dawber Never Auditioned for the Role of Mindy
Unlike Williams, Pam Dawber—who played the kind-hearted and patient Mindy—never officially auditioned for her role.
Instead, the producers used footage from one of her previous, failed TV projects (Sister Terri, 1978) and spliced it together with Williams’ appearance on Happy Days. The chemistry was evident, and ABC immediately approved her casting.
Dawber didn’t even find out she got the role until she read it in Variety magazine!
Why Boulder, Colorado? The Real-Life Locations in the Show
Unlike Happy Days, which was set in Milwaukee, Mork & Mindy took place in Boulder, Colorado. Why Boulder? It turns out that Garry Marshall’s friend’s child was attending the University of Colorado, which sparked the idea for the setting.
Some real-life locations used in the show include:
- Mindy’s house – Located at 1619 Pine Street, Boulder, this famous Victorian home still attracts fans today.
- Her father’s music store – Filmed at a bookstore in Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall.
Robin Williams Was Given ‘Blank Spots’ in the Script
Williams’ comedic genius was so unpredictable that the show’s writers stopped writing full scripts for him. Instead, they started leaving blank spaces labeled “Robin does something here”—giving him the freedom to improvise.
However, network censors struggled with his off-the-cuff humor. Many of his risqué jokes had to be replaced with pre-written “safe” ad-libs provided by a team of writers.
Still, his improvisation made the show spontaneous and magical, ensuring no two takes were ever the same.
The Catchphrases That Became Pop Culture Icons
Mork’s signature catchphrases took on a life of their own. Some of the most famous include:
- “Nanu Nanu” – A quirky Orkan greeting, similar to the Vulcan salute from Star Trek.
- “Shazbot” – An Orkan expletive, which actually made its way into pop culture and even video games!
- “KO” instead of “OK” – A small but distinct way Mork signaled agreement.
These phrases became so popular that kids everywhere were saying them, proving just how much the show influenced pop culture.
Video: The TV Show Mark & Mindy Hired A Multilingual Censor Because Robin Williams Kept Cussing. (grandpa)
On-Set Shenanigans: Robin Williams’ Pranks and Improvisation
Williams wasn’t just wild on-screen—he was just as unpredictable off-screen.
Pam Dawber later admitted:
“Robin would do the grossest things! He’d grab me, flash me, and say the most outrageous stuff—but it was never mean-spirited. He just loved making people laugh.”
Director Howard Storm added:
“Robin could get away with anything. He had this magic about him.”
Williams also had a habit of flashing the cast and crew just to get a reaction. Garry Marshall later recalled:
“He’d stand there completely naked just to see Pam Dawber blush.”
Despite the antics, the entire cast adored him, and the chemistry on set was undeniable.
Why Did the Show’s Popularity Decline?
Mork & Mindy debuted to huge ratings, ranking among the top three shows in its first season.
However, things took a turn in season two when ABC changed its time slot to compete with CBS’s powerhouse lineup. The move hurt viewership, and the show never fully recovered.
By season four, ratings had plummeted, and in 1982, the show was canceled.
The Mysterious ‘Time Travel’ Plot Hole
Here’s something odd: Mork first appeared on Happy Days in the 1950s. But when he got his own show, it was set in the 1970s—yet he never aged.
The show tried to explain this by stating that Orkans age in reverse, but it never fully clarified why Mork remained the same age after his first appearance in Happy Days.
Raquel Welch’s Surprising Guest Role
One of the show’s most unexpected guest stars was Raquel Welch, who appeared in season two as Captain Nirvana, the leader of a group of aliens called the Necrotons.
Her episodes (Mork vs. the Necrotons) were meant to boost ratings, but instead, they marked the start of the show’s shift to a more sci-fi tone, which some fans disliked.
Welch was also reportedly difficult to work with, spending long hours in her trailer and refusing to wear certain costumes. However, she later admitted:
“I know I was a pain in the a–, but wasn’t I worth it?”
Final Thoughts: Mork & Mindy’s Legacy
Despite its short-lived run, Mork & Mindy left behind a lasting legacy.
- It launched Robin Williams’ career, leading him to become one of the most beloved comedic actors of all time.
- It introduced phrases like “Nanu Nanu” and “Shazbot” into pop culture.
- It proved that improvisation and creativity could make a sitcom truly special.
Though it ended in 1982, the magic of Mork & Mindy lives on in reruns, proving that great comedy never goes out of style.
