File photo of Pam Dawber sharing a laugh with actor Robin Williams in New York
Actress Pam Dawber (L) shares a laugh with actor Robin Williams as they pose for photographers before the annual American Museum of the Moving Image Tribute dinner in New York in this February 23, 1995 file photo. REUTERS/Jeff Christensen/Files

David Letterman paid his tribute to deceased actor Robin Williams, a gesture which was due as the "Late Show with David Letterman" was on a break in the previous week.

The 67-year-old TV host, one of the most celebrated personalities ever to come on U.S. television, remembered his old friend of 38 years. Williams was 63 when he was found dead in his apartment. The Academy Award-winner, who reportedly suffered from depression all his life, killed himself.

Letterman starts talking about Williams with the reference of their first meeting. It was 38 years ago when both the "kids" met at The Comedy Store. There were several others, including Jay Leno who used to frequent the California comedy club, he said. Both of them were trying to make a career out of being funny. Letterman said that they used to make fun of any new comedian who came to the club as they were insecure during the days when they used to work for "free drinks."

When Williams was first introduced to Letterman, he was mistakenly considered to be from Scotland. That was why, Letterman said, the U.S. comedians including him were secure about him. They thought that a Scot would not be able to make a mark. However, when they saw him perform on stage, it was nothing that they had "imagined before." Letterman compared Williams with "hurricane" and the rest as the "morning dew."

Williams went on to achieve greater success in Hollywood as he was nominated for the Academy Award four times. Yet, he was "a gentleman" and "delightful." He was also "kind enough" to give a job to Letterman. The veteran TV host said that Williams had some "electricity" in him that drew people to him. Whenever he was on TV, the viewership would increase, he said.

Letterman presented a video montage of Williams' appearances on the show. He said that the actor could make people laugh under any circumstances. At the same time, he said that he, like everyone else, had no idea that Williams was in pain. "What a guy!" Letterman concluded about his friend.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au