Nathan Lane Recalls Robin Williams’ Advice About Coming Out After ‘The Birdcage’: “He Would Protect Me Whenever He Could”

I certainly wish I had been braver at the time, he said.

You dont have to discuss it if youre not ready,' said Lane.

And he went on to protect me whenever he could throughout the awkward moments.

Nathan Lane, Robin Williams, The Birdcage

Nathan Lane and Robin Williams on the set of ‘The Birdcage’ (1996).Everett

So I did, and Im glad I did.

Nathan Lane accepts the Career Achievement Award during the Critics Choice Association’s inaugural Celebration ofLGBTQ+ Cinema & Television on June 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)