Miami – Fans are mourning the tragic death of Robin Williams at a South Florida hotel that served as the backdrop for one of Williams’ most famous movies. The Carlyle Hotel on South Beach was surrounded by fans of Williams, who starred in The Birdcage, which was filmed at the famous hotel.
Williams, 63, died Aug. 11 in an apparent suicide due to asphyxia. Fans were left in shock, and many shared stories about Williams at the Carlyle upon learning of his death.
“Many times, I mean every night, we get the question, ‘Is this where they filmed The Birdcage, and of course it is,” Damian Besil, the hotel’s manager, told WSVN-TV news.
Robin Williams’ name is spoken several times a day at the Carlyle, located on Ocean Drive and 13th Street, where fans reminisced about the film.
The hotel was home to Williams’ character and his partner’s drag bar in the comedy, which was directed by Mike Nichols. Williams played the role of the less flamboyant half of the gay couple. Nathan Lane played his longtime partner.
The Birdcage is said to be of inspiration for the Palace Bar, a local drag bar. “That was something that inspired me to be who I am today,” said Missy Meyakie Lepaige, a Palace Bar performer.
