Josh Gad Reveals 'Olaf' Performance Was Inspired by Robin Williams

In a beautiful tribute published in today's USA TODAY, Book of Momon star Josh Gad looks back at his cherished friendship with actor and comedian Robin Williams, who he calls "our life coach."

In the piece, Gad shares that his performance as 'Olaf' the snowman in the recent hit Disney animated film 'Frozen' was in fact inspired by Williams. He explains, "When I first met with the film's directors, I told them I wanted to create a character as free and as wonderfully surprising at every turn as the greatest Disney sidekick I had ever known: the Genie. Olaf will never remotely touch the tour de force that is Robin's Genie. Because there is only one Robin Williams"

He continues, "But the joy and laughter that my little snowman has brought to children is because of the man who has left this world far too early. A man who taught me to be free, to be childlike, and a man who taught me to get out of my own way as a performer. His gift was to take all of our pain away and to allow us to escape. If only we could have returned the favor."

Read the tribute in full here

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos