Locals remember Williams filming Patch Adams in Chapel Hill
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- When Robin Williams filmed scenes for the movie Patch Adams on the UNC campus in 1998, there was a buzz that couldn't be calmed.
Extras from the university - and beyond - got a chance to get up close and personal with the star - including Gail Chappell's late husband. He saw the casting call advertised in the newspaper, submitted his pictures, and hoped to get a call back.
"I ran in the kitchen and I said Robin Williams' production company is on the phone," Gail recalled.
Her husband was in one of the pivotal scenes in the movie, and also got a one-on-one with the star.
"When he was going through the line, Robin asked him to come and sit with him," Gail recalled. "He talked with Robin and he said he was just the funniest person. But when he was serious, he was very intelligent."
It's a great memory likely experienced by so many who were in Chapel Hill for those moments - where they got to see a master at work.
"I am just so thrilled that my husband had the chance to do that and that's something that's not everyone can say," said Gail.
