Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams.Photo:Rob Kim/Getty; Eugene Gologursky/Getty; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Rob Kim/Getty; Eugene Gologursky/Getty; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Whoopi Goldberggot emotional while paying tribute toBilly Crystalat the 46th annual Kennedy Center Honors as the two remembered their good friend, the lateRobin Williams.
The ceremony was filmed earlier this month, but aired on Wednesday evening.
AsThe Viewcohost, 68, appeared onstage praising Crystal, one of the night’s honorees, she became choked up thinking about how their trio was one member short.
Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, 2006.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Speaking again to theWhen Harry Met Sallystar, she took a beat to keep her composure.
“You are my family, you’re my big brother, and you have no idea what an honor it is to see you get your due. I love you. You’re a mensch. You’re a national treasure. National treasure. Billy, congratulations."
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Other performers honored were Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, Renée Fleming and Barry Gibb. Gloria Estefan served as the host for the evening.
Earlier this month at the Kennedy Center Honors taping, Crystal, 75, spoke to red carpet reporters about his adoration for theJumanjistar. Williams participated in Crystal’s 2007Mark Twain Prizefor Humor ceremony at the city’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
“That was awesome, and all my friends were there,” Crystal recalled of that event. “Beyond that, [the awards are] an appreciation for your body of work, your lifetime body of work.”
He continued reflecting on his close bond with Williams.
Robin Williams, 2013.Robin Marchant/Getty
Robin Marchant/Getty
“I’m really feelingI’m missing my friend Robintonight, very much so, because of all of what we did together,” theHere Todayactor told reporters. “I know that he would be here, and he is. So it’s special, and a lot of feelings for me tonight.”
Throughout the years, the pair starred in a number of projects together includingFather’s Day(1997) andDeconstructing Harry(1997). They were also present to honor Goldberg when she wasawarded the Mark Twain Prize in 2001.
WhenWilliams died in 2014at age 63, Crystal and Goldberg both delivered emotional speeches at his funeral.
“The ceremony was such a beautiful tribute and celebration of Robin’s life,”a source told PEOPLEat the time of Williams’ September 2014 memorial service. “There was so much joy as well as tears. He touched so many, many people’s lives and brought so much happiness and light.”
source: people.com
