When you think of classic TV sitcoms that defined an era, Mork & Mindy definitely comes to mind. The show, which aired from 1978 to 1982, introduced the world to the genius of Robin Williams and left an indelible mark on pop culture. From quirky catchphrases like “Nanu Nanu” to rainbow-colored suspenders, it’s a show that remains iconic decades after it first aired.

But did you know that behind the laughs and the unforgettable characters, there are some incredible, lesser-known facts about the making of this legendary series? Get ready to dive into 13 mind-blowing facts about Mork & Mindy that even the most devoted fans might not know.

1. Inspired by a Single Episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
Believe it or not, the idea for Mork & Mindy can be traced back to an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show titled “It May Look Like a Walnut” from 1963. In that episode, a space alien (played by Danny Thomas) appears, setting the stage for a quirky and comedic encounter.

Later, when director Jerry Paris, who worked on Happy Days, recalled this episode, he thought it would be a great idea to introduce a similar alien character into the series. Thus, Mork made his debut on Happy Days, leading to the spin-off that became Mork & Mindy.

Video: Mork & Mindy – S2e11&12 – Mork vs the Necrotons

2. The Role of Mork Almost Went to Someone Else
It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Robin Williams playing Mork, but surprisingly, he wasn’t the first choice. Initially, comedians Dom DeLuise and Roger Rees were considered for the role.

Both actors turned it down for various reasons, leaving the casting directors scrambling. Then came Robin Williams, who blew everyone away with his eccentric and improvisational style, securing the role instantly.

3. Robin Williams Won the Role with a Chair Stunt
During his audition, when asked to sit down, Robin Williams famously sat on the chair backward—like an alien who didn’t quite understand human customs.

Producer Garry Marshall famously said, “He’s the only alien who auditioned.” This spontaneous act perfectly captured Mork’s quirky, otherworldly nature and sealed the deal.

4. Pam Dawber Didn’t Even Know She Got the Role

Pam Dawber, who played Mindy, had a development deal with ABC but wasn’t actively auditioning for the show. One day, she found out through a Variety article that she had been cast opposite Robin Williams.

Dawber had previously filmed a failed pilot called Sister Terri. Instead of doing a new audition, ABC repurposed some of her footage to pair with Robin Williams’ clips from Happy Days. This unusual method of casting led to the creation of one of TV’s most beloved duos.

5. The Setting of Boulder, Colorado Was Randomly Chosen
Unlike many sitcoms that carefully choose their settings, Mork & Mindy was set in Boulder, Colorado, almost by accident.

Garry Marshall had a niece attending college in Boulder, and when asked where the show should take place, he blurted out the first city that came to mind. Boulder’s scenic and quirky vibe ultimately suited the show’s whimsical nature.

6. Robin Williams Did Not Improvise Everything

Despite popular belief, Robin Williams did not entirely make up his lines on the spot. While his improvisational genius shone through in many scenes, the writers put a lot of effort into scripting his character’s unique dialogue.

There was a running joke among writers that scripts often had notes like “Robin does his thing here”, but in reality, they stayed up late crafting his quirky lines to fit the character’s unpredictable nature.

7. Mork’s Catchphrases Became Cultural Phenomena
Phrases like “Nanu Nanu” and “Shazbot!” became iconic thanks to Robin Williams’ delivery. “Nanu Nanu” served as Mork’s greeting, while “Shazbot!” was an Orkan expletive.

Fans quickly adopted these phrases, and they became staples of 70s and 80s pop culture. Even today, hearing “Nanu Nanu” instantly brings back memories of the show.

8. The Mork & Mindy House Is a Real Tourist Attraction
The house where Mork and Mindy lived in the show is an actual home located in Boulder, Colorado. After Robin Williams’ passing in 2014, fans left tributes outside the property to honor his memory.

To this day, it remains a popular tourist spot where fans gather to celebrate the legacy of both the show and its beloved star.

9. The Voice of Orson Was More Familiar Than You Think

Mork’s boss Orson, who Mork reported to at the end of each episode, was voiced by Ralph James. Although Orson had a stern and authoritative tone, James also voiced the more lighthearted Mr. Turtle in classic Tootsie Roll Pop commercials.

10. Robin Williams Found Out About the Cancellation from the Media
It was a shocking revelation for Robin Williams when he discovered that Mork & Mindy had been canceled—not through official channels, but through a news article in Variety.

This abrupt end left both Williams and fans disheartened, as they felt the story still had more to tell.

11. The Planned Fifth Season Would Have Been Quite Strange
After season four ended with Mork and Mindy stuck in prehistoric times, the proposed fifth season would have taken a bizarre educational turn. The concept was for the duo to travel through time, meeting historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln.

However, with the show already struggling in the ratings, this concept never materialized.

12. The Animated Spin-Off Was Short-Lived
In 1982, ABC tried to capitalize on the show’s success by creating an animated series titled “The Mork & Mindy/Laverne & Shirley/Fonz Hour”. Unfortunately, the animated version failed to capture the magic of the live-action series and lasted just one season.

13. Robin Williams and Pam Dawber Reunited in 2014
Years after Mork & Mindy ended, Robin Williams and Pam Dawber reunited on the CBS sitcom The Crazy Ones in 2014. It was a touching moment for fans who had longed to see the duo back together on screen.

Pam Dawber later remarked that working with Williams again felt natural, like slipping into a comfortable pair of old shoes.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Lives On

Video: Raquel Welch on Mork and Mindy TV episode

Even though Mork & Mindy aired decades ago, its legacy continues to thrive. The show’s unique blend of comedy, heart, and pure Robin Williams magic makes it timeless. Whether you’re revisiting old episodes or discovering it for the first time, the charm of Mork and Mindy never fades.

From hilarious improvisations to iconic catchphrases, Mork & Mindy remains a beloved part of television history. And as long as people remember Robin Williams’ unforgettable performance, Mork’s legacy will continue to inspire laughter and love. Nanu Nanu!