AceShowbiz - In the early days of his stand-up comedy career, Paul Feig encountered a legendary performer who unknowingly became his rival: Robin Williams. During an episode of Sony Music Entertainment's "Dinner's On Me" podcast, Feig recalled a time when his performance was nearly derailed by Williams' extended set.

As Feig waited to take the stage at The Improv, he was informed that Williams wanted to perform a quick set first. Excited at the prospect, Feig agreed. However, to Feig's dismay, Williams proceeded to perform for an hour, leaving only one audience member remaining when it was Feig's turn.

Despite this setback, Feig maintains a positive outlook, acknowledging that performing at The Improv, alongside the likes of Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Williams, provided invaluable exposure. Reflecting on his career, Feig recalled a life-changing moment when his television project "Freaks and Geeks" was greenlit, setting him on the path to success.

While Williams' reputation for less-than-graceful comedy scene etiquette included allegations of joke stealing, Feig joins other comedians who express little resentment towards the late actor. Even Williams himself admitted to inadvertently repeating jokes after hearing them in comedy clubs.

Despite the momentary sabotage, Feig's career continued to flourish, with credits including 14 episodes of "The Office" and the recent film "[m=A Simple Favor 2". His experience exemplifies the challenges and opportunities inherent in the competitive world of stand-up comedy.