Tickling scenes in "Mork & Mindy"

Tickling scenes in “Mork & Mindy”

Robin Williams played the character Mork, an extraterrestrial from the planet Ork, in the television sitcom Mork & Mindy (1978–1982). The show was a spin-off from Happy Days, where Mork first appeared in a popular episode. Mork arrives on Earth, specifically Boulder, Colorado, to study human behavior and culture, which he finds strange and often confusing. His interactions with Mindy McConnell, a young woman who becomes his friend and roommate, form the heart of the series.

Williams’ portrayal of Mork was marked by his extraordinary improvisational talent, bringing a quirky, energetic, and often unpredictable quality to the character. Mork’s unique customs, such as drinking with his finger, sitting on his head, and his Orkan concept of practical jokes called “splinking,” created comedic situations that highlighted the absurdities of human behavior. Each episode typically ended with Mork reporting back to his superior, Orson, humorously summarizing what he had learned about Earth.

The character’s catchphrases like “Na-Nu Na-Nu” and “Shazbat” became widely popular. The show allowed Williams to improvise extensively, which contributed to its distinct and lively tone. Mork & Mindy was Williams’ first major acting role and helped launch his career as a beloved comedic actor.

In Season 2, episode 12, Mork confronts the Necrotons. In one scene he is involved in a hug between them and, touched by their arms, laughs in reaction to being tickled.

In Season 2, episode 19, Mindy notices that Mork is depressed and suggests a way to cheer him up. She has him raise his arms and starts tickling him with her fingers on his belly. After a few seconds he stops since Mork does not laugh (compared to the previous scene, here he seems to indicate that Mork is not ticklish).