Robin Williams was only paid $75,000 instead of $8 million for his role as Genie in Aladdin

Robin Williams was only paid $75,000 (approximately £63,200) for his iconic role as Genie in the 1992 Disney smash Aladdin.

The gig was definitely a hefty pay cut for the award-winning actor, who would typically charge his usual fee of around $8 million (about £6.6 million).

Williams' once revealed the heartfelt reason as to why he charged so little for appearing in the much-loved children's film.

While we all knew him for his legendary improvisational skills and hilarious impressions - the Mrs Doubtfire star also led a life spreading joy around him, engaging in charitable work for admirable causes and just generally being an all-around great guy.

Williams portrayed the weird and wonderful bright blue Genie who - arguably - made Aladdin the iconic film that we all love and cherish today.

He ended up recording a near 30 full hours of written and improvised dialogue for the film - with much of the film's success being down to his totally unique portrayal of Genie.

According to a 1993 interview with New York Magazine, Williams agreed to be paid only a fraction of his regular, multi-million dollar fee because he wanted to 'leave something wonderful behind' for his children.

However, the Dead Poets Society actor had one condition for his dramatically-reduced rate.

He did not want his voice to be used to merchandise products.

"I don't want to sell stuff," Williams later told New York magazine. "It's the one thing I don't do."

Upon finding out about the news about Williams' generosity, many fans were quick to share their praise for the actor.

One Facebook user wrote: "He succeeded. Not only for his kids. But all our kids and then their kids. Thank you so much beautiful man, you are missed."

Another agreed that Williams' generosity paved the way for a whole generation - and more - to feel the magic of storytelling.

They wrote: "And what an amazing gift he left to not only his kids, but us too and now our own children."

"He was someone wonderful," a third added, "thank you sir for this and so much more. For making magic for all of us, you are a king."

With the film still spreading joy to families after over three whole decades since its release, it's clear that Williams definitely 'left something wonderful behind'.