Robbie Williams has announced plans to establish what he calls a “University of Entertainment” to nurture the next generation of performers. The chart-topping singer said he wants to share his experience and help young talent develop their craft. Speaking on the Heretics podcast, the 51-year-old explained: “I want to open a University of Entertainment. I did notice nobody else is doing it.”
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Williams said the idea was inspired by his upbringing and lifelong passion for performance. “I grew up as a vaudevillian. That’s what I am. I am cabaret,” he said. “I spent my youth watching my dad perform cabaret and seeing all the acts he brought on and off stage – how talented and hard-working they were, how genuinely funny the comedians were, and how incredible the singers were.”
Reflecting on his own rise to fame, Williams recalled his journey from boyband member to solo artist. “I arrived in 1995 after Take That, wanting to be Oasis or Radiohead. Then, when I opened my mouth and my mind, I came out instead – and I’m not cool,” he said. “So, what am I? I’m all of the people I loved: Tommy Cooper, The Two Ronnies, and Morecambe and Wise. The way they made me feel is how I want to make people feel.”
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Williams has also spoken about his ambivalence towards success and recognition. The pop star revealed that he has given away all of his music awards, saying he does not want to be “constantly” reminded of past achievements. Speaking to Us Weekly, he explained: “I’ve given all of my awards away because I don’t want my success reaffirmed daily as something that happened in the past, and I’m very cynical about awards ceremonies. You don’t get to meet those who nominate you and decide whether they should tell you if you’re good or not. It’s a conundrum – I’m grateful to be invited, but I’m also a sensitive person who needs to feel seen.”
