There was no one laughing in the theatre when Billy Crystal took to the stage during Monday’s night Emmy Awards to pay tribute to his late friend, movie and television star Robin Williams. Williams died August 11 in his California home by hanging himself, but Crystal made sure to focus more on his life than his passing.

“It’s very hard to talk about him in the past because he was so present in all our lives,” Crystal said. “For almost 40 years, he was the brightest star in our comedy galaxy.” Crystal, who worked with Williams in the Comedy Relief specials to benefit the homeless starting in the 1980s, shared that, “I spent many happy hours with Robin onstage…as genius as he was onstage, he was the greatest friend you could ever imagine.”

Crystal promised that Williams’ “beautiful light will continue to shine on us forever. And the glow will be so bright, it’ll warm your heart.” His words were followed by a montage of Williams’ television appearances, ranging from Mork and Mindy to guest spots on various late night shows to stand-up comedy appearances.

Crystal’s special tribute to Williams came after the annual In Memoriam segment, this year featuring Sara Bareilles singing a version of Charlie Chaplin’s song “Smile.” Those remembered included Lauren Bacall, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Walker, Elaine Stritch, and Shirley Temple.