Billy Crystal will honour the late Robin Williams at the upcoming Emmy Awards

ex ecutive producer of the star-studded ceremony Don Mischer confirmed the news today, saying: "We felt we needed to do something powerful and memorable. Billy seemed like the perfect choice."

'Brave' hitmaker Sara Bareilles will also perform during the tribute.

As well as being close friends with Robin for almost 30 years, Billy co-starred in the movie 'Father's Day' with him in 1997.

They also regularly presented televised 'Comic Relief' specials, alongside Whoopi Goldberg, in the US to raise money for the homeless.

Shortly after news of the Oscar winner's death broke, Billy alluded to his heartbreak on Twitter, simply writing: "No words."

During last year's ceremony, Robin took to the stage to pay tribute to his mentor Jonathan Winters, who passed away in April 2013.

Meanwhile, the 'Mrs. Doubtfire' star's death certificate, obtained by gossip website RadarOnline.com, has revealed he was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the San Francisco bay off the coast of Marin County on August 12, just one day after his death.

Robin battled depression for much of his life and had also recently been diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease.