Such awful news to break, and so sad.
I think the loss of Robin Williams is the first real actor to leave us that has hit me hardest from growing up with his films. I may only be 29 but from the early 90s I can remember early morning showings of ‘Mork & Mindy’ that captured my imagination wish such a wide-eyed, fun and warm comedic actor such as he, making me giggle at his boundless energy and zany antics as Mork.
Then came such fantastical films as ‘Popeye’ and ‘Hook’ when I was younger, but getting older then evolving with the classics such as ‘Mrs Doubtfire’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘Jumanji’, ‘Dead Poets Society’…I could go on because each film captivated me with the humour, drama and emotion he brought to such varied roles. But what I love about him is the ability to be family friendly and appealing to all ages when required. Yes, he can be an adult comedic when the time and setting is right, but for someone growing up with his films, his puppy-dog expression, cuddly aura and zest for entertaining was never lost on me and just made me respect and admire him even more!
Even the 00s gave us wonderful new genres from him to thrill us with like ‘Insomnia’ and ‘One Hour Photo’ showing more of his real acting ability away from comedy. And who can deny it was great to see him back on comedic family fun form with ‘Night At The Museum’!
I’m getting away with myself here – but putting it simply I will miss the continued projects from Robin Williams, but now each film will be tinged with the sadness he is no longer here but the passion he had will resonate even more now and I will champion his TV, film and stand-up work as long as I live as a real comedic genius and benchmark of American (and global) entertainment.
And if I can take anything from this tragic loss, I hope the world will open its eyes a little more to the reality of depression as an illness that really needs to be supported and understood in respect for those who have it, as it just shows that what we see on the outside will never truthfully tell us what is going on inside someone who, like us, behind the smile and the fame and fortune, was only human after all.
God bless you Euphegenia. Thank you for all the hours of fun you brought to us, and will continue to through your legacy.
Williams had been battling depression and substance addiction for the last few years of his life. Whether you knew him as Mork from "Mork and Mindy", the voice of Genie from "Aladdin", Mrs. Doubtfire, Peter Pan from "Hook" or from such classics as "Good Morning Vietnam", "Good Will Hunting", "The Birdcage" (my personal favorite), and "Dead Poet's Society", Robin Williams just had that ability to touch so many lives with humor and powerful acting. He will be sorely missed and his death again brings attention to just how important it is to recognize the cries of those who suffer from depression and how we must help.
