R.I.P. Robin Williams

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  A lot of other bloggers and folks I follow have said it best--"Robin Williams is one of those actors whom I've felt would live forever." What is forever, anyway? Aren't we always saying tomorrow isn't promised? This isn't a knee-jerk reaction. This is a wake up call.

  The week has just started, and what a way to start. I don't have many words, because I just found out Monday that one of my favorite actors and comedians has departed from this planet. This is someone who elevated the genre of comedy with mirth, spirit, and movement. Someone whose voice carried out and made you pay attention. Someone--Robin--who set foot in almost every acting genre one could think of, and conquered them all. Julliard-trained improv master whom, I guess, I always saw him growing older. I always felt like he'd be here, still acting and doing stand-up. I saw him growing old and sharing his wisdom with future comics. I knew of his former alcoholism, but never knew the extent of his depression. Bless his soul, he entertained us for so many years, fighting demons of his own.

  Trying to hold back tears as I write this, it's hard. This was the last person I'd think of in terms of death and passing away. A name I'd rather not hear for a long time after decades of a mastered craft beneath him. However, that's a selfish way to think. People can't live forever, just because we want them to. Anyway, the man was passionate about his craft. He animated the characters he played on screen. As a fan and admirer of his work, I'm looking back at all the movies he starred in that I loved. His body of work is extensive, wonderful, and deserves to be studied as a college course. This list...it's just my own. I'm sure those who loved him have their own spin. They aren't in any particular order.

  1. Aladdin--It goes without saying that Genie was the movie. Big, blue, colorful persona, funny. Although I'd seen and heard Robin many years prior to this movie, this performance in particular is what made a young Veronica like him. The way he kept the schtick rolling was charming and impressive. The humor and life he brought to Genie--especially in the well-remembered number "Friend Like Me"--was flawless.
  2. Jumanji--Everyone has their own story about this movie. Maybe they had a nightmare, maybe their family played a cruel trick on them with the home game. Like most kids, I ran around like a sugar-fueled moron screaming "Jumanji" at the top of my lungs. I loved the graphics, but his energy during gameplay in this movie was the best part. Seven words--"The floor is quicker than the sand".
  3. Popeye--I saw this movie while I was at St. Thaddeus Summer Camp, years ago. My fellow campmates were bored outta their minds, but I was sitting in my hard, metal seat absorbing the perfection of Robin as Popeye. Since my dad bought a lot of the old cartoons on VHS, I was very familiar with the way Popeye talked, acted, and moved. There's only so much a costume and makeup can do. Robin put his soul into the character. Although a lot of people say this movie was a flop, I consider it to be gold. Robin nailed it, right down to the twister punch.
  4. Hook-- I saw this in theaters years ago with my aunt, grandmother, and cousin. For yours truly, it was an interesting twist on the usual story of Peter Pan. Robin is what made it interesting again. He found his inner child by balancing what it meant to be a grown up. (Not to mention, the ultra fine Rufio, but that is another story for another time.) When Peter found his happy place, I can recall my younger self smiling way too hard in that dark theater. :)
  5. Toys-- Another movie I watched over and over on demand. This is indeed one of those movies where the range of his wacky was fully welcomed, but also his serious side. We saw the two mix, as he "grew up" to take over his father's toy factory. My favorite moment? His song with Joan Cusack. (Seriously, WATCH THIS MOVIE. TOYS IS AWESOME.)
  6. The Birdcage-- I watched this movie a whopping 68 times when we had Comcast On Demand. I annoyed the ever-loving crap outta my boyfriend at the time. Every weekend it was Birdcage, Birdcage, Birdcage. I could not get enough. I know, I know; it's an eye-rolling, glitter-frosted camp affair. Yet, the way Robin portrays Armand, was hilarious. One minute, he's cool, calm, collected. He knows who he is, and he's just trying to put on a good drag show. The next moment, he's onstage trying to teach a dancer what it means to be a dream, and how to channel that. He was somewhat centered in this role, with a dominant tone. I loved him for playing that part.
  7. Mrs. Doubtfire-- I saw this movie with my dad. It was just "one of those movies" the entire family could see, without any trouble or deeply concerning scenery. It was just flat out funny and endearing. (I have to admit that I did go home and take some saucepan lids to put out an imaginary boob fire, though. I didn't smoosh cake frosting on my face, lol.) This film was a hit for Robin, obviously. My favorite scene? The makeover montage, of course. How can you not like his channeling of Barbara, the Old Kerchiefed Grandma, and the Saucy Lady?
  Not only was he a wonderful character, he carried himself in such a way that was dignified, but not so stuffy where it seemed like he could not be approached. There was a warmth to his smile and his face in general. Just like everyone else, he suffered hardships in his life. He did his very best to weather the storm. At this moment, I do not know what to say about how Robin departed this life. We have an idea of what happened, but earlier, I really didn't want to accept it or put on my blog, and end up being wrong much later. However, since it appears as if he did commit suicide, I feel like I need to speak on that in closing. I would like to point out a very well-written post by a user on tumblr about common commentary about those who have depression and contend with thoughts of suicide. YouTuber Sky Williams also has uploaded a very poignant video that moved me to tears as I watched. There's also commentary on the request NOT to glamorize suicide, which is understandable. We give attention to stars with issues, which may make it seem like the best idea for someone suffering and watching from afar.

  Mr. Williams, you were a great person. A funny person, and an interesting person. In the back of a young child's mind, I always wished we were related. As an adult, I looked back on your work and realized just how very special you were. I hate saying "were". It just doesn't feel right. Losing a comedy legend...what a way to start the week.

  What I've reflected on here is just the tip of the iceberg of his career and accomplishments. His stand-up routines are incredibly awesome. His dramatic roles were stunning pieces of artwork, proudly displaying the fact that he was not a one-trick pony. He was a brilliant, talented person who won many awards, hearts, and the laughter of millions. Fellow Chicagoan, gamer, and philanthropist, you shall be sorely missed. My condolences to his wife, children, and friends. He entertained us, but they were especially the loves and lights of his life. His children, especially. I know it's hard for Zelda at this point in time. The same goes for her brother. My heart, prayers/chants go out to them.

  I know this is usually a dead, quiet blog, but if anyone out there has memories, feelings, or reflections, feel free to comment. Also, if you or anyone else is thinking of committing suicide, please consider calling/visiting the following websites. Please pass these websites and numbers along to anyone who may need them as well. Depression is real. I realize to some, this is such an obvious thing to say, but there's so many people out in this world who turn a blind eye to it, or have their own ways of trying to "fix" people. It's not a joke, a game, or a punchline.