In tragic news, Robin Williams was found dead in his home in Tiburon, California earlier today. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed, but it is believed to be suicide via asphyxiation. He was 63 years old.
This one hurts.
It’s incomprehensible that such a beloved human would take his own life. Williams was a rare talent that was seemingly loved by everyone who ever saw one of his films. Who didn’t love Robin Williams? His career features countless of performances that were often both hilarious and touching. He always found a way to make an impression on you, no matter the role. He was a larger than life spirit, the sort of guy who felt more like a friend than a celebrity.
Mork & Mindy, Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting, Jumanji, Jack, Good Morning, Vietnam, The Fisher King, Hook, Aladdin, Patch Adams. Those were just some of the films of Williams varied and impressive career, full of roles that would find a way to touch you in some way. As a child of the 90s, Williams was one of my very first heroes growing up, a man whose appearance on screen would mean imminent joy.
Unfortunately, it seems like he couldn’t find the same joy for himself. It was no secret that Williams struggled with substance abuse, but I don’t think anyone knew the level of depression that Williams was troubled by. It’s hard to imagine such a great, beloved man taking his own life.
Ask anyone what there favorite Robin Williams film is, you’re likely to get a different answer. That’s something special. For me, that film is Dead Poets Society. It’s a film that always spoke to me as a child, mainly due to Williams sincere portrayal of motivational school teacher John Keating. If only we all had a teacher like him. It’s what I will be watching tonight, in honor of his great and storied life.
While this is a devastatingly sad day, we will always remember Robin for all the countless films that he’s left us with, which will live on forever.
R.I.P. Robin Williams.
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