Remembering Robin Williams


No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.
Robin Williams

This week, we lost one of the most brilliant and entertaining actors that Hollywood has seen in Robin Williams. His death has shocked everyone that enjoyed seeing him on the big screen whether it was granting Aladdin 3 wishes or winning a game of Jumanji. But it wasn't just the movies that people knew him from. Those that knew him from the beginning of his career knew that he had started small like most famous actors had by starring in television shows (He starred as Mork in Happy Days) and then progressing to star in several films that never did became successful but his acting got the attention of the movie industry. People born in the 90s knew him best from his many roles in family movies like the animated Disney movie "Aladdin" in which he voiced the Genie and the Steven Spielberg movie "Hook" in which he played as an adult Peter Pan. A comedian at heart, Robin would apply his comedic talents in every project he was in. But behind the man we knew on the big screen, Robin was facing a battle of depression plus the news that he Parkinson's Disease which ultimately caused him to commit suicide by hanging. His death shocked the world and everyone that loved him from Family to fans were deeply affected.

I was only a year old when Aladdin was released and didn't know of Robin Williams. My first film that I remember watching that he was in was Disney's Flubber. I also watched Hook on TV. Like many, i didn't know he was battling depression and was deeply shocked when news of his death broke out. The last known project i saw Robin Williams in was a Snickers commercial. I'm still recovering from the shock that we lost a brilliant actor and I hope that those that are also in depression won't follow his footsteps in ending their lives when they have so much to live for.

The day after his death I went to Disneyland with the intention of watching Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular to honor his memory. While the cast didn't do anything to honor him, I felt that the Genie carrying out his comedic routine was enough, though i've heard that other Genie actors (besides the one performing that day) have honored him in recent performances.

This news hit me more than the death of Michael Jackson due to his connections with Disney and the fact that his comedic brilliance never failed to make me laugh. Thank you Robin Williams for what you have done for all of us. I hope everyone remembers him as the man that brought them joy and not remember him on how or why he died.

RIP Robin Williams, you are now truly free at last.


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