Monday, August 11, 2014

Robin Williams Has Died

Actor-comedian Robin Williams was found dead on Monday at his home in Northern California from an apparent suicide, the Marin County Sheriff's Office said. He was 63.

The sheriff's coroner's division said it suspects the death was a suicide due to asphyxia, but said the cause of death is still under investigation

188 comments:

SugarTitz said...

sad.. rip mork..does anyone have any ideas why??

GladysKravitz said...

Tragic. RIP.

Count Jerkula said...

Poor bastard. On of my all time faves.

Nanu-nanu, bro.

RIP

Scarlett Drawl said...

It's sad when someone loses the battle with addiction. Rip.

Shiirii said...

So So So sad! He has been a great part of my childhood and adulthood! He is sure going to be missed. RIP Mr Williams.

Unknown said...

wasn't he just the answer to a "shaking so badly needs rehab" BI?

Either way, this really sucks.

He and Chris Reeve are raising a glass somewhere right now. :(

Reese said...

I never cared for his work, but this is very sad. RIP.

Breezy said...

RIP

ClaireFrasier said...

OMG! I always loved him! So sorry for his family.

sandybrook said...

RIP Poor apparently tortured soul :(

NaughtyNurse said...

Oh, my god. Tragic. Such a talented guy.

rolotomassi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

http://www.crazydaysandnights.net/2014/07/robin-williams-is-back-in-rehab.html

He was in Rehab according to Enty as recently as July.

Unknown said...

I'm a Mork from Ork fan - Rest In Paradise

Kaye said...

Depression is a terrible disease, to commit suicide and to leave his wife and children, this is heartbreaking in the most awful way. For everyone dealing with depression, please get help.

Anonymous said...

Depression is a fucking fuck.

witwritergirl said...

So sad. RIP.

Sugar said...

Aww, this is very sad news indeed. A tortured soul that brought many laughs to many people.

I hope he's saying Na-Nu Na-Nu to the angels in heaven.

Jordan T said...

Poor guy. Very sad news. RIP

Unknown said...

So saddened by this news. RIP Robin.
I appreciate his sharing his talent with the world. He was one of a kind.

Anjelicka64 said...

I guess his demons finally won.. This makes me so sad.. RIP

Kelly said...

I grew up with Mork and Mindy. I adored him. This is heart breaking.

mistang said...

Dammit, Robin! Why did you have to go out like this?

Jennifer said...

This is so sad. I loved most of his movies growing up.

My favorite that he was in was What Dreams May Come. He portrayed his grief and emotional struggles so realistically in that movie.

Rest in peace, Mr. Patch Adams, and may you find your corner in Heaven. And condolences to his wife and family.

Meansideeye said...

Genie will be missed. So sad.

Unknown said...

I remember reading a while back, he was manic-depressive. From what I understand, when you're up..you are waaaaay up and when you are down (depressed) you are waaaay down. It's very extreme. Breaks my heart that he felt that bad that he had to die.

fouxdafafa said...

Depression is really common after sobriety. I wish he could have found value in his life. :(

Unknown said...

I met him about 14 years ago at a film festival. He was very nice and gracious, but his wife at the time (ex-nanny)was behaving arrogantly and above-it-all. Such a contrast and I remember thinking, wtf is he doing with her?

Dena said...

Wow,very shocked : (

T. W. said...

He has said himself he was mentally unstable. If his meds were switched it would make him vulnerable to suicidal ideation.

Already have one said...

Oh no! Rest in peace.

Unknown said...

@ Nora - He was bi-polar? Shite. That can be a very hard road to travel. Even with medication.

B626 said...

The 1st thing I thought was how bad was he dreading dressing up in drag for the next Mrs Doubtfire moneygrab?

trudi said...

An example of having it all and depression renders it meaningless.

Jessi said...

OMG!!! I am in shock and horrified to hear this. So horribly sad. RIP!

Mindless Contemplations said...

Smiles hide more than frowns. Celebrity deaths don't normally bother me alot, but this one actually hurts a little. Robin Williams is a comedy legend. He will be sorely missed.

MollyMo said...

#truth

Unknown said...

I think TMZ is overloaded. Can't get onto the site at all.

Seven of Eleven said...

RIP, Mrs Doubtfire. Nanoo, nanoo.

Pogue Mahone said...

Poor guy. That's so sad. I really like him. I hope he's found peace.

car54 said...

Depression is awful. The last time I saw an interview with him--after his show was cancelled, he did not look good.
I'm very sad about this--he was a very talented, intelligent man.

Robert said...

Jesus, that's a shame.

Unknown said...

His publicist issued a statement that he had been suffering from depression.

Also part of the statement

In a statement, Williams’ wife Susan Schneider said she is “utterly heartbroken” over the death of her husband and best friend. She said the world has lost “one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings.”

“On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."

Ruby said...

So sad. He was brilliant, one-of-a-kind.

AndrewBW said...

Very sad. He seemed like a troubled person. RIP.

Sherry said...

RIP you big bear. Even though I was not a fan of his stand up, he was a very good actor. And he married in the last few years yes? Tragic to go out that way. Much peace to the children he leaves behind.

Jonathan Andrew Sheen said...

Don't "Rest In Peace," Mr. Williams. Fill the afterlife with insanity and merriment and laughter and happy tears.

Meanie Rhysie said...

Goddamn it. Goddamnit. I really was hoping this was a hoax. :'(

RIP

Lots of hot air said...

@Kaye those suffering from depression rarely think about getting help. There needs to be an intervention from friends and family. Been down this road.

Hegg said...

RIP funny soul.
He battled for many years alcoholism and a mood disorder, so that probably has much to do with this. Fuck You mental illness!

Candyland said...

So sad. RIP Robin. Shazbot.

audrey said...

RIP Mr. Williams. You made me laugh out loud a lot. You also made me cry, especially that episode of Homicide...you were brilliant and so very talented. You will be missed.

me said...

Loved him in Good Will Hunting! RIP

Unknown said...

I was 14, sick & home from school, when I first saw Robin perform on the Alan Hamel show in 1977. (Alan is married to Suzanne Somers and had a schlocky afternoon talk/variety show way back when in Canada). He was amazing and he completely captivated me.

For months I couldn't stop talking about him. I tried to find out more, but no one knew what I was talking about. Fast forward to August of the same year and I read in the paper that Robin Williams was opening up for a band at the Ex. I freaked! Told everyone to buy tickets to see this guy. I'm waiting for tickets to go on sale, and plan to be first in line... then another ad appeared in the paper with a photo of Robin Williams, the opening act. It was a woman. A singer. I practically wept... Not too long after he landed Mork & Mindy and I seized the opportunity to tell everyone, "I told you so."

Hadapúrpura said...

R.I.P. Robin Williams. I would've never thought of him as someone commiting suicide. Serves to show one doesn't know artists beyond their public personas.

Unknown said...

That was a shocker for a Monday night.

I never forget Robin saying in a routine that he took cocaine to slow himself down. I always thought I believe you Robin you are so hyper, now I realize maybe manic was the better term.

"Now there's some sad things known to man
But ain't too much sadder than
the tears of a clown
When there's no one around"
- Smokey Robinson

Anonymous said...

:^(

rolotomassi said...

this is a shocker for ANY night-terrible,terrible,terrible,,,

PghGirl said...

Thank you Sir. RIP

BeckyMae said...

So many iconic roles I am reminded of whilst reading these comments...such a brilliant man...RIP

Buddy Bones Smith said...

O captain, my captain....
RIP

bellaluna said...

This gave me such a huge case of the sads. Weapons of Self-Destruction is my go-to after a bad day.

I'll be watching it tonight, in his honor.

You will be sorely missed, my friend. RIP.

BeckyMae said...

Great story @unknown!

Count Jerkula said...

I bet he got a call last night to tell him when production on the show w/ Buffy is gonna start up, and he couldn't bare the thought of being in a room with her again.

Unknown said...

Don't be a jerk

Cornbread said...

Dead Poets Society is one of my favorite novels; Williams brought it to life perfectly for film. RIP.

"To quote from Whitman, 'O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?' Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”

Unknown said...

Pick your moment, Count. Pick your moment. #toosoon

Basil said...

I hate hearing this. RIP

Princess C. Bananahammock said...

Sad. RIP

Kitty said...

He had great comedic timing. The creepiest thing I ever saw him do was a movie called Insomnia.

trudi said...

The show with Buffy was cancelled in July.

Ay said...

I only recently watched Goodwill Hunting(don't judge), excellent film. People say Robin was a great comedic actor, he was a brilliant actor PERIOD and that movie was evidence of it. He seemed to have a lot of heart on screen. I'll always remember him from one of my childhood favorites....Jumanji!

Mango said...

You'll be missed.

Not A Ninny said...

There's no excuse for losing someone to suicide like this anymore, not if the afflicted one has any kind of support system left. Even the blackest, most painful depressive cycles can be blunted with high enough dosages of SSRI's and anti-anxiety meds. You'll have to come down eventually and deal with the bleakness of your issues, but you won't kill yourself in the meantime.

Nipple said...

Bear*

Tricia13 said...

Robin...he divorced her thank god.

Nipple said...

Ssris and anti anxiety meds are only crutches to help you as you deal with depression. At the end of the day, you need to work on your issues.

msgirl said...

The only way to kill yourself by asphyxiation is taping a plastic bad around your head. How horrible. I am incredible sad, that he didn't feel the joy he brought everyone. My favorite of his films is Fisher King. So sad

Tricia13 said...

In his own words to his lifekingr friend.m, Chris Reeves .yet anotgert gentmeman and scholar:
Goodnight Sweet Prince

Unknown said...

Lots of other ways to die by impairing one's breathing - aka - asphyxiation. Hanging gone wrong also leads to death by asphyxiation. Gas, carbon monoxide etc will also lead to asphyxiation.

Zach said...

First celeb death in my lifetime to bring me to tears

Unknown said...

@ B. Profane. Severely depressed people often hide the extent of their illness from their loved ones.

I understand you are angry right now, but you obviously do not understand that type or level of depression.

katiekat said...

I'm just devastated. I loved his work so much and this is hitting me hard. RIP.

Not A Ninny said...

"I understand you are angry right now, but you obviously do not understand that type or level of depression."

Sadly, I do. I'm speaking from experience. Jack someone up on enough meds and they won't kill themselves. It's not a permanent solution, but they'll survive to work their way through their problems, hopefully.

Mind you, people who struggle with systemic manic-depression or plain ol' permanent neurochemical depression, well, from what I've seen fighting that war can wear you down to the point that it's more a case of euthanasia than suicide.

Tricia13 said...

Agreed @unknown.
But we all all in recovery of some form or another, our entire lives:the name, degrees or stages of the malady are all that separates us from one another.

With the utmost respect for Mr. Williams, I will only this..it wasn't drugs, booze(the band aids for depression) or the D word itself I fear that was his demon.

Therein lay something deeper , and far more- painful for him, and that was what , in the end.....prevailed.

And that is beyond ..sad. Always the brightest stars in sky, the ones that make everyone ELSe in the room comfortable, that are dying inside a little bit...:(

He was immeasurably kind , gifted, and most appreciated by me...humble.

Fare thee well sir

chopchop said...

He looked *exactly* like my dad. So sorry to hear about this one. RIP

Pip said...

Profane, you apparently have never been in the mindset where death seems to be the only option to get rid of the pain. Drug therapy is not a cure all, that is an extremely ignorant statement.

Unknown said...

@ B. Profane. Sorry for your struggles. But it's hard to prevent suicide with meds when the sufferer is hiding the extent of their illness. Or perhaps even in denial about how far they've sunk.

Frufra said...

It makes me so, so sad, but I get it. I'm married to a brilliantly funny man who fights depression like a son of a bitch. If we didn't have kids to live for, I don't know if he'd fight it so hard. I'm sure Robin DID try to fight for his family's sake - that make his death even sadder. Those of us who are parents know that if you can't do it (fight depression or addiction or other issues) for your kids, you've got to be in a truly dark place. Shine on, you crazy diamond. Hope he's found peace and release from his pain.

Bally said...

Talk about irreplaceable. R.I.P.

Dead Poets Society is still one of my all-time favorites.

I can't think of a single one of his performances that disappointed me.

Lady Heisenberg said...


RIP to a true genius. I have friends who worked with Robin and have heard nothing but great things. Such a tragedy and loss.

Robin Williams on Inside The Actors Studio

1. What is your favorite word?
Cloaca... it's part of a bug, it's a combination of a vagina and asshole

2. What is your least favorite word?
Cunt... it's so negative

3. What turns you on?
My wife's laugh

4. What turns you off?
Violence towards children

5. What sound or noise do you love?
*fart sound*

6. What sound or noise do you hate?
Screeching brakes... it implies that something bad is about to happen.

7. What is your favorite curse word?
Pussy... it's so warm

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Neurologist or theoretical physicist

9. What profession would you not like to do?
Bomb tester

And FINALLY:

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
There's seating near the front... or, just to know there's laughter, that would be a good thing. To hear God say "Two Jews walk into a bar..."
<3

Lady Heisenberg said...

@chopchop: are you my secret sister?! My pops looks exactly like Robin too! That just makes this harder :(

FrenchGirl said...

@Lady H
Thank you

Jessi said...

Come on B, meds are not always the answer. Obviously Robin was In A very very dark place with his fighting his addiction and also being manic. One can't pass judgement or know what another feels when in that desperate state.
Man, I am really torn up about this and not even a huge fan. Just the thought that this man, who was so loved by so many, couldn't find a way to go on is absolutely heartbreaking. Mental health in this country needs to be taken seriously!

Pip said...

I really enjoy the word 'cunt' when I'm angry.

The Enquirer said...

I'm crushed. RW wasn't on my radar for a while and then that show the Crazy Ones came on tv. I absolutely loved it. He seemed so fit and happy and funny on that show. I was crushed when it was cancelled and now I'm genuinely saddened to hear this terrible news. I feel very bad for his young daughter. Such a sad,sad day.

Rivenisahasbeen said...

*Stands on desk*
Oh Captain my Captain!

May you finally be at peace, Mr Keating

AJ said...

Gutted.
Just really really am.
Such a sad sad end to such a brilliant man.
May you rest in peace.

AJ said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Frosty said...

Poor soul. Rest in peace.

Meanie Rhysie said...

I hate that people dismiss suicide as a selfish act or a cowardly act. It is DESPAIR taken to the outer limits of hell. If you've never been there, count your fucking blessings.

Damn. :'(

Yoj said...

It's impossible to understand unless you've been there yourself, trapped in that dark spiral, unable to see any relief ahead. In the blackest moments, life seems to be a burden rather than the gift that it is.
Rest in peace, Robin.
My thoughts and prayers are with his children.

AJ said...

MSGirl
Oh god. That's horrific.
I literally gasped out loud when I read the news he had died by that means is gut wrenching.

Robin the Mad Photographer said...

I was standing in the laundromat this evening when the Special Report came on, and I feel as if I've been sucker-punched. Losing someone like him would have been bad enough, but finding out it was suicide... :'-(

Good night, sweet prince...

Not A Ninny said...

"Profane, you apparently have never been in the mindset where death seems to be the only option to get rid of the pain. Drug therapy is not a cure all, that is an extremely ignorant statement."

Unfortunately, I have, and my statement comes from brutal experience. Don't lecture me, I do know exactly what it's like to be there.

The drugs that are available now can blunt the seriously depressive downswings enough to prevent most suicides. Yes, people can slip through the cracks--my best friend blew his head off in high school and non of us knew he was that depressed. But these days, with the greater awareness of the symptoms of serious depression, if you've got any kind of support system left there should be someone around to drag you out and get put on the meds so that you'll survive. Wallowing in the old existential angst model of treating suicidal depression as inevitable is just irresponsible.

AJ said...

Lady H.
TY very much for this.

Tricia13 said...

Send in the clowns*~Sondheim
For it takes a wiseman to Play the fool~Shakespeare
Why do the acts keep getting longer..and the intermissions shorter?~Edward Lynch(my uncle who worked with robin in Jack..)

May you find bthe most glorious intermission th e afterlife can offer sir
That's all I'm adding..this had upset me..alot

Frufra said...

Indeed, Rhysie. Very well put.

Pip said...

I too have been there Profane, and no, medication does not solve it all. No one has said it is inevitable, but to say the drugs now available are enough to prevent it is ignorant. Even with a support system.

trudi said...

Could he have been overwhelmed by financial problems? In this article he says he took the TV show because he needed the money. He also had his Napa mansion up for sale since 2012, and recently reduced the price last month, because he said he could no longer afford to keep it.

http://dailybraille.co.uk/dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2421415/Robin-Williams-return-TV-decades-poor-divorces-cost-20million.html

Elizabeth said...

“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone.”

- Robin Williams as Lance Clayton in World’s Greatest Dad (2009)

Lo Key says stop with the censorship already! said...

Sadness... Much sadness.

Lady Heisenberg said...

You're welcome! That Pearly Gates quote really got me today and I wanted to share it. I'm trying to focus on all of the joyful moments that Robin contributed to our lives and to this world. HeisenHugs to my fellow sad CdaNers <3

Eros said...

@ count that was funny to read. Made me laugh a little... I think Robin's wicked sense of humor would have found it funny..

It's so sad...the guy was a comedic genius and I was such a huge fan of his work. I am usually unaffected by strangers' deaths. But I am very very saddened that he died and especially this way.

I remember about a few months ago I think, I had the privilege of reading one of robin's amas on reddit. I was crying tears from laughing so hard. His humor has always had that effect upon me though. I would encourage any true fans of his to look up his AMA on reddit and prepare to be thoroughly entertained. R.i.p. Robin! Godspeed, my friend!

KAT said...

I literally said OMG out loud when I read the news. @TriciaS I concur with your comments regarding the funniest people hide the greatest pain.
Robin Williams was brilliantly manic. His old stand up routines were so fast and so sharp I thought he was going light speed on coke.
Yes it is true the most gifted at making others laugh carry the deepest pain. I remember a singer who I had seen so many times in concerts and enjoyed say he himself had extreme highs and lows. I think some people would rather experience the full spectrum of life rather than medicate it to a dull even calm. In the end, the life is a gift. We can do with it as we will. Sometimes the pain gets too much, for some I can't blame them personally for wanting to get out. It is selfish on our parts to want someone to stick around when they want so badly to go.
R.I.P. Robin Williams thanks for the laughs

FlirtyChick74 said...

You can watch Mork & Mindy reruns on Hulu and Hook. None of his films are available for streaming except 3 poorly rated ones on Netflix.

I grew up watching Mork and Mindy too. RIP.

StewMcG said...

When I heard he was going to rehab (in MN I think?) a month or so ago, I was afraid it would lead to something like this. RIP Mr. Williams. Thanks for the years of good times and great laughs. I wish you had been able to reach out to someone and let them know what was going on before falling this far. However, as a depressive with suicidal tendencies (and 8 years' clean & sober), I unfortunately understand how hard that can be.

I've made a donation to NAMI in your memory.

You will be greatly missed.

Unknown said...

Depression can't always be helped. There are people (like me) who are resistant to all anti-depressants and even to E.C.T. It can be a day to day struggle and it breaks my heart to see anyone lose that struggle because I know how awful it is to feel that hopeless. I want to smack anyone who goes on the knee jerk rant about how "selfish" suicide is;please shut up Todd Bridges.

Unknown said...

Hugs to everyone. I'm going to bed. I've had enough reality for one day...

el80ne said...

Damn. Instantly thought of the last Enty blind revealed of him spotted on a flight shaking non stop and in really poor shape.

If he were in rehab as recently as 7/14 then I can only speculate how he went from there to where he ended up last night. *shudder*

I'm kind of surprised more people in this country don't consider euthanasia in their old age. I plan on it. I have no intent on suffering a slow, grueling, and painful death from a terminal illness. I'd rather pick and choose when and where. At least Williams was able to do that much.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stacey Charter said...

Pass this on please...If you struggle with depression and need to talk, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7: 1-800-273-8255

This is heartbreaking. I feel like it is a personal loss, which makes no sense. I guess he was just able to move me that much. Hugs all,

Sherry said...

I truly believe Robin's passing is going to hit H'wd hard. Hearing people's recollection of him and he was a very loved man. This one's gonna hurt for a long, long time. Man oh man.

kelliknows said...

So very sad..his unique quicksilver comic genius gone.

__-__=__ said...

Jonathan - That's beautiful.

__-__=__ said...

Kitty - Insomnia was creepy indeed!

Mango said...

@ B. Profane - Can you FOR ONCE put a sock in it? This is a place where people are gathering to post thoughts and feelings about an artist who touched our lives and you cannot resist YET AGAIN taking a hammer and building yourself a friggin' soap box so you can preach to your imaginary choir. Please don't make this a stage for yourself to pontificate endlessly about mental illness and wow us with your vocabulary of psychiatric terminology. You are not the only one who's suffered a loss. Say your piece about how Mr Williams did (or didn't) touch your life and then kindly STFU. THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU.

smn1985 said...

This is pretty much the first celebrity death I'm legitimately upset about. What a huge loss.

Mango said...

@ Jonathan Andrew Sheen, Sherry and Meanie Rhysie - those were really nice posts.

AKM said...

Let us not forget that many of us with depression DID get help Ans we may be doing everything we're supposed to -- meds, therapy, lifestyle changes, spirituality -- and the insidious beast that I call The Fog can still win. I would bet that Robin tried everything possible; he certainly had the means to do so. So very, very tragic.

AKM said...

With all due respect, this is not 100% true. We are finding that many people taking SSRIs, for example, eventually become absolutely immune to them. I personally have been on 15-20 various psychotropic meds, and I still cannot find the right treatment, and I still have dark thoughts from time to time. Sometimes the MI DOES win, sadly.

AKM said...

Yep. Truth.

__-__=__ said...

Eros - I started reading AMA at your suggestion. This popped out:

Robin, was it hard not to laugh at Hank Azaria during the making of "The Birdcage"?

[–]RobinWilliamsHere[S] 3058 points 10 months ago
OH, it was really hard. His voice, that character, Agador Spartacus. It wasn't just me that had a hard time. Mike Nichols would laugh so hard they would have to put a blanket over his head. The other guy who was so funny was Gene Hackman. His speech about the leaves in New England was one of the funniest, driest pieces of comedy I'd ever seen.

[–]tellme_areyoufree 2021 points 10 months ago*x2
Odd as it might sound, The Birdcage was a movie that played a part in making it ok to talk to my mom about being gay.

I remember the movie coming on on TV while mom and I were watching, and once I realized it was gay-themed I froze. We got through the movie and the entire time I was too afraid to laugh. At the end, my mom said something like (paraphrasing): "that was a funny movie. I never really thought of gay people as normal people with families." And I don't know why, but I blurted out "I have a family."

It didn't go easy from there, but to this day I'm amazed at the power comedy had (and has) to humanize. What is more human than laughing? Anyway, thank you.

AKM said...

A donation is a lovely idea, Stew. I think I shall do the same; thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

So awful. It is amazing how many people he touched. Everyone has reacted to this. The man was a national treasure. I read part of an interview he did almost a year ago. He spoke of money troubles- that he'd given up so much in divorces that he had to sell a ranch he could no longer afford . He basically said he took the show after 30 years off tv to get a steady check because his choices were indie films with limited budget or distribution or going back on the road to do stand-up. I think that provides insight coupled with the rehab need, etc. He gave money to Christopher Reeve when he needed it & it's so sad with all the people he knew no one could help him out with money and emotional support. So sad someone who brought such joy to others didn't have that bright light in his life.

AKM said...

One of my all-time favorite quotes was his, "You're only given a small spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." (I THINK I quoted that correctly. I'm tired. I'm sure you've all heard what we're dealing with in STL. Between that and hearing of Robin's passing, "bummed" doesn't begin to cover it.)

Eros said...

@_-_=_ He was really an amazing man. I mean you read his responses and how mindblowingly funny some of them are and it's hard to grasp how someone who was so full of life, creativity and character is really no longer here. It is beyond shocking. I am not one given to tears, but this melted even my cold brittle heart.


I think I'm going to go check out the AMA and remember robin with some laughter. Thanks! ;-)

Buddy Bones Smith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dena said...

: )

Dena said...

: )

Dena said...

I saw a picture of him from his recent stay at Hazelden in Mn...he posed with a cashier at DQ and his eyes looked really sad : (

AlexT said...

Unbelievable. Ever would I ever have thought he'd go out that way. How could he break everyone's hearts like that. Just unbelievable.

keetz4 said...

Dead Poets Society | Oh Captain, My Captain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RbY2iTOUQA

Count Jerkula said...

@Eros: That is why I posted it. I don't think Robin would want everyone sitting around a pity party, so I threw in a chuckle.

MissInfo said...

RIP my favorite funnyman. :(

StuffandNonsense said...

RIP you funny, hairy, wonderful man. So many films of his I've loved but his standup was the best. Improv genius, off the cuff and slightly manic.

May your troubled soul find the peace this life never afforded you, Oh Captain, my Captain. :-(

Shinobi Jedi said...

Perfectly said, JAS. That's how we all should be when our time comes.

All Lace no Leather said...

I am so sad. My daughter seemed surprised that I was so upset and I told her what a large part of my childhood he was- Happy Days, Mork and Mindy, and then those movies from my adulthood that I just love - Mrs. Doubtfire, Birdcage, Good Will Hunting, 9 months.

She then told me how sad she was too and listed the movies she loved him in - Dead Poets Society, Flubber, Aladdin, Jumanji, Hook, to name a few. I forgot how many genres he covered, and how many generations were his fans. RIP Robin. You will be missed.

All Lace no Leather said...

I am so sad. My daughter seemed surprised that I was so upset and I told her what a large part of my childhood he was- Happy Days, Mork and Mindy, and then those movies from my adulthood that I just love - Mrs. Doubtfire, Birdcage, Good Will Hunting, 9 months.

She then told me how sad she was too and listed the movies she loved him in - Dead Poets Society, Flubber, Aladdin, Jumanji, Hook, to name a few. I forgot how many genres he covered, and how many generations were his fans. RIP Robin. You will be missed.

OneGirlRevolution said...

Just a reminder that each and every one of you has someone who loves you and needs you in their life.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. If you or anybody you know needs help, call. Or contact me, or enty, or anyone. Someone. You are not alone.

cdanlola@gmail.com

Aoife said...

This hit me hard. He'd survived so much personal hardship. Depression, like addiction, is a sly mofo. May he RIP.

EGB said...

No real words, just sad. It got me when my 23 year old son said "Aladdin" was the first thing he thought of, only 63 and already a part of my childhood memories, and the next generations. How sad we won't know what else he could have been.

Sea Hag said...

Ed Asner said he was a Pierrot. I think Ed was right.

CK76 said...

Check out the video of him with Koko the gorilla....

Lady Heisenberg said...

Awwwww...I heart THIS...so sweet!

ROBIN & KOKO link ;)

theefamousperson said...

If he had bipolar disorder, but they medicated him for the depression he was suffering, it could have triggered a manic episode, and he could have thought he was out of it, then gone off the meds, and that's the time, as far as I know, when suicidality can strike hardest. Bipolar is way tricky.

theefamousperson said...

The thing is, how do you know when you've worked through your problems? When you feel better? That's the trickiest part of mental illness. You want it to be over So Bad, and then it comes up from behind and takes you down. Yes, pump them full of thorazine and they'll live forever. But for a working person trying to live their lives, especially a genius like Williams, it's really hard to stay in a chair. You want autonomy, and when you feel better, you think you know better. It's so much more tricky than "take a pill and you'll be ok."

Himmmm said...

Death is easy, for the dead. It is life that is so hard for the living.
Goodnight Mr. Williams...we don't say goodbye - we say "see you later". May Orson snap your rainbow suspenders through the pearly gates. I, for one, will smile through a tear until I can laugh with him in eternity.

theefamousperson said...

The black box warning on SSRI meds expressly contradict your perspective, Profane. I hate that you went through what you did, but science has theorized at length about the variable neurochemistry of people. I tell ya-- St. Johns Wort pulled me out of a suicidal depression, but MAOIs are not first-line, and the SSRIs he would have been prescribed have a well-documented window for suicidality.

Lady Heisenberg said...

Ahhhhh holy shiiiiiiit it's @Himmmm
^5!!!!!!!!!!!!
CDaN levend rides from the dead <3

B626 said...

Yes, Jumanji was a movie that he and Bonnie Hunt hit the funny/sad button so well.

Unknown said...

The worlds a less funny place. RIP

HimynameisChloe said...

Watching Jumanji now. Sigh. I don't care how or who it is death is so difficult. I could be more eloquent, but it really is that simple.

WUWT? said...

Someone walked by me today with a candy bar and Twizzlers. He said he got Twizzlers "because of Robin Williams." I had not heard that Robin had died, and had no idea what the reference was about, so I thought the polite response to someone making a vague joke I didn't understand would be to laugh. Now that I have found out he died, I feel very bad for laughing (I didn't know!), but what was the Twizzlers reference all about?
All I can find online is Robin telling Jimmy Kimmel that he would buy Twizzlers with the negligible proceeds from doing improv, but it must have been more than that if Random Guy waving Twizzlers in my direction thought he was saying something I should have understood. Was licorice "big" in any of Robin's movies? Did Mork have a thing about licorice?

...

If only people could really see what they are worth to others....
It's too bad the admiration and praise of family, friends, and strangers can't counteract the internal condemnation of self.

dallas said...

I read the most beautiful comment about depression on this website when a celebrity committed suicide (it might have been L'Wren) but I can't find it. I would like to quote it on a local website. It was something like like "depression will kill you right out in the open with everyone watching". Do you guys know which post I can find that comment on? It moved me and I think it
s important to share.

Anonymous said...

"I believe in you, Peter...."

I'm heartbroken.

auntliddy said...

Shocking. Devastating. I just want to reach out and hug him. Very few people are original or one of a kind- but he for sure was. Good journey my friend, good journey.

Unknown said...

OMG! Lady H! I remember this. Thank you so much.

Unknown said...

Just a question for the people with expertise, how do you deal with a depressed or bi polar patient who also has or had addiction issues. That has to be a bit of a minefield.

Unknown said...

@Eros well said.

Robin - your legacy lives in the smile that spreads across someone's face when they think of you; in the wonderment that shines from a child's eye as he watches you; from the heartfelt laughter that erupts when one listens to you; from the creative inspiration when one imagines you.

Such a terrible loss - for everyone - of all ages.

I call on those artists who have worked with and been inspired by Robin Williams, to present a special tribute to his work --- AND
In honour of Robin and his compassion for others --
Use the event to raise awareness about depression / mental health issues, remove the stigma surrounding it.

RIP Robin! Your desire to make people smile and laugh even in their darkest moments - is compassion personified. You will always live in my memories and I will smile every time I think of you and your work.

BlondeB said...

His eyes show not only is compassion, but his sadness. RIP Robin, your mind is finally at peace. Thank you for all the gifts.

JG said...

That video is amazing, brings tears to my eyes, especially the hug at the end, thank you Lady Heisenberg :)

Gayeld said...

Nanu nanu.

8====D KermitGossnellKnobjob said...

F word.
I didn't see this entry and wrote about him in the other thread.

Bottom line: RIP. You will be remembered as a good person.

Unknown said...

Fly Robin Fly!

Your legacy lives in the smile that spreads across someone's face when they think of you; in the wonderment that shines from a child's eye as he watches you; from the heartfelt laughter that erupts when one listens to you; from the creative inspiration when one imagines you.

Such a terrible loss - for everyone - of all ages.

I call on those artists who have worked with and been inspired by Robin Williams, to present a special tribute to his work --- AND
In honour of Robin and his compassion for others --
Use the event to raise awareness about depression / mental health issues, remove the stigma surrounding it.

RIP Robin! Your desire to make people smile and laugh even in their darkest moments - is compassion personified. You will always live in my memories and I will smile every time I think of you and your work.

Suki said...

Beautifully said. Thank you.

Jill of All Trades said...

Haven't even read the thread yet, but just want to say, when I read the news at work all I could think of was coming on here to mourn with you guys. xx

bluebonnetmom said...

What Dreams May Come was seriously underrated. A must see.

bluebonnetmom said...

Thank you for making me smile this morning. I needed this.

bluebonnetmom said...

Thank you for making me smile this morning. I needed this.

Tiredallthetime said...

Absolutely heartbroken. When I woke up this morning a saw this news I almost instantly thought "his heart" then I heard it was suicide. Damn dude. We'll never know why but I just hope you're at peace. Dang!!
Favourite RW films, the birdcage, the big white, jumangi, Aladdin and flubbed so sad.

Land Manatee said...

For those of you who read this blog and can make this happen...I just wanted to put this out there:

In honor of the multifaceted performer Robin Williams was, I hope on of the TV or Movie Academies out there considers establishing an award in his name to present to current and future successful and expandable performers such as the one he was.

I don't think there is anyone in this world that does not know his name or has seen his work in one form or another.

Robin Williams truly conquered various genres in his art form with such passion, inspiration and humor, that he deserves life-long recognition. Some of the areas he unleashed his talent on where TV, movies, Broadway, stand-up, animation and music. He also lent his time, energy and persona to charities and military support.

It would be great for future generations to be presented with the 'Robin Williams Award'.

His memory and efforts to make us all laugh, cry or wonder should continue to live on in the form of an amazing tribute. For he was much loved by all ages despite his personal battles with addiction and depression.

I would like to petition this or request it via social media. Won't you make it happen if you can?

Unknown said...

If we ALL petitioned every comedian, actor, director, producer that ever worked with Robin Williams or was inspired by his genius -- We can make it happen.

I have already started to post threads on a few movie sites and personally tweeting a few actors -- to initiate a special tribute to him. I've sent messages to Forest Whitaker, Ben Stiller, Matt Damon.

I suggest - we each do the same.

What a great way to remember his talent but his compassion as well by coupling the remembering with raising awareness about depression and the stigma that surrounds speaking about it.

Land Manatee said...

Thank you meme! I also hope others do as you and we can eventually reach someone with the power to do this tribute!

Unknown said...

I met him a few times over the years in San Francisco. Always lovely.

Just yesterday I met a really old man who is a recovering alcoholic, and the subject got around to the Dry Dock on Greenwich Street in SF, and I said I had seen Robin Williams in that area ... I thought he went to the Dry Dock where they have 12-step meetings. He used to ride his bike over to Marin and sometimes stop for coffee in my neighborhood.

Anyway, I told the old guy that my very first boyfriend was an alcoholic who killed himself, and he said that a significant percentage of alcoholics and addicts attempt suicide.

This conversation happened at 5 pm. Neither of us knew at the time that Robin Williams had committed suicide earlier yesterday ... and yet the subject of Robin Williams, alcoholism and suicide came up in the conversation.

I cannot remember being so affected emotionally by a famous person's death as I am by Robin Williams's death. It's so sad.

RowdyRodimus said...

I had to say this as me and not a character, hence the change back to my normal name.

It's been a few days and everyone has said everything under the sun about Robin. From his career to his family to his addictions to his friends to the people he influenced, pretty much everything you can say about a person who lived.

People have been sad, which is a normal response. People have been confused as to why someone with so much could choose to end it all. Some people are angry that he denied them further enjoyment from his work. None of these feelings are wrong, all are right depending on the person.

While I wouldn't consider myself a fan of his later work, Robin's work from the 70's until the mid/late 80's is some of my favorite comedic output ever.

I love comedy (my bad attempts at jokes will show that) and know firsthand that hiding behind jokes is a natural reaction to depression. Why do you think I try to tell so many? "If you aren't laughing, you're crying" as the saying goes.

Whatever you feel from the news of Robin's death is the correct one. Just remember that the sun still rose the day after he was found and it will rise the day after that and that until the end of time. Tragedy plus time equals comedy. We have people making jokes about the Challenger, 9/11 and the Holocaust. Are they in bad taste? To some they are. But if you think about comedy the way Robin did, as long as they are funny and not directly made to hurt a person, then no.

One day, someone will make a joke about Robin's suicide and he'll be looking on from wherever we go after our time here is over, stop his wargame with Jonathan Winters for a moment and laugh his ass off and then probably say "I hope Mencia doesn't steal that one, too!"

vik and jay said...

I have to say this, I don't care if you are famous or of you are not famous, if you need someone to talk to I am here, no-one should have to feel so alone that this is the only option - seriously reach out - we are here

Alexandra said...

I drove past the Mrs. Doubtfire house the other day and it was like a shrine. There were about 50 people milling about, the front steps were COMPLETELY covered with flowers (I don't know how the residents get in and out, maybe through the garage), and there were inscriptions in chalk in the driveway and on the sidewalk. People were double-parking to get out and leave things and take pictures. It was very touching.

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