RIP Robin Williams

[TheCanadiandrome]

Originally Posted by JTH

This is another example why people should never scoff over depression like it's no big deal.

Depression is a very terrible and horrifying thing.

Exactly

I don't even know what to say, cept RIP!

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

Sometimes...one is just at a loss for words. But I will try.

A man that gave a lot of joy and passion, and So Much Energy that it was contagious. Even if a film of his wasn't the best, you can see that HE was giving it his all and wasn't slumming or 'by the numbers'.

Stand Up, Films, TV...even Inside the Actor's Studio...he is and always will be one of the Greats in that Realm of Comedy.

We'll Miss You. Rest in Peace, Sir.

[Leo656]

What a shame. I remember reading a lot of interviews with him back in the day, and even as a kid I was stunned how, for such an outwardly funny guy, in "real life" he often came off really glum and depressed. He was always very candid about his struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression, and his marriage. It seems like the funniest people are also the most deeply troubled.

I grew up watching Mork & Mindy every day. I used to watch "Popeye" and "Hook" all the time as a kid. In high school my Creative Writing teacher was very much like Williams's character in "Dead Poet's Society"; he had us watch that movie in class once. I remember my Mom used to really like him, too.

I felt bad that as he got older, he started trying to get away from only being a comedian and started doing more projects he actually cared about, and people refused to accept them. Some of his better films were his "darker" ones, but people don't like things that make them "uncomfortable"; it was like he was trapped in the role of a clown, and I kind of have to wonder if that contributed to his depression. Lots of actors want to grow beyond the box society puts them in, and all too often, we don't "allow" that. I know common sense says, "just take the money and be happy", but a lot of times it's not as simple as that.

Not that we'll ever know if that contributed to anything, but it makes me wonder. Whatever the reason, it hurts, and he'll be deeply missed.

[ObiWanFan4life]

Originally Posted by Leo656

What a shame. I remember reading a lot of interviews with him back in the day, and even as a kid I was stunned how, for such an outwardly funny guy, in "real life" he often came off really glum and depressed. He was always very candid about his struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression, and his marriage. It seems like the funniest people are also the most deeply troubled.

I grew up watching Mork & Mindy every day. I used to watch "Popeye" and "Hook" all the time as a kid. In high school my Creative Writing teacher was very much like Williams's character in "Dead Poet's Society"; he had us watch that movie in class once. I remember my Mom used to really like him, too.

I felt bad that as he got older, he started trying to get away from only being a comedian and started doing more projects he actually cared about, and people refused to accept them. Some of his better films were his "darker" ones, but people don't like things that make them "uncomfortable"; it was like he was trapped in the role of a clown, and I kind of have to wonder if that contributed to his depression. Lots of actors want to grow beyond the box society puts them in, and all too often, we don't "allow" that. I know common sense says, "just take the money and be happy", but a lot of times it's not as simple as that.

Not that we'll ever know if that contributed to anything, but it makes me wonder. Whatever the reason, it hurts, and he'll be deeply missed.

His performance in Insomnia made him on of my favorite actors. A part of me died inside upon hearing this.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Originally Posted by Leo656

What a shame. I remember reading a lot of interviews with him back in the day, and even as a kid I was stunned how, for such an outwardly funny guy, in "real life" he often came off really glum and depressed. He was always very candid about his struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression, and his marriage. It seems like the funniest people are also the most deeply troubled.

I grew up watching Mork & Mindy every day. I used to watch "Popeye" and "Hook" all the time as a kid. In high school my Creative Writing teacher was very much like Williams's character in "Dead Poet's Society"; he had us watch that movie in class once. I remember my Mom used to really like him, too.

I felt bad that as he got older, he started trying to get away from only being a comedian and started doing more projects he actually cared about, and people refused to accept them. Some of his better films were his "darker" ones, but people don't like things that make them "uncomfortable"; it was like he was trapped in the role of a clown, and I kind of have to wonder if that contributed to his depression. Lots of actors want to grow beyond the box society puts them in, and all too often, we don't "allow" that. I know common sense says, "just take the money and be happy", but a lot of times it's not as simple as that.

Not that we'll ever know if that contributed to anything, but it makes me wonder. Whatever the reason, it hurts, and he'll be deeply missed.

You hit the nail on the head once again, Leo. This is the most depressing and unexpected bit of news I've heard since Avery died. Robin Williams various roles have been such a huge part of my childhood and even adult life, it almost seems like losing a part of myself. He's one of the FEW actors I've always admired, both for his talent and for his "real-life" personality and values. Two of my favorite roles of his were Batty Coda in Fern Gully, and Genie from Aladdin. But he shone best in his more dramatic roles, particularly the slightly creepy 1 Hour Photo and Insomnia. He was such a gifted actor, and I can't believe he's gone.

We were out at the movies and having lunch today, and then came home to this news- it was just such a blow after a fun day, and really makes it hit home just how ephemeral life can be. I am truly sad for his family, and this is truly a great loss to the world. Merry part, Robin, and Merry meet again in the next world.

[Leo656]

Suicide is obviously a very private and personal thing, but I've always felt like the very least a person could do is leave a note. The absolute least you owe the people you leave behind is an explanation. How can anyone understand why you left if you won't tell us? How are we supposed to relate to your pain? I've had people in my family commit suicide, and they made their reasons clear, and while nobody in the family condones what they did, at the least none of us are going to spend our lives wondering why. And it does ease the pain, even a tiny bit. Nothing's worse than not knowing.

You're going to hurt a lot of people; the least you could do is tell them why. I hate that.

[Miotas]

I am so heart broken by this His movies where my childhood. I would watch Mrs. Doubtfire over and over. So sad to know he was depressed. Depression is so over looked. RIP Robin Williams you will be greatly missed

[Jester]

[Bry]

Originally Posted by Leo656

What a shame. I remember reading a lot of interviews with him back in the day, and even as a kid I was stunned how, for such an outwardly funny guy, in "real life" he often came off really glum and depressed. He was always very candid about his struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression, and his marriage. It seems like the funniest people are also the most deeply troubled.

I grew up watching Mork & Mindy every day. I used to watch "Popeye" and "Hook" all the time as a kid. In high school my Creative Writing teacher was very much like Williams's character in "Dead Poet's Society"; he had us watch that movie in class once. I remember my Mom used to really like him, too.

I felt bad that as he got older, he started trying to get away from only being a comedian and started doing more projects he actually cared about, and people refused to accept them. Some of his better films were his "darker" ones, but people don't like things that make them "uncomfortable"; it was like he was trapped in the role of a clown, and I kind of have to wonder if that contributed to his depression. Lots of actors want to grow beyond the box society puts them in, and all too often, we don't "allow" that. I know common sense says, "just take the money and be happy", but a lot of times it's not as simple as that.

Not that we'll ever know if that contributed to anything, but it makes me wonder. Whatever the reason, it hurts, and he'll be deeply missed.

Really, really well-put, man.

I've been just kinda stunned since I heard, not quite believing it. He brought a lot of laughter and happiness into peoples' lives, both on screen and in-person, and it sucks that we had to lose that, and it sucks that we had to lose it to this specifically. Depression can hit absolutely anyone. We can only hope that more people will realize that and take the steps to reach out for help, I guess.

[TheCanadiandrome]

Originally Posted by Leo656

Suicide is obviously a very private and personal thing, but I've always felt like the very least a person could do is leave a note. The absolute least you owe the people you leave behind is an explanation. How can anyone understand why you left if you won't tell us? How are we supposed to relate to your pain? I've had people in my family commit suicide, and they made their reasons clear, and while nobody in the family condones what they did, at the least none of us are going to spend our lives wondering why. And it does ease the pain, even a tiny bit. Nothing's worse than not knowing.

You're going to hurt a lot of people; the least you could do is tell them why. I hate that.

Despite my personal feelings aside about suicide, I couldn't agree more.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Originally Posted by Jester

Jester, that clip was so fitting, thank you for that. I'm sure that he's upstairs somewhere making all the angels laugh.....

[Wingnut]

Spoiler:

Makes me laugh instantly.

[pennydreadful]

I think the thing is with suicide that you're not always thinking clearly at that point. When I had planned my suicide, I wasn't thinking clearly enough to write a note - that didn't even come into the equation, and it never crossed my mind to even consider doing it. The vast majority of people who commit suicide don't leave notes (around two thirds, if my memory serves correctly). People just think it's more common because that's the way it's portrayed in TV shows and movies.

Even if a note is left, a lot of the time it doesn't provide any concrete answers, or help the people who are left behind.

[alliance]

what if they don't know why they did this?

the fact that someone would even leave a note boggles my mind,

when someone leaves a note that means they PROBABLY could've been talked out of it, the ones who don't simply just wants to leave and period, perhaps Robin wanted that, he just wanted out..........

I cant help but think of Zelda though, u would think he would've told her but I guess we don't have their life so we cant really judge now can we..

[Raven]

Having dealt with people commit suicide in the last year or so its hard for me to not be pissed and saddened by this news.

I'm really just in shock, I know I never knew the guy personally but I felt like I grew up with him. Now just knowing he's not there just pisses me off.

I'm more mad for his wife and kids and grandkids. They lose out the most, damn I hate this.

[Tora]

[arkangel]

Absolutely shocked and heartbroken....
He was such a major influence to so many people. Just recently when we posted in the "3 things people don't know about you" thread, I was surprised that 2 of my 3 had Robin Williams in it. Hearing of his passing, I'm even more acutely aware of how much enjoyment he brought to my own life. From winning a Mork and Mindy boardgame at age 8 to actually meeting him by accident on a ferry ride to Vancouver Island in my 30s, and the tons of films and comedy sketches in between.
The Sad Clown comment on one of the news sites was so fitting and in such a good way. His comedy was brilliant but his moments of joyful sadness were just as powerful. Movies like Good Will Hunting, Dead Poet's Society, Good Morning Vietnam, Hook, Ms Doubtfire , god these are just some off the top of my head, that had such a range of emotion. Comedy, joy, and moments of completely naked and vulnerable inner sadness that made him so relateable. God bless you Robin and may you be at peace. You gave so much to us..

[TheBlueTurtle1]

Such a shame. Mrs Doubtfire will always be one of my favs. R.I.P.

[Lou 500]

Rest in Peace, Mr. Williams.

[Leo656]

Originally Posted by pennydreadful

I think the thing is with suicide that you're not always thinking clearly at that point. When I had planned my suicide, I wasn't thinking clearly enough to write a note - that didn't even come into the equation, and it never crossed my mind to even consider doing it. The vast majority of people who commit suicide don't leave notes (around two thirds, if my memory serves correctly). People just think it's more common because that's the way it's portrayed in TV shows and movies.

Even if a note is left, a lot of the time it doesn't provide any concrete answers, or help the people who are left behind.

I can understand that, I guess. I've written and thrown away a hundred of them. I just think doing it is bad enough without leaving people confused and possibly self-loathing, y'know? Like, what if I did it, and someone blamed themselves who had nothing to do with it, and then they were overcome with grief and guilt and then they did it? That'd be horrible. Personally, I just always figured if it came to it, I wouldn't want to leave anyone wondering. It wouldn't be fair to them. But you're right, in that state of mind nobody's entirely considering the consequences.

Doing that when you have kids, though... that's heavy. I never wanted kids, but if I had them I can't imagine putting them through that. I guess he figured they'd be able to deal with it. Some people truly do feel like everyone else would not just be able to cope, but in fact be "better off" without them. I guess maybe he was in that kind of place, mentally. We'll never know.