News of the suicide of comedian and actor, Robin Williams, was met with shock, sadness, and even in some instances a palpable anger in wondering how the news could be true. We now have learned Williams was cremated the day after so many hearts were collectively broken.
A Career Without Parallel
Robin Williams was one of those unique entertainers whose work transcends genre and generation. He had an ability to bring audiences to tears, whether giving a comedic or dramatic performance. Millenials grew up knowing Williams as the voice of Genie in Disney’s Aladdin and as the charming cross-dresser Mrs. Doubtfire. Generation X remembers the manic, yet touchingly insecure interstellar alien in the television program that made Williams a household name, Mork & Mindy, as well as the ultimately maligned private preparatory instructor whose crime was instilling critical thought in his students in Dead Poets Society.
It was Williams’ first foray into movies that would likely have killed the career of lesser individuals. The movie-musical Popeye, directed by Robert Altman with music by Harry Nilsson, opened to tepid reviews and lackluster box office figures. Williams, however, possessed an undeniable energy and, in retrospect, it is clear his 63 years on this earth affected each person he touched in ways as varied as his roles.
Hollywood ended up loving the Juilliard trained actor who gave us inspired performances in some of the greatest films in the previous 30 years. Whether acting in small, avant garde films, like Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, or creating authentic characters in historical dramatic films, like Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Williams left an unfading mark on his audiences.
The year before he finally won the Academy Award (his 3rd nomination) for his portrayal of Sean Maguire, the unconfident South Boston psychologist tasked with saving the eponymous character in Good Will Hunting, Williams paired with Nathan Lane to deliver a madcap, yet remarkably relatable performance as a gay couple forced to play it straight to appease the conservative parents of their son’s future in-laws in The Birdcage.
Rest In Peace
The kind of talent, range, and genius of Robin Williams is something we encounter only once in our brief lives. We are fortunate that so bright a star chose to share his light with us. Moving forward, we will perhaps seek to recognize in others the pain ultimately responsible for taking Robin Williams’ life and try to prevent it.
While each person is affected by the loss of Robin Williams in their own unique way, a story came out this week that helps bring closure to the shocking news. Williams, whose tragically tortured last days forced him to seek solace in suicide, was cremated and his ashes scattered over San Francisco Bay just a day after his death. For those of us whose lives he touched in ways immeasurable, our sincerest hope is that he was able to finally find peace in the waters just off the city he loved so much.
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