View Full Version : Robin Williams died.
Sad Eyed Lady
8-11-14, 9:01pm
Yes, that is what is being reported. Hard to believe someone who can be so funny can also be so depressed. I don't have a lot of favorite actors, but he was one.
iris lilies
8-11-14, 9:12pm
awwww this is too bad. I can't say that I was a big fan of his, though. His performances were too manic for me, but many people in the biz marvel at his ability to adlib in extensive, hilarious, riffs.
Sad Eyed Lady
8-11-14, 9:37pm
awwww this is too bad. I can't say that I was a big fan of his, though. His performances were too manic for me, but many people in the biz marvel at his ability to adlib in extensive, hilarious, riffs.
Not just the funny, manic ones, but drama like Dead Poet's Society.
I agree with Iris Lily's "too manic" assessment. His improv could be hilarious, but the pace was too frenetic for me. Somebody should have written it down so you could read it at your own pace. There was one bit about being raised in a jar (to beg) that I still laugh over. He was excellent in Mrs. Doubtfire, The Birdcage, and Good Morning Vietnam--and probably fifty other productions I didn't see. Comedians are notoriously plagued with depression; it's almost a prerequisite for the job.
He was a very talented man and although some of his improvs were not quite my style, I thought they had a touch of genius. With so much violence and exaggerated drama in the entertainment world it is unfortunate to loose a person who had a talent for making people smile and laugh. I thought his comedic style was mostly simple slapstick which seems to be loosing ground to more sophisticated humor these days.
I have never, ever seen an episode of Mork & Mindy, and the show was on for 4 years. Acquaintances raved about how hilarious the show was. Nano, Nano. Hahahahahaha. Not. Yeah--zany, wacky, goofy humor similar to the likes of Lucy, & Carol Burnette & Tim Conway & The Three Stooges. So, I sure didn't miss much. But years later, he was in some very notable movies, that I liked, and I'm not a film buff. But "Dead Poets", and "Good Morning Viet Nam, and "Awakenings", and some others; they showed his talent as a dramatic actor. It's odd, because several days ago,I had just watched a Youtube clip of Williams, when he first appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny. I have searched online for lists about "celebrities who cycle", but no found mention of Williams this in regard, until I read his Wikipedia bio, this evening. It said he was an avid cyclist. And yes, it is particularly shocking, given his upbeat, lively(okay--manic) stage persona and the fact that even though he wasn't anywhere near as wealthy as some less-accomplished Holly-wooders,(only a paltry $50 million), he still could afford a comfortable life. Even a Woman! So, we don't know what was wrong. But, it does make me a little glum. Not THAT glum; but, it is really bad news, anyway.
awakenedsoul
8-11-14, 11:54pm
This really saddened me. I didn't see that much of his work, but I loved his spirit. He really achieved his dreams and made his mark in show business. Knowing what that takes, I am in awe. I would never criticize him...comedy is a rare gift. Not many can pull it off.
Rogar, I thought he had a touch of genius, too. He seemed very kind and genuine to me.
I feel shocked and sad. I don't think he was a slapstick comedian. His humour could be quite sophisticated, if you were able to keep up with him.
It's so sad that he was in such a dark place that the only way out was suicide. I thought he was a great actor, especially in serious roles. He did study at Julliard.
awakenedsoul
8-12-14, 12:19am
I feel shocked and sad. I don't think he was a slapstick comedian. His humour could be quite sophisticated, if you were able to keep up with him.
Yeah. I feel grief stricken. Even though I didn't know him, I loved how he moved and his enthusiasm. I worked with some of the older comedians. (Mickey Rooney, Rip Taylor, Lucie Arnaz, Carol Channing, Suzanne Somers, Christopher Lloyd, and Phil Ford...) They are a special breed. It's a rare gift and it takes great sensitivity.
gimmethesimplelife
8-12-14, 1:39am
I guess there must have been some demons there that fame and success and money couldn't slay. What a waste though - such a great talent, even if a bit manic as others have said....still a great talent and also with dramatic ability, too. I guess this just shows once more that we all put our pants on one leg at a time - money and fame don't guarantee you immunity to life and it's problems and whatever demons you may or may not have. Rob
Fame, success and money cause fewer problems, and solve fewer problems, than generally claimed.
goldensmom
8-12-14, 8:13am
I found Robin Williams 'manic' humor hard to keep up with sometimes but I liked it and was envious that he could think so fast and so funny. I was surprised at the depth of his dramatic acting abilities in the first serious films I saw him in (Awakenings/Dead Poets Society) and feel he was much more as a dramatic actor. Sad end to a multi-talented individual.
Tussiemussies
8-12-14, 8:27am
So creative with so much to offer. It is so sad that he was so unhappy that he took his life...
Depression seems to be the Great Equalizer. If one suffers from depression, nothing else matters about who they are or how much money they make. It seems to be a huge black space to be in , seemingly impossible to get out of to the sufferer. At least that's what people tell me. Doesn't matter how many people love them or how many people will lie devastated in the wake of the death. It must be incredible pain. I had a talk with my DDIL a few months after her ex-husband took his life. She had to go to therapy to deal with the guilt. I told her what I believe--that just like in nature some things don't thrive, people may be the same way. Maybe some people are just non-thrivers. Thinking they "shouldn't have" taken their lives, or that people "should have" been able to help is our way of looking at it, but maybe we just need to accept how it is. No good/bad. No should/shouldn't. But it's still so painful.
It is always such a shock when someone takes their life, but when people who overflow with life and laughter take this way out it's even more difficult to comprehend. I remember being so shocked and sad at the suicide of Stephen Huneck, whose dog art exemplified nothing but love, joy and whimsy.
The attention Robin Williams' death is getting (they broke into Jeopardy with "breaking news"--I thought the Middle East had blown up or something) shows how much we laughed because of him. RIP, Robin Williams..
Robin Williams - he was a bright, shiny star.
He was one of a kind and his humour will be missed.
Tonight on tv in Australia they have screened 'Mrs Doubtfire' , he is mesmerising to watch.
I have seen most of his movies and some youtubes of 'Mork and Mindy', and he gave it all in every one of them, and maybe he has given us as much as he could.
RIP Robin Williams, you will be remembered for a long time to come through all your genius work.
awakenedsoul
8-12-14, 9:40am
goldensmom, That's true. He did think fast. His creative force seemed to move at the speed of light.
LionGail, Hi! Welcome to the forum. Your post was beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes.
I think aging is very difficult when you work as a performer. It can be a shock as the physical demands become more challenging. It gets to the point where you just can't do what you used to do. There are less parts and scripts available, and the bills still need to be paid.
No one in Hollywood got rich because of my patronage, but I have to admit to getting a lot of enjoyment out of some of Robin William's work. Dead Poets and Good Will Hunting are two of my favorite movies, but what I would have thanked him for (had we ever met) would have been for making DW laugh so hard she snorted while watching The Birdcage. RIP.
Sad Eyed Lady
8-12-14, 10:14am
No one in Hollywood got rich because of my patronage, but I have to admit to getting a lot of enjoyment out of some of Robin William's work. Dead Poets and Good Will Hunting are two of my favorite movies, but what I would have thanked him for (had we ever met) would have been for making DW laugh so hard she snorted while watching The Birdcage. RIP.
Gregg, your DW and I must share the same laughter gene. I almost never laugh out loud unless it is something spontaneous that just happens. DH can laugh and chuckle till the bed shakes if he is reading something funny, and when he reads it to me and says "wasn't that hilarious?" I just smile and say something like "yeah, it was pretty funny." But, the Birdcage about did it for me too! I watched it again just recently on PBS - so funny. Funny, crazy man.
He was outstanding in "Insomnia". He showed a chilling, dark side in that film, Oscar-worthy.
Sad Eyed Lady
8-12-14, 10:36am
I don't mean to hi-jack this thread but just wanted to put in this thought about suicide. It is so hard to understand, so hard to comprehend what it takes to overcome the most basic instinct of human survival. In DH's family it has run rampant: his father, 2 uncles and 2 brothers all dead by their own hand. I live with this knowledge and try to stay on alert, but I know with the last one, (his brother 3 years ago), we could almost see it coming and felt so helpless because you can't make sense with someone who isn't dealing with thoughts in the sensible realm. As far as intervention, 72 hours is not enough time and that is all a person can be held against their will. I know there are circumstances of court orders etc that can extend that, but having seen these people act very rational in the presence of others it can't always be determined that they need help.
iris lilies
8-12-14, 10:38am
Gregg, your DW and I must share the same laughter gene. I almost never laugh out loud unless it is something spontaneous that just happens. DH can laugh and chuckle till the bed shakes if he is reading something funny, and when he reads it to me and says "wasn't that hilarious?" I just smile and say something like "yeah, it was pretty funny." But, the Birdcage about did it for me too! I watched it again just recently on PBS - so funny. Funny, crazy man.
The Birdcage was one of my favorite Robin Williams films, too.
It may help to understand his humour if I share an insight that I received during one of the Metopera interviews. One playing a very funny role explained, " it requires the actor playing the comic role to take himself very seriously in the hilarious situation that causes the humour. Robin Williams did this very well.
Aqua Blue
8-12-14, 11:34am
My guess is that Williams was bipolar, hence the mania. If he was bipolar to treat that disease the meds would tone down his mania. Many artists are bipolar and don't want to treat and loss their creative side. My guess is that he was one of them. Also in bipolar disease one is more manic when one is younger and move towards the more depressive side the older one gets. Not that on either age of the age spectrum there isn't episodes of either mania or depression. It is a great loss for sure.
I feel like, when people say that suicide is a selfish act, just have never been depressed enough. You aren't able to think of others. You just can't help it.
It makes me very sad to think that he couldn't climb out of this darkness.
My DD is very upset about this. She loved his movies........especially "What Dreams May Come" (which I personally couldn't bear to watch), Mrs. Doubtfire, Bicentennial Man, Patch Adams, etc. He seemed to have something for everyone.
Someone on another forum posted from "Aladdin"........."You're Free Now!". I hope so.
awakenedsoul
8-12-14, 1:54pm
When people have the range of talent they he had, it can be a blessing or a curse. (Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson come to mind.) My sense is that they feel things more deeply than most people. Their highs are higher, and their lows can be debilitating. The hours and demands in show business are very grueling.
He could really go to those places in his acting that were needed to create a believable character. Sometimes it's hard to get back into a healthy, grounded space after pulling out your deepest feelings. Mickey Rooney used to arrive at our rehearsals way before anyone else. When I got there he would be talking a mile a minute, the words just pouring out of him...I was never sure who he was talking to, and didn't want to interrupt him. He would stop, pet my dog and say, "Hi Sara," and then flip back into this whirwind of a monologue. It was bizarre. He was blazing with energy, like a force of nature. It sounds a lot like what people are describing with Robin.
He sure made us laugh and cry. He was so real. This thread has been a great reminder of the impressive body of work that he created.
Very sad; I feel especially bad for his kids. I wasn't especially a fan of his style of humor, but I thought he was a pretty good actor. Mrs. Doubtfire was a brilliant piece of work.
Depression is an insidious illness. I've suffered from mild to moderate depression most of my life, but I'm grateful that I've never experienced clinical depression, which seems to be excruciatingly painful. We recently had a suicide of a co-worker, a man who had bipolar disorder. The terrible thing was that we knew he was at risk and could see him going downhill, but there were limits to what we could do since he mostly refused to get treatment. Over the years one co-worker had really gone out of her way to help this guy, including at times driving to his apartment in the morning to make sure he got out of bed, so she took his death especially hard. Hindsight in these matters is always 20-20, but in retrospect the company really should have put him on disability. But even that might not have saved him. I've known of other bipolar suicides; unfortunately, it seems that the nature of the illness is that just when the victim needs help the most is when he's least likely to seek it.
There was an interesting segment on PBS recently, about how research by this one woman (forget her name) showed that depression is usually always a big struggle with extremely creative people. It's like having the intense creativity for some reason has to go hand in hand with depression.
It is sad. We have lost a great comedian, and his family and friends have lost someone they cared for dearly. And at least Williams had money and family and friends. Many depressives have lost all of that and suffer without those "compensations". Not to minimize the loss; just that there are lots of hurting people out there whose death will never be the subject of extensive national news reports or threads in discussion forums.
In another life long ago, I did some standup comedy (more as a dare than anything). I loved Williams' approach. I could never emulate it, but I like to think that being able to riff a little on a situation came from watching him. Yeah, he was hyper at times, but I admired that he could think so quickly -- about any topic -- and get the line off correctly. "I went to rehab in wine country; I just wanted to keep my options open."
I am encouraged by the number of celebrities and shows I see in the last few days who are asking family and friends to be sure to address the depressed people they know. As others have pointed out, there seems to be a very fine line between comedy and pain. It seems Williams danced on that line for his entire career. If someone that successful and that beloved can be that depressed, anyone else can, too. Maybe his death will be a catalyst to bring discussion of depression (maybe mental health in general) more out into the open.
ToomuchStuff
8-12-14, 6:14pm
I don't mean to hi-jack this thread but just wanted to put in this thought about suicide. It is so hard to understand, so hard to comprehend what it takes to overcome the most basic instinct of human survival. In DH's family it has run rampant: his father, 2 uncles and 2 brothers all dead by their own hand. I live with this knowledge and try to stay on alert, but I know with the last one, (his brother 3 years ago), we could almost see it coming and felt so helpless because you can't make sense with someone who isn't dealing with thoughts in the sensible realm. As far as intervention, 72 hours is not enough time and that is all a person can be held against their will. I know there are circumstances of court orders etc that can extend that, but having seen these people act very rational in the presence of others it can't always be determined that they need help.
IMHE, families where it has happened, are more likely to repeat it. I think I better stop there.
It is dreadful to think of such despair, and dreadful to feel the powerlessness of watching a loved one struggle with depression and seemingly not be able to do anything to help. Sad Eyed Lady, I feel for you and for your husband's family, and hope all will be well with your husband.
I share everyone's wish that this loss will be a catalyst for people who are suffering to seek help. I'd love to see approaches to mental health be way more commonly discussed -- don't have any real ideas of how to make this happen, but I know I'd like to see it made much more okay to talk about it. Yes, it has improved somewhat. In my childhood a psychiatric diagnosis of any kind seemed to be an indication that the whole family should be shunned (okay, it was a small town), and that seems less so now -- but only less so, it doesn't seem to be entirely an attitude of the past.
Robin Williams has the distinction of being the only actor whose words I listen to a soundtrack for. I love the Good Morning Vietnam soundtrack for the music, but I usually put the CD on because I want to hear those opening words. Somehow for all the incredible manic energy and wild characters, he just seemed to me to be a good man.
ApatheticNoMore
8-12-14, 6:53pm
Maybe his death will be a catalyst to bring discussion of depression (maybe mental health in general) more out into the open.
I don't see how it's not already wide out in the open really (although not everyone can afford various mental health treatments etc. but that's more economics than stigma. Not everyone can afford to go to the dentist, it's not because cavities carry some horrifying social stigma).
I don't get the need to turn people deaths into unrelated crusades. The loss of one human being, no more and no less, is. I'm not saying it's not painful especially for the family and that they certainly wish they could have found a way to prevent it. But you don't even know robin williams would have even been on board with whatever crusade people are trying to start to talk about mental health. Does anyone even know what treatments he may or may not have already had? He had been in rehab.
awakenedsoul
8-12-14, 7:38pm
SteveMN, I bet you were great at stand up comedy. I hope something positive comes out of his death, too.
Mary B. Beautiful post. I believe there is a lot of shame and self consciousness around mental illness. It's usually very hush hush in families. He seemed to me to be like a good man, too.
What I love about him is that he didn't sit on the sidelines and watch others. He had guts. He was a manifester. He achieved great things and lived full out! He was electric and vibrant and loveable. He just made me feel good. What I've gotten from his death is a desire to be more friendly and open to humor, the way he was. It's a shift in attitude. He had such a gift, and we will remember him forever...
I am also, so sorry about Robin Williams. He did have a drug problem and had just gotten out of re-hab. That alone would make anyone depressed. It is such a loss. He was so talented.
Blackdog Lin
8-12-14, 9:04pm
I have the hope that his friends and family and loved ones will find a little comfort in knowing and remembering what a huge influence, a huge comic wonderful influence, he was on my generation. He was brilliant.
IshbelRobertson
8-13-14, 11:37am
Hear, hear, BDL.
Well, there may be another reason: According to Celebrity Net Worth, Williams had a net worth of $80 million. Fellow-quirky-type-character actors Jim Carrey is worth $150 million and Steve Buscemi a pittance----just $35 million. But, Cameron Diaz is worth $90 million, Jen Aniston $150 million, and Sandra Bullock--$200 million! No clue what Reese Witherspoon is worth--but prolly too darn much! I find it VERY disturbing--okay--depressing-- that these "chick flick" Divas can buy and sell those guys who've been in many, many films of general interest! Something MUST be done, to bring about equality--and I would suggest levying a surtax on Chick Flicks and romantic light comedies, and then redistributing the money to the poorer, less-affluent actors. It's only fair.
I don't get the need to turn people deaths into unrelated crusades. The loss of one human being, no more and no less, is. I'm not saying it's not painful especially for the family and that they certainly wish they could have found a way to prevent it. But you don't even know robin williams would have even been on board with whatever crusade people are trying to start to talk about mental health. Does anyone even know what treatments he may or may not have already had? He had been in rehab.
Maybe not so much a "crusade" as an opportunity to discuss a widespread issue. It happens all the time with well-known people. Betty Ford created a stir when she first went to rehab. Angelina Jolie put the issue of preventive double mastectomies into the public.
Williams is not be the first celebrity to die of mental illness; nor will he be the last. There is no question he battled both depression and substance abuse. I don't see at all how this crusade/opportunity is unrelated to his situation. When a still-successful, much-liked person suffers from such an issue, it's news. And there are many depressives out there who don't feel successful or much-liked. If this makes it easier for anyone to use Williams' death as a starting point for conversation, then good has come of it.
Teacher Terry
8-13-14, 3:23pm
I loved his humor & all his movies. I also thought his mania was so funny! I have worked my entire life in human services and depression/substance abuse often go hand in hand. People are trying to self-medicate but end up making themselves more depressed. I think it is very possible that he had Bi-polar disorder. 2 years ago I found out that my first husband that I had divorced many years ago had committed suicide when he was only 37. I always thought that one day he would want to see his son ( he was 2 when we divorced). Even though I found out 21 years later I was so depressed & sad when I heard the news. It felt like yesterday to me. I also felt sad for my son for the lost opportunity. I had a great conversation with the woman who was his wife at the time. He also had a SA problem and killed himself after relapsing. These types of problems are the great equalizers in life. It is always sad when anyone takes their life.
ApatheticNoMore
8-18-14, 7:34pm
It seems he had Parkinson's disease as well. I had the thought that at 60 some years old and drug addicted (I guess?) he may have thought he only had old age and deterioration to look forward to anyway and so suicide may have seemed sensible (no of course not everyone at that age). With a chronic incurable (as far as I know?) degenerative disease ... maybe more so. :( Suicide before the assisted part became necessary maybe.
OK I have been a luddite for the past few weeks and am just now hearing about Robin Williams. Can't believe it! Loved the guy. Loved his craziness, his energy, his wit and style of humor as well as thought he was a terrific dramatic actor. I just saw The Fisher King on a DVD a week or so ago and think it's one of his best roles. When I watched it I didn't even know he had died.
It seems he had Parkinson's disease as well. I had the thought that at 60 some years old and drug addicted (I guess?) he may have thought he only had old age and deterioration to look forward to anyway and so suicide may have seemed sensible (no of course not everyone at that age). With a chronic incurable (as far as I know?) degenerative disease ... maybe more so. :( Suicide before the assisted part became necessary maybe.
I was just catching up on his Parkinson disease diagnosis. It raises some interesting moral issues. The husband of newscaster Diane Rehm was in the later stages of it earlier this year and requested assistance from his doctor to help end his life. He was unable to use his arms or legs, feed himself, or do much else. The physician said he could not do so from both a moral and legal position. Mr. Rehm ended his own life by not eating or drinking, which is by far not pain free.
It's definitely a choice we have. I guess it gets complicated when others are involved (to help aid the suicide).....since sometimes the others want it more than the 'patient'.
Seems like there should be a route to take that would make sure it's what the 'patient' wants.
It's a tough issue.......since some people have wanted to take their lives in a moment of desperation, but were glad later that they didn't. But it does seem like a right we should have........to choose when to exit.
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