Robin Williams

I wasn't going to put something up because I didn't want my heart to break every time I went to my page.  But I just can't keep myself from it.  Robin Williams was such a large part of my life (all our lives, judging from this outpouring of sadness from his fans) that I have to say something about him. 

I first saw him (heard him) in "Ferngully: The Last Rainforest".  I had a crush on his character Batty Koda when I was around eight or nine because he was so funny.  Not long after that he was in "Aladdin", cracking me and the rest of the world up as the Genie.  From there I saw his live action films as well, from "Mrs. Doubtfire" to "Hook" to "Jumanji" to "Flubber" to "Bicentennial Man" to "Night at the Museum"...the list goes on and on. 

I watched him for years and years of my childhood and adult life.  I took him for granted...I never thought he would die so suddenly and in such a sad way.  Mental illness doesn't care if you're rich and famous...it makes people not themselves, makes them do things they would never do if they were well. 

Robin wasn't just one of the greatest actors, he was one of the greatest people.  I've read a couple of wonderful stories about him on tumblr.  One person was grieving the loss of a loved one and their family went into a donut shop to eat something sweet after the funeral.  Robin was there and, upon seeing how sad the family was, went over and cheered them up (not intrusively, but very sweetly).  Another story I read was about how "Aladdin" was being filmed across the street from "Schindler's List" and after work Robin would go across the street and cheer up the "Schindler" actors by making them laugh with his improv comedy from "Aladdin", because most of us know how depressing "Schindler's List" is (I saw it once in tenth grade for history class and I've never watched it since).  Those are just two stories I've read about what an awesome person he was.  I'm sure there are many more. 

Rest in Peace, Mr. Williams.  You're making the Universe laugh now .