Genie, You're Free

I'm still in complete and total shock.  I learned of Robin Williams' passing last night at around 3am and I'll be honest, I cried.  I couldn't believe what I was reading.  The man who represented all that was happy and funny in the world, wasn't in it anymore.  It must have been a joke, a sick and cruel joke, perpetrated by one of the all-time gag masters.  But unfortunately, I began reading more and more news reports, it only solidified the truth of it.

Growing up, Robin Williams was my idol.  From Aladdin, to Popeye, to Toys, to Hook, to FernGully, to Jumanji, to Flubber, to Mrs. Doubtfire; the man was incredibly and infectiously funny.  I thank my parents so much for introducing 5 year old me to his films and him in general.  His rubber-faced antics encouraged me to emulate him amongst my family and our friends.  I became known as "doing the best Genie impression" and I still remember his arrival speech from Aladdin word-for-word.  I truly wanted to be him.  He began my passion for appreciating comedy and making others laugh, one of the few things I think I do well in this life.

I regret not taking the time to appreciate his roles in more recent films, and whilst I have watched One Hour Photo, Insomnia and the Night at the Museum films, I never found the time to watch Good Will Hunting, Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society and more of his serious roles in film.  It's never a bad time to start, but I wish something else would have inspired me to watch them instead.

Two statements have been released that I feel sum up Mr Williams perfectly:

US President Barack Obama:

"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams."

Robert A. Iger (chairman of The Walt Disney Company):

"We're deeply saddened by the loss of Robin Williams, a wonderfully gifted man who touched our hearts and never failed to make us laugh. An incredible actor and a comedic genius, Robin will always be remembered for bringing some of the world's favourite characters to life, from his zany alien on ABC's Mork & Mindy to the irascible genie in Disney's Aladdin. He was a true Disney Legend, a beloved member of our family, and he will be sorely missed. We join Robin's friends and fans everywhere in mourning, and offer our thoughts and condolences to his family during this difficult time."

According to reports, people are blaming this on Mr Williams' recent bouts with depression.  Hopefully one thing to take away from this tragedy will be highlighting the serious effects of an illness that most people brush aside and say 'Just look on the bright side'.  I have known people who suffer from depression, have been told to simply 'Take it with a pinch of salt' and thankfully they haven't resorted to drastic measures like apparently Mr Williams did.  I truly hope this positive can be taken away from such a negative event.  Please remember that even the great clowns of this world can be crying on the inside.

He was my childhood hero and I will never forget such a great man that changed my life for the better.

Thank you Mr Williams.  For everything.