Let’s go out and raise some silliness somewhere.

Photo from Wikipedia

Robin Williams

7-21-1951 - 8-11-2014

RIP

I’m sure that’s what Robin Williams would have wanted.  Today the world has lost a great actor, a man that could be spontaneous and make us all laugh.

Robin Williams died far too young and apparently, by his own hand, which is so sad to contemplate.  It’s hard to realize that someone so funny on the outside could be so sad and troubled on the inside.  When you’re famous and live a life in the spotlight, the world can’t help but know all your troubles with addiction and depression.  I’m sure it must get old to have your private life broadcast all over the news.  Mr. Williams sought help for those troubles, but help wasn’t enough in this case.

I’ve been watching Robin Williams since Mork and Mindy was on TV in the 1970’s.  He made some unforgettable movies in his long career, showing he could be silly, as well as serious.

I heard his mentor was Jonathan Winters and they could ad-lib for hours over some inanimate object one of them may see in the room. Robin had a great gift that way, being so impulsive, always with a silly quip on the end of his tongue.  People like this are rare.  It appears he lived to make people laugh, making me wonder if he acted the same behind closed doors.  I suspect not and that his life was probably somber, as he tried to get a handle on his problems.  But once stepping out into the public eye, he got into character.

We never know what inside battles a person may be fighting.  I’m sure he had many friends, probably plenty of money and a loving family.  I can’t fathom what would make someone who seems on top of the world actually commit the act of suicide.  Depression is an awful thing that affects thousands of people across the globe.  Unfortunately, no one can put a monitor on a grown person twenty-four-seven.  If they’re hurting so bad, they’ll find a way to end their life when all seems lost.  My heart goes out to his family.

Maybe he’s reunited with Jonathan now and they’re making people laugh somewhere in the great beyond.

We should all watch one of his movies and delight in his great talent.  There are so many scenes that make me laugh, but I think Mrs. Doubtfire was one of his best films to date.  I’ve heard he’s filmed four more that will premiere soon.  What’s your favorite funny moment?

If you’d like to know more, see Wikipedia here.