At the risk of personalising this a little too much, I’m genuinely struggling with the immensely saddening news of the great Robin Williams‘ passing. It’s kind of remarkable to look across my own shelf of DVDs and suddenly realise exactly how many of them feature him in some way, shape, form or fashion. And, at the very least, that fact gives me some comfort that even just a small bit of the man called Robin Williams will live on forever.
An immense talent the likes of which is unlikely to be replicated, Williams’ ability to not only be manically hilarious, but also to project a great human warmth, a depth of sadness, and an innate frankness is arguably unparalleled. His was a voice that filled countless childhoods with glee, and kickstarted so many now great performers on the road to a life in comedy. It is an unpayable debt for which the world is much better off having.
Fortunately, thanks to the archival nature of the internet, we can focus less on the sadness and instead think happy thoughts. For it’s the happy thoughts that will lift you into the air.
And if you, like me, plan on spending the better part of the day watching clips of the great man on YouTube, there’s no better place to start than this scene from his Oscar-winning role in Good Will Hunting, one that shows (or perhaps reminds) us of everything he was capable of – his full hand – all at once. Humour, warmth, sadness and humility.
And, well, you can’t really just watch that without also watching this too.
And also this one from Dead Poets Society.
And this, from Hook.
And his incredible improvisational skills fully on display in this episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
And again, performing stand up without a net for Set List.
And his general, overall wonderfulness in this fantastic interview with Craig Ferguson.
And this heartfelt clip from the sorely underrated Patch Adams.
And we could happily fall down this rabbit hole all day without worry or care.
If any of you are struggling with the black dog, please remember this one thing: It’s not your fault.
Thank you, Robin. For everything.
You can seek mental health support for yourself or a loved one by calling Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Photo: Mike Coppola via Getty Images.
