A rose for Robin. Image courtesy of Qedem1611, Morguefile.
As part of my usual routine this morning, I flipped on my computer and checked my social media sites. I discovered from Facebook this morning that Robin Williams passed away, and I’m saddened. I checked Twitter early this morning as well, and something astonished me. Almost all of the trending topics were about Robin Williams and his movies. I’ve never seen that happen before on Twitter.
I join the rest of the blogosphere in mourning the loss of this talented mimic, serious actor and comedian. I’ve rarely seen anybody who could mimic other people as fast and as effortlessly as Robin Williams. My personal nickname for him was “Quicksilver”; he could pull out all these other accents and put together a stream of words with ease.
James Lipton of Inside The Actor’s Studio put it best. In an interview with Robin Williams, James asked Robin a question about how he could create all these different characters from his mind. James’ question was: “What the hell is going on in there?” It made me and the audience roar with laughter.
The tributes poured in from all over social media. The Academy’s was the best: “Genie, you’re free.” (For those not familiar with the Disney movie Aladdin, Robin Williams did the Genie’s voice for that one.)
I discovered that Robin Williams also said some meaningful things during his lifetime. As a mini tribute, here are some of them and some quotes from his movies:
You’re only given one little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.
You know what music is? God’s little reminder that there’s something else besides us in this universe, a harmonic connection between all human beings, everywhere, even the stars.
Comedy is acting out optimism.
You’ll have bad times, but it’ll wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.
Spring is Nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”
Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?
If it’s the Psychic Network, why do they need a phone number?
And my personal favorite:
No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.
Rest in peace, Robin. Thanks for all the smiles and laughter.
Such a talent!
Thank goodness we have his movies to watch over and over again. 63 is way too young.
I agree. Such a pity. Who knows what other great work he might have created?
I can’t believe how sad his passing makes me. I watched Mrs. Doubtfire last night in tribute to him. What a talented, wacky guy. Thanks for sharing his quotes.
You’re welcome, Robin!
Reblogged this on HemmingPlay.
Great tribute Eagle. Thanks for writing it!
Hey, it was the least I could do, given the fact that he’s entertained me so many times over the years. I feel bad for his family and friends. Tough for them right now.
Too soon gone. Thanks.
Quicksilver is the perfect way to describe him. And he could turn a phrase. We’ll miss the Genie.
He touched a lot of lives, young and old. Some people shared their personal memories of him on LinkedIn, which has been nice to read. He was a genuinely sweet, gracious human being, by all accounts.
Maybe the best tribute we can give to Robin is to find other people, talk to them and help them when they need it.