RIP Robin Williams: Gone Too Soon…
“You’re only given one little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” Robin Williams
RIP Robin Williams: Gone Too Soon “O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done…”
Robin Williams (July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014) passed away at his home in Marin County, California, leaving behind three children and wife, Susan Schneider. Initially, when I heard the news, I thought it was yet another bombastic, social media hoax. I couldn’t fathom how Robin Williams, one of the busiest comedians who was full of joie de vivre, could possibly end his life. Why would he do it? To all appearances, he lived a charmed life… How could he do it? He was loved by family, friends, fans and strangers. Oh no, not him. What could make him do it? Depression – that insidious mental health condition that leaves us with intense feelings of pain and sadness. It wasn’t a hoax and I am heartbroken. Robin, like many others who’ve gone down that path, could no longer hold on…
RIP Robin Williams: Gone Too Soon “O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done…”
My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends who, like many of us; celebrities and ordinary folk, are reeling in shock over his sudden demise. Robin was a beloved stand-up comedian, actor, father, friend, film producer, and screenwriter. He was one of the funniest, most eloquent, and zaniest comedians of his generation; he always made me think and laugh. He was a consummate performer and a fearless man who wasn’t afraid to speak openly about his personal struggles with substance abuse … and depression. Robin had a huge heart, a generous spirit and a quick wit. I so wish he could have held on. RIP Robin Williams. Thank you for sharing your gift of humor with so many!
“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.” President Obama
RIP Robin Williams: Gone Too Soon – A collage of some of his popular films
Even though Robin Williams won his Oscar for Good Will Hunting, my favorite roles were Mork & Mindy, Good Morning Vietnam, Mrs Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society. He was nominated three times for an Academy Award for Best Actor, and received one Academy Award for his Best Supporting Actor role in Good Will Hunting. His other awards were two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Grammy Awards. He kept a busy acting schedule and had a number of projects completed and in the works when he died. His suicide brings back very painful memories for many of us and raises the question: What are we going to do as a community to battle this particular mental health condition? *If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)* You can also get Help via NSPL. As a teacher, Dead Poets Society held a special place in my heart and I share the below in his honor and memory.
O Captain! my Captain! By Walt Whitman
O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
The arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck,
You’ve fallen cold and dead.My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,
The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;
Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
But I with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
More below!
“Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” Thich Nhat Hanh
RIP Robin Williams: Gone Too Soon – A collage of some of his popular films
As I reflect on the life and death of this brilliant, funny man, what strikes me most is how tragic and ironic it is that his special brand of humor that sustained me and others, when we felt down and out or depressed, couldn’t sustain him when he felt same. Again, my heartfelt condolences go out to his family… Robin Williams was one of the best and will be sorely missed. May He Rest In Peace. Thank you Robin for the many years of laughter!
Positive Motivation Tip: Life is a constant battle between our wants and our needs. Be compassionate with yourself and make the best of the rest … Keep moving forward.
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos from Wikipedia, and or/ Facebook
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Related articles
- Reflections: On Hope -Don’t Quit On Your Life (mirthandmotivation.com)
- If you’re thinking about suicide…read this first (the-inside-out-project.com)
- Robin Williams: Oscar Winning Comedian Dies At 63 (NYTimes.com)
- September Is National Suicide Prevention Month (everydaymatters.com)
- Robin Williams’ Final Instagram Shows Touching Family Photo
- From Anguish to Activism: A Mother’s Journey To Get Your Wellness On ( (mirthandmotivation.com)
- Why People Commit Suicide (psychologytoday.com)
- September 10th Is World Suicide Prevention Day (timeanddate.com)
thank you, Elizabeth, to put your focus on this tragedy…
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/robin-williams-a-chance-for-us-to-learn/
your Frizz, I’ll never forget his Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society (maybe because I was a teacher?)
Indeed… as teachers we could relate. Will check out your post. TY for your comment.
Too soon, too soon, but his laughter and spirit live on.
Yes…. sadly so. Still it pains me that his humor helped many not him.
We too loved Dead Poets Society! When we hear of suicide, it is a harsh reminder how depression can affect anyone and is so common.
It is so ubiquitous and insidious… Yes dear one; a harsh reminder.
We lost a niece to this tragic ending to life who was only 14 years this year…Leaving her parents, etc. …with so much heartache…They were addresiing issues that she had and felt they were doing all they had the resources of using…but, to no avail!
I’m so sorry to hear that…my condolences to you. Those left behind are left with unanswered questions… so, so sad.
I am so addend by this loss. Its so sad how he could make everyone happy but himself. Mental illness is real and can happen to anyone.
I find serious depression and substance abuse one of those problems that is becoming even greater and greater in today’s world where we have such high speed lives. I imagine being a celebrity would be incredibly difficult and can see why sadly so many fall into problems. I truly wish our world would deal with and treat mental health issues on a grander level. It is so important. Besides suicide there are the people with mental health issues who shoot and kill people. It is terrible. What a loss.
He will be greatly missed. And I hope his death will help others realize that depression can’t be overlooked.
I can’t even begin to express my sadness at his passing. He was the world’s TV dad – the funniest man on Earth and everyone’s comfort zone. I will miss him, sorely.
He went to soon.. we hear too many times about this kind of illness, and how they went or needed help and no one was there for them.. I believe in this case he just came out of rehab. For anyone to take their own life it has to be so bad to leave the people behind hurt.
I can’t believe this has happened and I can’t believe how it’s affected me. My heart goes out to his family. It is so tragic. So so sad. RIP Robin.
I enjoyed everyone of his movies. He will be missed!
Such a shock to everybody. Although his demons were no secret, he played a large array of characters that everyone adored. Genie, you’re free. RIP
This is really sad. For someone who made us laugh, he really had a tragic and depressing end. Rest in Peace Robin Williams.
He is in peace now, that is all that matters. The rest of us will suffer without him
i couldn’t believe it.. this’s so sad..you’ll be missed forever..
i couldn’t believe it..this is so sad..you’ll be missed forever
It’s so sad that his sense of humour helped so many people, yet not himself. RIP Robin, you are free now.
I really still can’t believe he’s dead. 🙁 I heard the sad news yesterda.
It was a shock – and the saddest thing was that someone who made the world smile could not hold this own smile. How does that work?
RIP Robin, may you find the peace you were battling for while living. Suicide and depression have taken 2 people I loved.
I’m so sorry to hear that and my heart goes out to you and their families… I hope Robin’s death will open the door to that ongoing conversation about depression, suicide and improving mental healthcare services.
Too tragic. May he find that peace that eluded him while alive.
It sadden me and everyone I know who love Robin Williams. A great actor that touched the hearts of millions making them laugh and feel through his works. My thoughts & prayers to him and his family.
This was a good post to write. I knew little about his private agonies and much about his public wisdom to which they gave birth, most probably. He will certainly be missed
I was so sad about his passing. Thank you for your thoughtful post.
He was a powerful and very talented actor. It was sad to hear of his passing.
Robin Williams will forever be missed, he was a great comedian who could make any person laugh. R.I.P. The world’s lost a funny man.
He will truly be very much missed. Such a great man that helped so many. Thanks for sharing.
I seriously cried for an hour when I found out. I have lost to many amazing people to this now. It is awful.
Condolences to the family .. when i saw this on Fb i thought it was a hoax .. R.I.P Robin
RIP Robin .. my heart goes out to the family … Most people think Depression can go away with pills .. its so much more than that
Such a tragedy. May his family be comforted with peace and love.
I still can´t believe that he´s gone. He was such an amazing actor.
I just can’t believe that he’s gone. I loved his movies
This is a very touching memorial article about Robin. I particularly liked the collage of all the film adverts of his films. I just watched Good Will Hunting and absolutely loved it.
So sad to learn about his loss. Depression is not ean easy battle Its something that goes away but comes back wtih a vengeance.
Sad to know of his death and got you covered here completely with his life as an actor. I liked Mrs. Doubfire. Fernando Lachica.
I am so saddened by this. My favorite movie was Hook. Love that movie.
RIP Robin Williams, you made us laugh and cry at the same time. You made my childhood full of happiness because of Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji and Patch Adams. You also made my son laugh because of your character in Robots. May God Bless your soul!
Robin Williams passing is a great loss to film industry but to every individual aspiring to be great in his chosen career. Sad,but the man gave as films worth remembering.
I am so shocked to read this news. Its a great loss. RIP.
RIP Robin Williams… It’s really heart ache to know he’s suffering from depression for such a long period and in the meantime he’s still able to make people laugh through his comedy!
RIP Robin… I was so shocked when I heard the news.. Really sad…
RIP Robin… I always loved his movies… Sigh why does all the talented people tend to die so early? First Micheal, then Whitney and now Robin… If I am not wrong, there will be 3 more movies from Robin Williams coming soon… With Night at the Museum in december…
yes, we need to re-frame how we view mental health issues. Stop blaming those who suffer and try to find effective therapies- not just of the pharmaceutical type. Really enjoyed his acting and he will be missed. RIP.
I’m sure his legacy will live on. He will be surely missed.
Depression… The dark monster that it is can really break a person down.. 50 percent people on medication for the same do not benefit from it…its just sad that it was hounding a brilliant person like Robbie Williams.
Sorry , misspelled it… Robin Williams*
My heart broke when I heard of Robin’s passing. The pain and anguish he must have been feeling is too sad to comprehend. Rest easy funny man…
Robin was, is and will remain one of my favorite actors ever, the one that made us think, laugh, enjoy life and everything in between. It is such a loss, not only for the acting world but for the world in general. He was Generosity and Laughter personificated. My heart is broken.
To be truthful, when I got to know about the news, I wasn’t very familiar with Robin Williams. I believe family support is very important in cases of depression, and he, having the lack of it, is driven to suicide. It’s sad, but I hope someone who motivates others must set an example and be strong too!
R.i.p to a legend! He was my childhood
He was one of my favorites and one of the few times I shed a tear for someone I didn’t know personally.
I remember him from Mork and Mindy. I have loved him ever since.