http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/08/11/robin-williams-dead-at-63/
Oscar winner and comedian Robin Williams died this morning at 63. While his publicist wouldn’t confirm that it was a suicide, they did issue this statement. “Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”
Found this fairly shocking. RIP
Really sad news to be honest. Loved his work & if anyone hasn't had the chance to have a look at it, his most recent work - the TV series 'The Crazy Ones', was quite brilliant. Damn, really sad news......
This one affects me more than most. In part, I think it's because he was still productive - the same with James Gandolfini. Sad news.
Wow remember him all the way back to Mork and Mindy. Nanoo nanoo. RIP.
RIP. Robin Williams. That Stand up Routine about Golf was Comic genius. If anyone gets a chance go onto youtube to see it.
NB: Don't know how to put links up on this thing
It's probably a measure of the bloke that my facebook has a lot of my friends and family paying tribute to his talent...... and they represent such a wide variety of ages and different interests.
It just shows how widespread his appeal was.
RIP
There was a bit of a generational divide, though, Lods. Not sure he was so popular with gen y and z. Of course, that doesn't mean he didn't have some younger fans, but I think he was much more popular with those around his age.
Shazbut !!!
He's always been such an intense & tightly wrapped person that it looked like he was incapable of relaxing.
Some comics are very loose & easy going on stage but in their personal life fight a lot of internal demons (complete opposite to their public persona) and it is this yin & yang that makes them such a talented performer.
Sad that he has taken his life in this manner though, still very young.
Very sad news indeed. He was a very talented and very funny man who's passing is a massive loss.
RIP.
It's really funny how people have reacted to this sad news.
It seems that he's been woven into the lives of most over the age of 35, through Mork & Mindy, into his movie work, stand up movies and back to TV. He's been someone that most people enjoy watching.
Still love him in Birdcage the most. It was so against the grain not to have him as the flamboyant one, the chemistry with Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria is still one of the best combination of actors ever.
Can't say I'll miss him but he will be greatly remembered. :'(
Genius entertainer. My older daughter's godfather is (was!) a close friend of Robin and described him away from the spotlight as a highly sensitive, deep thinking and incredibly intelligent person.
As others have noted, his talents and affections are woven into the lives of so many over so many decades. will be hugely missed.
There was a bit of a generational divide, though, Lods. Not sure he was so popular with gen y and z. Of course, that doesn't mean he didn't have some younger fans, but I think he was much more popular with those around his age.
That's the funny thing though Mav....I've got 18-20 year old nieces and nephews upset by the news.
His movies have a good run on the tele so these kids do know his work and enjoy it.
He seemed like a really genuine guy. He was outstanding in all of his roles and will be greatly remembered.
So tragic that he resorted to taking his own life (not confirmed COD but highly suspected). Just shows that no-one is out of depressions reach. I think depression and mental illness can be added to the list of things which have no mercy.
I should have limited my comment to his comedy rather than his film roles. Not sure his stand-up, including his stand-up-like appearances as a guest on talk shows) appealed as much to a younger audience. But he did act in a number of family films and take on a number of voice roles in animated films which would have built a fan-base amongst younger people: Jumanji, Mrs Doubtfire, Night at the Museum, Happy Feet, Aladdin, Robots and others. Some of his film roles gave him the chance to improvise (e.g. Good Morning Vietnam) but others would have required him to stick to scripts.
I have to say his comedy and interviews didn't do it for me but I was a fan of a number of his movie roles. I didn't see him outside that context but he always struck me as a gentle soul.
@Mav
Good Morning Vietnam was one of my favourite all time movies - I was still young during that war so it resonated, including of course the music. Still got the CD somewhere, must look it out and play it for old times sake.
My daughters love Mrs Doubtfire, thought it was hilarious.
Could play a sinister role with aplomb as well: One Hour Photo & Insomnia.
Agree with others, thought he was at his absolute best in The Birdcage, was also very good in The World According to Garp.
Wow One Hour Photo. That film is spooky. Which I guess means he played his role very well.
One of my all time favourites. It's funny how the passing of someone you've never met can still fill you with such grief. Shed genuine tears this morning.
Such a brilliantly talented and versatile actor, has been a constant source of entertainment throughout my life. Enjoyed many of his family oriented films as a kid, then grew to appreciate his dramatic edge as an adult. Dead Poets Society is and will always be one of my favourite films.
Events such as these just prove that no one is immune to debilitating depression and mental illness, no matter how happy or active they seem.
RIP Robin, I hope you find some peace now. Will be watching a film of yours tonight to reflect on your genius.
Depression is a terrible condition...RW passing away reminded me again of Paul Hester from crowded house and its true the saddest person in the circus is often the clown...here we had two very bright, witty, and engaging men on the surface who underneath were struggling with personal demons and its just so sad that have left their families to carry such horrible memories.
Just hope Robin Williams passing can save some lives and sufferers of depression dont follow his lead and can seek ongoing help...
Sad, sad news indeed. RIP legend. You will always be remembered as an entertaining great. I agree with Elwood as you make a very good point.