Remembering Robin Williams on the 5th Anniversary of His Death
It has been five years since Robin Williams passed away: the beloved Oscar-winning actor died on August 11, 2014, having taken his own life. Today, fans are remembering the actor's creative and cultural legacy, from his most iconic performances to the moments that had a significant impact on their worldview.
How has it been five years? Robin Williams will forever be that actor who made my childhood sweeter ?? pic.twitter.com/o4igjF0YT1
— Christina (@ChristinaZandes) August 11, 2019
One of the things that made Williams such a gifted performer was his ability to adapt his hyperkinetic physicality and slightly madcap sensibilities to children's movies, channeling his innate playfulness into characters like the kid in a man's body in Jack, a dad in drag in Mrs Doubtfire, a grown-up Peter Pan in Hook, and of course the Genie in Aladdin.
Robin Williams was, IS, STILL today through the body of his work as it is received to newcomers to cinema every day a master of motion, movement and acting. He conveys so much power and emotion through his body
here he is inventing the Naruto run in What Dreams May Come (1998) pic.twitter.com/JnYR9giMzu— Rei_ (@Random_Factor) August 11, 2019
Williams also delivered a multitude of nuanced performances to a more mature audience, from the classic camp comedy The Birdcage, to supernatural drama What Dreams May Come, to psychological thrillers like The Night Listener, Insomnia and One Hour Photo.
I wish force ghosts were real because I would totally love Robin Williams floating around & giving me jedi like advice.
— Jake Marquis (@jakesonaplane) August 10, 2019
But it's not just his talent that people miss; it's also the kindness and sensitivity that he seemed to embody in interviews and in his interactions with fellow performers.
Robin Williams died #OnThisDay in 2014.
“I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy. Because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t want anybody else to feel like that.”#RobinWilliams pic.twitter.com/vPH1q0cKOX— Marina Amaral (@marinamaral2) August 11, 2019
This empathy was perhaps informed by the deep depression with which Williams struggled; depression which, in some ways, fuelled his most memorable acting moments. As one quote which is popularly attributed to him goes: "I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy."
“I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel all alone.”
-Robin Williams
I can’t believe it’s been 5 years already. Time stops for no one. pic.twitter.com/aST0prAJrM— h o l l o w ?? (@HollowPoiint) August 11, 2019
Williams truly was one of a kind, and if there is one way we can honor his memory, it is by helping others who might be struggling with similar mental health issues.
I can't believe it's already been 5 years.
Robin Williams' movies filled my childhood. His sense of humor stuck with me and made me a part of who I am today.
Please never be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
1-800-273-8255 pic.twitter.com/0BqpriOdDK— Karnyth (@Karnyth) August 11, 2019
If you or somebody you know is suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts or other mental health issues, here are some ways you can get help. Alternatively, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255.
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