Robin Williams 1951-2014

Robin Williams has passed away at the age of 63. 

Born in Chicago, Williams was a versatile actor who made the transition from stand-up comedy to the big and small screen with ease. He rocketed to fame in 1978 as the alien Mork in the TV series MORK & MINDY, which was based on a character he played on TV’s HAPPY DAYS. Throughout the 1970’s and 1980s, he would reach a wider audience on TV with several stand-up specials, including eight telethons in the form of COMIC RELIEF with Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg…an effort which has raised over $50 million to aid the homeless. 

On the big screen, he proved to be just as effective. He was nominated for Oscars in GOOD MORNING VIETNAM (1987), DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989), THE FISHER KING (1991), and finally won Best Supporting Actor for his work in GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997). 

His long list of notable films include dramas, comedies, and voicework; Robert Altman’s POPEYE (1980), THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP (1982), THE BEST OF TIMES (1986), AWAKENINGS (1990), Steven Spielberg’s HOOK (1991), TOYS (1992), ALADDIN (1992), MRS. DOUBTFIRE (1993), JUMANJI (1995), JACK (1996), THE BIRDCAGE (1996), PATCH ADAMS (1998), WHAT DREAMS MAY COME (1998), BICENTENNIAL MAN (1999), A.I. ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE (2001), INSOMNIA (2002), ONE HOUR PHOTO (2002), ROBOTS (2005), NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (2006),  and appeared as President Dwight D. Eisenhower in last year’s LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER. 

He had a successful run on Broadway beginning in 2002, and was re-united with his MORK & MINDY co-star Pam Dawber in the short-lived TV sitcom THE CRAZY ONES (2013). 

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Robin Williams leaves us with many fond memories of laughter and lovable characters. As a wee-lad, some of this Blogger’s fondest memories comes from watching those early episodes of MORK & MINDY, where Williams’ off-the-wall approach to acting generated echoes of laughter off the family room walls. Years later, Williams would prove to be one of the most diverse actors ever; seamlessly going from comedy to drama in the blink of an eye. He was a joy to watch, and sometimes just seeing his face on the movie poster was enough to generate a smile. The man seemed to have touched every medium in his long career, a touch that will probably never be seen again. Robin Williams was a treasure for all-time, and the joy he brought us should last forever.