Robin Williams was a man who sparked the imaginations of so many people across the world and his impressive 37 year career saw him bring countless beloved characters to life – whether he was Jack Powell, Sean Maguire, Popeye, Mrs. Doubtfire, Peter Pan or The Genie, he was electric.
Gaining legendary status long before his untimely death, not only from his fans but also from his peers, Robin’s battles within himself seemed the starkest contrast from the comedic genius he became. I am sure that others, like myself, find it hard to imagine Robin Williams, with his infectious enthusiasm for life, unhappy. Yet his personal struggles and battles with drugs and alcoholism were no secret.
Robin’s wife Susan in her statement said that, “as he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions” and his daughter Zelda Rae Williams, in her letter to her late father, expresses perfectly the heartache everyone who has lost someone feels, “I’ll never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay.”
‘Why?’ Is the only question we are left with, not only in Robin’s case but in the countless cases of suicide. We will never understand the battles that people fight daily so be kind and take this awful tragedy as an opportunity to open your heart and your mind to understanding that action in beginning to understand mental health and the importance of the mind is of grave importance.
Hundreds of thousands of people have already expressed their thanks to Robin for his performances and his part in their lives; wishes to his family have also been sent in abundance.
All of Robin William’s films were about reaching out to people and helping them; the Genie granted wishes, Jack taught us to live the life you are given to the fullest, Peter taught us that we don’t have to grow up and Mrs. Doubtfire taught us that family means the most. Robin’s gift also become his downfall, with his want and need to entertain us he gave away his happiness, something we should never forget.
By Talia Maguire
Find out more about the mental illness and the minds fragility in issue V of Semple magazine.
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