The world has reacted with shock and sadness this week to the death of Robin Williams, who was found dead in his Tiberon, California home on Monday. The 63-year-old, beloved actor’s death was ruled a suicide by hanging.
Those who worked with him and knew him well shared their thoughts following the tragic news.
“I am completely and totally devastated. What more can be said?” — Mork and Mindy co-star Pam Dawber, in a statement.
“My life is a better place because I knew Robin Williams. To my children he was Uncle Robin, to everyone he worked with, he was the best boss anyone had ever known, and to me he was not just an inspiration but he was the Father I had always dreamed of having. There are not enough adjectives to describe the light he was, to anyone that ever had the pleasure to meet him. I will miss him everyday, but I know the memory of him will live on. And to his family, I thank them for letting us know him and seeing the joy they brought him. Us crazy ones love you. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” — The Crazy Ones co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, in a statement.
“Heartbroken. Thanks chief — for your friendship and for what you gave the world. Robin had a ton of love in him. He personally did so much for so many people. He made Matt and my dreams come true. What do you owe a guy who does that? Everything. May you find peace my friend.” — Ben Affleck, in a statement, referring to Williams starring in his and Matt Damon’s first acting/writing venture, Good Will Hunting.
“His kindness and generosity is what I think of. How kind he was to anyone who wanted to connect with him. And he could not help but be funny all the time. He would do something as long as it would keep you laughing. He made many, many film crews laugh out loud before the audiences ever saw it. He made such a big impact on the world. So there is the man, and his talent, and I think in his case both were extraordinary.” — Night at the Museum co-star Ben Stiller, in a statement.
“I feel I have to say something more than just ‘heartbreaking and shocking,’ which everyone has said and I feel as well, but something a little more personal. Thus the following: One day in 1995 while riffing in the character of a snobby French toy store owner, Robin made me laugh so hard and so long that I cried. It seemed to please him to no end. Yesterday, I cried again at the thought that he was gone. What I will always remember about Robin, perhaps even more than his comic genius, extraordinary talent and astounding intellect, was his huge heart — his tremendous kindness, generosity and compassion as an acting partner, colleague and fellow traveler in a difficult world. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.” — The Birdcage co-star Nathan Lane, in Time magazine.
“I feel stunned and so sad about Robin. I’m sad for the world of comedy. And so very sad for his family. And I’m sad for Robin. He always lit up when he was able to make people laugh, and he made them laugh his whole life long…. tirelessly. He was one of a kind. There will not be another. Please God, let him now rest in peace.” — Mrs. Doubtfire co-star Sally Field, in a statement.
—”Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him. He was a pal and I can’t believe he’s gone.” — Steven Spielberg, in a statement.
“I saw him on stage the very first time he auditioned at the Improv and we have been friends ever since. It’s a very sad day.” — Jay Leno, in a statement.
“We have lost one of our most inspired and gifted comic minds, as well as one of this generation’s greatest actors. To watch Robin work, was a magical and special privilege. His performances were unlike anything any of us had ever seen, they came from some spiritual and otherworldly place. He truly was one of the few people who deserved the title of ‘genius.’” — Hook director Chris Columbus, in a statement.
“Robin and I were great friends, suffering from the same little-known disease: depression. I never could have expected this ending to his life, and to ours with him. God bless him and God bless us all for his LIFE! I cannot believe this. I am overwhelmed with grief. What a wonderful man/boy and what a tremendous talent in the most important art of any time – comedy! I loved him.” — Chevy Chase, in a statement.
“I’ve never known a sweeter, brighter, more considerate person than Robin. Robin’s commitment as an artist to lifting our mood and making us happy is compared to none. He loved us all and we loved him back.” — John Travolta, in a statement.
“To see Robin perform was an experience. He was more than a comedian. He was a comedy force of nature. I remember hearing that Robin was once doing a press junket in Germany. One of the reporters asked him, ‘Why is it that Germany is not known for comedy?’ Robin answered, ‘Well, you killed all your funny people.’ I laughed out loud when I heard that. I thought, how sick and how wonderfully truthful.” — comedian Gilbert Gottfried, in a statement.
“I was lucky to work with him as an actor and witness first hand the magic of what made him a legend, the wit and other worldly improv skills.” — Hook co-star Dante Basco (Rufio), in a statement.
Image via Robin Williams, Instagram
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