On the night of August 11th the world was stunned to learn of the death of beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams.
Making the news even harder to digest was that he had been in a dark enough place to commit suicide. In the world of celebritydom, premature death, be it directly or indirectly by one’s own hand, is not uncommon.
It was only a few months ago that we lost Philip Seymour Hoffman. It was a tragic death and a great loss for the acting world. Most of us probably thought that was the worst entertainment news we’d hear this year. However, as greatly as Hoffman was mourned and is missed, the news of Williams’s passing dealt a palpable blow to our collective heart. Indeed, the sadness his passing cast over the world was uncommon.
Williams’s suicide promoted an outpouring of tributes. His own brand of quick-witted, manic improvisational comedy was one-of-a-kind. His talent didn’t just entertain us, it connected us. Part of his universal appeal was his ability to plum the depths of the human condition with a heart like no other. I think it was the heart he brought to everything that allowed us to connect with him on such an intimate level.
Williams possessed a special kind of magic rooted in the wonder of the human experience. He did more than make us laugh. He was incandecent. He made us believe in the best version of this world and of this life. He also reminded us that our imperfections were more than ok. They were beautiful. They were part of the experience. They were the good stuff.
Robin Williams was honest and open about his battle with addiction and depression. I believe that some of the funniest people on this earth are often the most perceptive and the most sensitive among us. This level of sensitivity is a conduit to their craft, but perhaps it’s also what leads to addiction or sometimes just makes the world too much to bear. Lucky for us, the best drug Williams knew was performing and making us laugh. That seemed to keep him going for a long time.
How many of us have waged battles within ourselves about which our nearest and dearest are completely unaware? That same beautiful human condition that allows us to feel the greatest of joys, can also leave us vulnerable, afraid and alone. It’s been said Williams’s worst battle with depression ensued after open heart surgery in 2009. In the days following his death we also learned that he was in the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. We’ll never know exactly what brought him to such unspeakable despair.
Though it was cut short before its time, Robin Willliams lived a great life. He gave of his craft and of himself without ever asking for anything in return. Perhaps we can repay that debt now. Be kind. Listen. Be generous of spirit. Carpe diem.
“Please, don’t worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you’re ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day… make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular. I know I did.” ~ Ending monologue to Williams’ 1996 “Jack”
