"I started doing comedy because that was the only stage that I could find. It was the pure idea of being on stage. That was the only thing that interested me, along with learning the craft and working, and just being in productions with people." -
Robin Williams
Today, the world lost some of its humor. Robin Williams, an accomplished comedian and Oscar-winning actor was found dead in his California home this afternoon.
"The coroner suspects that it was a suicide caused by asphyxiation. A forensic examination is scheduled for Tuesday." - NY Daily News
Williams rose to fame in the late 70's with his hit-television series
Mork & Mindy, which was a spinoff from his alien character first featured on
Happy Days. From there, he would translate his success on the small screen into success on the silver screen. Some of his standout performances include:
Popeye in Robert Altman's live-action
film, the voice of the Genie in Disney's
Aladdin, Dr. Malcolm Sayer in
Awakenings, John Keating in
Dead Poets Society, Daniel Hillard in
Mrs. Doubtfire. and Armand Goldman in
The Birdcage. There are many, many more notable performances, but I can't name them all. For me, I especially loved Robin Williams as Jack Dundee in
The Best of Times and Merritt Rook in
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. But, it was his portrayal of
Dr. Sean Maguire in 1997's
Good Will Hunting that won him the
Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. What's your favorite Robin Williams' performance? How will you remember him?
"Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time." - rep
Mara Buxbaum
"This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one if its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope that the focus will not be on Robin's death but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions." -
Susan Schneider