I am at such a loss, as so many people are around the world. I never had a chance to meet Robin Williams in person, but greatly admired his brain, his incredible skills at stand-up and improvisation, and many of his roles on film which were quite diverse to say the least. And he only seemed to get better and better with each new character he played. Like many of my generation, I grew up watching him on Mork & Mindy, dutifully tuning in each and every week. Listened to and/or watched his countless comedy club routines and stand-up specials, and like Johnathan Winters, he instilled in me a take no prisoners approach when it came to performing live. He taught me to take chances on stage and jump headfirst into whatever and wherever a stage performance could take me. Im so thankful to have been around during his reign. And, in my small connection to him, to have produced the CD recordings of several Comic Relief shows which he co-hosted along with Billy Crystal & Whoopi Goldberg. (Thank you, Gary Stewart, for those opportunities during my career, sincerely.) I was very impressed with something that not too many people got to hear... I was privy to listening in on their mics when they were offstage watching the other comics do their routines during the live shows. Robin often laughed out loud and full as if he were in the audience, truly appreciating and loving each comic as they performed. He never seemed jealous nor jaded, but instead truly supported others at their craft, even while in the wings where no one could see or hear him. I like that. A lot. He, like Winters, appreciated the comics mind and I think he really found stand-up to be that sacred place where he could relax the most, and be in the moment. One of his cherished happy places I like to imagine. So many people in the world fight depression and yet it still gets pushed behind a big door as if anyone should simply snap out of it. It is my hope that with Williams passing, that we take a new, real look at an illness that millions suffer from silently and often alone. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He was truly a great one. Thank you, Robin, for indirectly encouraging this kid to make a living at making people laugh. Its a noble profession. And you were awesome at it. God bless.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 04:27:49 +0000
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