Robin Williams

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"You'll have bad times, but it'll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren't paying attention to before." (Robin Williams) Robin Williams faced many bad times, but always pulled through for the well-being of others of others. Born in Chicago, Illinois on July 21, 1951, Robin always had a heart for the arts. Williams studied at Julliard School and in 1978 became the star Mork of "Mork and Mindy." In 2008 he began touring for "Weapons of Self Destruction," his one man comedy show. ("Robin Williams. Bio") On August 11, 2014 Robin Williams was found dead in his home in Tiburon, California. He was 63 years old. Cause of death: Suicide. Not many people knew about Williams' depression and in the end it became too much for him to bear. He used his talent and kind heart to help others. Robin Williams may only be a funny guy to some, but really he was dependable, selfless, and mentally strong.

Williams and Pam Dawber, as Mork and Mindy (http://mashable.com ())

Williams was dependable and anyone who knew him could count on him to be there when they needed him most. In 1978 he married Valerie Velardi and they had a child together in 1983. Robin Williams stated in an interview, "I quit doing drugs when I found out my wife was expecting our first child. I wanted to be a part of the whole process. I also knew that becoming a father also going to be crazy and problematic enough without drugs. People use drugs because they are trying to avoid something. I swear that people who quit drugs end up finding things much more valuable in life," (qtd. in Antunes). As soon as Robin knew he was going to be a father, he gave up drugs completely. He realized that in order to be a good dad and husband he needed to be fully present. From 1978 to 1982, Robin Williams played Mork in the series "Mork and Mindy": "Mr. Williams, who had a jagged history of drug and alcohol abuse (he was at the Chateau Marmont with John Belushi hours before that comedian died of an overdose), did not burn out or peak with ''Mork and Mindy,'' even though the show too quickly lost momentum and eventually its following," (Stanley). Even as a drug and alcohol abuser he came through for his roles and didn't give up or slack off, he stayed committed to his shows and roles. When his wife and son needed him most, he was there. When his directors and co-workers needed him, he was there. Everyone could always depend on Robin Williams.

Williams,Goldberg, and Crystal on "Comic Relief" (nyppagesix.files.wordpress.com ())

Robin Williams' selfless demeanor and kind soul helped many. Alongside of Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal, Robin Williams helped to host "Comic Relief": "Williams, who was a subdued person when not in the limelight, helped organize a series of award-winning Comic Relief specials on HBO as fundraisers for the homeless. The pioneering show, some three hours long, raised millions for the poor." ("Robin Williams." Newsmakers). Robin used his gift of comedy to help raise money to help the homeless. He co-hosted the show for 24 years and raised over $50 million for the homeless. Although all actors always want to be the star, Robin Williams stated in an interview with Forbes Magazine, "'Of course I have a big ego. Do you know any movie star who doesn't have one? But when I get the script and I know it is good, all I want is to be a part of the project, which is something that overcomes vanity,'" (qtd. in Antunes). Williams realized he couldn't always be the star. He realized that sometimes others were better for specific parts, but he was always happy to be a part of the experience. Williams selflessly used his talent to help raise millions for those in need and always acknowledged the talents of others even when it meant he couldn't be the lead role.

Robin Williams was mentally strong, until one day he couldn't be strong anymore. On August 11, 2014 our society was shocked by the news that Robin Williams was found dead in his home: "The beloved comedic actor was 63 years old. The entertainment world was shaken by the news of his tragic death, especially as news reports confirmed the actor had taken his own life. In the days following his passing, his wife, Susan Schneider, revealed that Williams had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease." ("Robin Williams." Newsmakers). Williams had been fighting his own battles for so long and it all became too much in the end. He tried his best to stay strong and continue doing what he loved, for those that loved him.  When Robin was found dead many questions arose- Suicide? Murder? : His publicist released this statement: 'Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss.'" ("Robin Williams"). In the end Robin Williams couldn't win the battle and took his own life. Although he left so much behind, he fought for so long and made so many others happy. Even during his worst times Robin Williams stayed strong and continued to make others smile and laugh.

Four of Robin Williams' MANY roles (http://storage.torontosun.com ())

Robin Williams was dependable, selfless, and mentally strong. Robin Williams is an inspiration to me because even at his worst he continued to make others smile and laugh. Williams battled severe depression for so long, but, "Despite personal setbacks, Williams continued acting," ("Robin Williams." Bio). Robin stayed strong for so long and continued doing what he loved until the end. He inspires me and I'm sure many others, to do everything with 100 percent effort and to make others happy even if you aren't. Robin Williams made others happy even when he could find no joy himself: "They don't know about real loss, because that only occurs when you love something more than you love yourself," (Robin Williams). When the world heard about the death of Robin Williams everyone was in shock. No one could believe that someone with as much talent as Williams was gone just like that. And when the world found out he took his own life, people were shocked to hear about his depression because he always seemed so happy. Robin Williams was an amazing comedian that was dependable selfless and mentally strong. His actions towards others make him a true hero

Works Cited

Antunes, Anderson. "'Don't Tell Me Jokes.' Robin Williams' Revealing 1998 Interview." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 2014. Web. 26 Mar. 2015. http://www.forbes.com/sites/andersonantunes/2014/08/12/dont-tell-me-jokes-robin-williams-revealing-1998-interview/>.

"Robin WIlliams." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, 2015. Web. 26 Mar. 2015.

"Robin Williams." Newsmakers. Detroit: Gale, 1988. Biography in Context. Web. 20 Mar. 2015.

Stanley, Alessandra. "An Alien at Home on TV." New York Times 13 Aug. 2014: C1(L). Biography  in Context. Web. 24 Mar. 2015.