Robin Williams

Robin Williams on the cover of Time Magazine 1979Wikipedia.orgReality is just a crutch for people who can't cope with drugs. This quote perfectly summarizes Robin Williams, he’s brave enough to joke about nearly everything including his own flaws. Robin Williams is a comedian who had quite an interesting life. He was born in Chicago on July 21, 1951 to Robert Fitzgerald Williams and  Laurie McLaurin. He lived in a fairly large house and would spend hours walking around it to spend his time. He originally went to Claremont Men’s college to study political science but his interests shifted after he discovered theatre. From then on he would study theatre and got a scholarship to Julliard to further pursue his acting career. He eventually left Juilliard and continued to work on his skills while starring in a variety of works over the years. Robin Williams displays two traits a hero needs: Ambition and the need to be a better person. Robin Williams is much more than simply a comedian or a movie star, he is a hero who constantly helped inspire others whether it be his constant need to help others, his boundless ambition, or his goals to constantly better himself as both a person, and a father.

Robin’s sheer ambition and courage pushed him towards a more outgoing self and to his career. These traits are shown when he performed at an L.A comedy store that was known for its difficulty. “Williams debuted in Los Angeles on "open mike" night at the Comedy Store. He told TV Guide that the club was a "terrorizing combination of Roman arena and the Gong Show." His routine was a hit, and he became a regular at the club”. Robin performed at an open mike night meaning anyone could join, but the atmosphere seemed to be cold and nerve wracking, everyone had high expectations and in the end Robin passed with flying colors. This display of Robin’s bravery set a precedent for him. He'd always find some way to succeed no matter the odds. Yet another example of him succeeding where others could've potentially failed is when he tried out for the part of an alien in the sitcom called: Happy Days. After many participants, he was the one chosen for this part. In an upcoming episode of the show. After 50 auditioners had been turned down, Williams entered, wearing suspenders. The producers asked him to sit as an alien might, and he stood on his head. He got the part. This shows how Williams could think outside to box to allow him to get to places he wouldn't normally have. This is one of the most important parts of his life as it was his part on the show that jump started his entire career as an actor Robin Williams constantly succeeded where others have failed due to his ambition and unique ways of thinking things through along with sheer bravery and tenacity.

It’s almost common knowledge that Williams is a bit flawed, however, he wasn't content with being so flawed and despite the fact that he sometimes needed a little push, he was focused on becoming a better person. While he does need a push, Robin works hard to become a better person and kick drugs like when his son was born. “Williams claimed he reached the crossroads in his life early in 1983. Two dramatic events forced him to reassess his drug-dominated lifestyle: his wife, Valerie, became pregnant, and his friend, John Belushi, died of a drug overdose only a few hours after sharing some.” The baby was on its way and Robin was really concerned that his drug problem might affect his parenting, so to become a better father, he tried kicking the habit. The fact that his friend, John Belushi also died the night before also caused him to seriously reconsider his actions. Another thing about Robin is that he is not afraid to poke fun at himself or his problems while admitting he has them. Ever finding humor in his own life, he worked the experience into his 2008 Weapons of Self Destruction stand-up tour, confiding to audiences that (as quoted by the London Independent) "I went to rehab in wine country, just to keep my options open."’ While Robin’s problems are quite serious he is not afraid of owning up to them and making fun of them, he knows to laugh at himself. The fact that Robin can use this help himself shows he isn't afraid of leaving it behind. Robin’s drug problem is common knowledge to the public but he had the courage to admit, and even joke about it. Along with wanting to get help. Showing that he truly cares about fixing his flaws.

Robin Williams on Pioneers of Televisiontpt.orgRobin Williams is much more than simply a comedian or a movie star, he is a hero who constantly helped inspire others whether it be his constant need to help others, his boundless ambition, or his goals to constantly better himself as both a person, and a father. While it’s no secret that Williams is not without his flaws, he tries his best to make sure that his pros outweigh the cons in his life. He made sure to live life to its fullest. fueled by ambition and courage, he never gave up and pushed on when all the odds seemed stacked against him. Robin Williams was always able to inspire others just through being himself alone, He always had a way to make people laugh and just be happy no matter what he did. He had this ability to turn nothing into something great, (as seen with the story of Mork and Mindy) and that's why he will forever be in the hearts of millions of his fans. Robin Will always be in our hearts and never leave. His movies inspired generations and his comedic genius was always visible whenever he was seen. He could take some of the worst things that affect him and turn them into punchlines, and that's only one of the reasons he is my hero.

Works Cited

Biographics. “Robin Williams Biography: His Life Was a Dark Comedy.” Biographics, Biographics, 21 Nov. 2017, biographics.org/robin-williams-biography-life-dark-comedy/.

"Robin Williams." Encyclopedia of World Biography, vol. 37, Gale, 2017. Biography In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1631010719/BIC?u=powa9245&sid=BIC&xid=efa98aeb . Accessed 28 Mar. 2018.)

"Robin Williams." International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers, vol. 3, Gale, 2000. Biography In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1641401250/BIC?u=powa9245&sid=BIC&xid=833624fe . Accessed 28 Mar. 2018.

"Robin Williams." International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers, vol. 3, Gale, 2000. Biography In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1641401250/BIC?u=powa9245&sid=BIC&xid=833624fe . Accessed 28 Mar. 2018

"Robin Williams." Newsmakers, Gale, 1988. Biography In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1618002073/BIC?u=powa9245&sid=BIC&xid=d00e64e2 Accessed 26 Mar. 2018.

"Robin Williams." St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, Gale, 2013. Biography In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K2419201312/BIC?u=powa9245&sid=BIC&xid=02c658e7 . Accessed 28 Mar. 2018.