1.7
August 12, 2014

Robin Williams, I Never Met You, but I Will Never Forget You.

Robin_Williams (1)

When I heard the Robin Williams had passed away, I felt three things.

First came shock. How could he die?

I felt like somehow I had just seen him alive and well, even though in reality that was only a screen. But, how can this man be dead? To me he was immortal, a comedy god! He was there every time I needed cheering up.

And he was also a great dramatic actor, and therein came the sadness.

He helped create movies which effected me deeply, even shaped who I am today, films like Dead Poet’s Society, Good Will Hunting, What Dreams May Come, Patch Adams… just to name a few. In these films he had been my guide and my mentor. I loved him.

Now came the confusion, the third layer of my reaction. How could I say I loved him? I have never met him. I have no idea what he was like in real life as a real person. Who was he really? Was he at all like the characters I loved so much?

I knew and loved a persona. A personality revealed through a collection of performances. But it was just that, performances. In all the times I saw him there, had I ever met the real man?

I can only guess at his inner life, his true thoughts and feelings. But I like to think that all his characters had a kernel of his personal truth.

But where does that leave me and the rest of you all who probably feel the same? I don’t know quite how to feel at his passing. It’s a tragedy. But, in a way, we will never have to say goodbye. This man really is immortal. His awesome legacy will be around for generations to come.

I never met him, but I will never forget him. And strangely, my kids and maybe even my grand-kids will still be able to say the same thing.

Thank you Robin Williams, for everything you gave.

 

Love elephant and want to go steady?

Sign up for our (curated) daily and weekly newsletters!

~

Apprentice Editor: Kathryn Muyskens/Editor: Renée Picard

Photo: Wikimedia

 

 

 

Leave a Thoughtful Comment
X

Read 0 comments and reply

Top Contributors Latest

K.L. Muyskens  |  Contribution: 13,880