“Why can’t we treat death with a certain amount of humanity and dignity, and decency, and God forbid – maybe even humor?” – Robin Williams, Patch Adams
When hearing about Robin Williams’ death, I felt angry. Angry that depression had taken another life and angry that the world lost not only an amazing actor, but also a good human being.
Focusing on Robin Williams’ death would be a dishonor to the man who brought us characters like Hook, Patch Adams, Mrs. Doubtfire, and John Keating. Although known for being the “funnyman,” Robin Williams was far more than a comedian–he was an inspiration. Whether it was intentional or just a really good coincidence, Williams’ characters pushed far beyond the boundaries of just simple comedy and crossed over to inspirational role models. Some examples:
Mrs. Doubtfire – Make sacrifices to be with your family, even if those sacrifices go unacknowledged.
Good Will Hunting – See the potential in people, even if they don’t see it themselves.
What Dreams May Come – Sometimes unconditional love means going to hell and back (literally in this case), but in the end it is all worth it.
Jack – Don’t let who you are on the outside define who you are on the inside.
Patch Adams – Even in the worst of times a smile and a simple joke can make things better.
Dead Poets Society – Make your own path and don’t let others define you.
Aladdin – Sometimes you just need someone to believe in you to truly believe in yourself.
I grew up on Robin Williams’ movies, as did most kids of the 90s. Patch Adams taught me what it was to feel bittersweet, What Dreams May Come was the first time I thought a movie was truly beautiful and is still one of my favorite movies today, and Dead Poets Society changed my life as a writer, even if I didn’t know it at the time.
I always felt Williams had a certain sparkle in his eyes, as if we were in on an inside joke together. He just made me happy and I know that sounds so simple and so dull, but for someone you have never met to truly make you happy, well that’s something of a love story. I don’t use the word love romantically, but more in the sense that he was a friend I never got to meet.
After the death of someone so famous we often allow the media to take control of their legacy and let their long-standing career be defined by their death. That would be the true tragedy.
For me, Robin Williams will always be that one guy who helped shape the person I am today by telling me “you’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”
Rest in peace, Captain.