Jason Francis shares his childhood memories of Robin Williams and how the comedian gave to others the peace that he ultimately could not find here on earth.
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The world is still trying to process the news that comedic legend Robin Williams passed away Monday via suicide. With a career that has spanned decades Robin Williams has been many things to many people. The high energy actor was a virtual plastic man that could twist, turn and fit almost any position needed from the highly serious to the silly and playful. Yet in the midst of making the world smile and laugh, the personal life of Robin Williams was a serious battle with depression and substance abuse that he never hid from the public. I have never dealt with depression nor suicidal feelings in any shape in my life. So, as I take in this public tragedy I do my best to pull some positives from the negative.
It’s amazing how many in the entertainment world spend their lives bringing pleasure and joy to the masses while internally struggling with their own demons. It’s almost as if the upward projection of creative energy is not just for the applause of the people but to counter act the issues that they are dealing with. It’s truly a cruel joke when a beloved comedian like Robin Williams, similar to a Chris Farley fall victim to their inner turmoil much of which is unknown to the people around them.
Williams career and professional resume is extensive. Yet for me as an 80′s baby and a child of the 90′s I truly was introduced to Robins Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire and as the voice of Genie in the Disney Animated Classic Aladdin. This is a huge part of my childhood that is now in mourning. Before I ever laughed at the whirling physical comedy and off the wall antics of Jim Carrey, it was the endless witty impressions of Williams that defined comedy during my youth. As an adult I still remember Genie’s “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali” verbatim. These are the sentiments that are flooding my Facebook and Instagram. A generation has lost their clown prince of comedy.
Many people are just now learning that Robin Williams was dealing with severe depression. I can’t help but think to the classic tale of Pagliacci the Sad Clown. He has been referenced in many places but I find his mention in Alan Moore’s Watchmen as sadly appropriate to the current situation.
“Heard a joke once: Man goes to the doctor. Says he’s depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says, “Treatment is simple. The Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up.” Man bursts into tears. Says, “But doctor…I am Pagliacci.”
And there you have it. We rarely take a moment to consider the issues of those that bring us pleasure and enjoyment. We assume that those that make us happy must be happy themselves. In many ways Williams shared much with the character Genie. 2 people that gave happiness to others while technically being prisoners of their existences.
In the end I think the role of acting and comedy for Williams was truly an escape mechanism. One that lasted well over 40 years. In his own words he said.
“Comedy is acting out optimism.”
Could it be that one of the best funny men to ever do it was also telling us what he truly wanted in his own world? Via every punch line and gag, Robin Williams gave to others the peace that he ultimately could not find here on earth. I can only hope he has found it now.
Photo: MrsDKrebs/Flickr
Originally appeared at Social Media Samurai.com