–
There will be a lot of moving tributes to Robin Williams in the days to come.
Beautifully-produced montages of his best film moments, tender interviews with the star before he passed, and memories from the famous and non-famous who loved him.
But something happened to so many of us when we heard the news that the comedic legend had died, had taken his own life. We were shocked. Maybe we were cold and frozen for a moment. Our voices went flat as we tried to process it.
That’s what this clip of comedy superstars Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter and Will Arnett is like. It’s three friends absorbing the impact of the blow. Taking in the news, but understanding that the real pain and full scope of the loss will come later. And it did, and still does.
As Williams’ reps told the media after it was announced Williams had passed, he had been struggling with depression. Fighting the fight against the darkness that starts inside of you. So many of us can understand that.
From all of us at The Good Men Project, we only wish that there had been another way to free Robin Williams from the pain he was in. He had so many gifts, so many extraordinary talents. He was funny, but he was more than that. In fact, I think there are many of us who feel his serious acting roles, like in The Fisher King or Dead Poets Society or Good Will Hunting transcend the comedy he became famous for.
Yes, Robin, you’re free. We just only wish that you’d found a way to be free here with us.
Genie, you’re free. pic.twitter.com/WjA9QuuldD
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 12, 2014
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad free
If you are in that dark place, if you need help, please reach out. There is hope.
As filmmaker Michael Moore said today on Facebook:
… I don’t know where he came from (he claimed it was Detroit), but I’m sure glad he was here. He still is. And so are the rest of you who are struggling with your demons. Know that you are loved and that I, for one, need you to stick around. I can’t do this without you.
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7. (courtesy of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline)