As a 19 year old, the tragic death of Robin Williams has
affected me as much as those who grew up watching him in the 70’s sitcom Mork
and Mindy. For me he accompanies many aliases and characters. He is the Genie
from Aladdin (a movie which was practically on a loop in my house during the
late 90’s), the maternal Mrs Doubtfire and showing off his incredible
improvisational skills as Adrian Cronaur in Good Morning Vietnam.
Amongst his many other movies, he showed off his versatility with roles that went beyond audiences immediate association of him as a gifted comedian. While his quirky voices and impressions are clearly a trade mark (it’s a shame he never became a regular cast member of Saturday Night Live), he was also an emotive actor who starred in very poignant and dramatic movies such as Good Will Hunting (which won him an Oscar), Dead Poet’s Society and Insomnia. He is a true inspiration to anyone who wants to be an actor.
The movies I immediately associate with him are Aladdin and Mrs Doubtfire, which remain popular family favourites and most of it is down to his involvement. His sheer enthusiasm as the voice of the Genie makes for a memorable character that may not have struck a chord had he been voiced by another actor. The role of Mrs Doubtfire for me shows off his talent as a character actor. While he brilliantly portrays the role of Daniel Hillard as a loving but generally irresponsible father, once he puts on the prosthetics and big lady suit he immediately transforms into the lovable Mrs Doubtfire. Again, the charm he brought to that character made the movie memorable, something which may not have happened had the role been given to someone else.
From a young age I knew the name Robin Williams. When I was 10, I came across my parent’s old VHS copy of Robin Williams Live at the Met. As a result of its 18 rating I was not allowed to watch it, but even at that age I realised just what a long standing entertainer he already was. If you were a teenager in the 70’s, you probably remember Mork and Mindy and if you were born in the 90’s (like myself) you remember his family oriented movies like Jumanji and Flubber. The appeal of his family films lies in the bringing together of generations; the parents who grew up watching his earlier work and their children who at a young age enjoy the talent of Robin Williams. In recent years his popularity has remained strong with roles in the Night at the Museum franchise, lending his voice to Happy Feet and last years The Butler. Again, very different movies highlighting his versatility but also the appeal they have on his long term generation of fans.
His recent death at the young age of 63 has resulted in an outpouring of grief from fans around the world. For many people, he was a constant figure in their lives and was probably one of the first actors they ever came across. His persona made him instantly recognisable and the sheer love people have for him and the characters he portrayed meant they felt like they knew him.
The word legend is an often overused word, but there’s simply no other label that perfectly sums up Robin Williams. How many entertainers can honestly say their appeal and popularity has spanned the generations? In terms of his legacy I honestly believe that was set in stone before he died. As a result of TV showings and high DVD sales, his movies are already heralded as cinematic classics and will be discovered by future generations who will be introduced to Robin Williams. He was a true talent, loved by audiences of all ages and will be sadly missed.
Amongst his many other movies, he showed off his versatility with roles that went beyond audiences immediate association of him as a gifted comedian. While his quirky voices and impressions are clearly a trade mark (it’s a shame he never became a regular cast member of Saturday Night Live), he was also an emotive actor who starred in very poignant and dramatic movies such as Good Will Hunting (which won him an Oscar), Dead Poet’s Society and Insomnia. He is a true inspiration to anyone who wants to be an actor.
The movies I immediately associate with him are Aladdin and Mrs Doubtfire, which remain popular family favourites and most of it is down to his involvement. His sheer enthusiasm as the voice of the Genie makes for a memorable character that may not have struck a chord had he been voiced by another actor. The role of Mrs Doubtfire for me shows off his talent as a character actor. While he brilliantly portrays the role of Daniel Hillard as a loving but generally irresponsible father, once he puts on the prosthetics and big lady suit he immediately transforms into the lovable Mrs Doubtfire. Again, the charm he brought to that character made the movie memorable, something which may not have happened had the role been given to someone else.
From a young age I knew the name Robin Williams. When I was 10, I came across my parent’s old VHS copy of Robin Williams Live at the Met. As a result of its 18 rating I was not allowed to watch it, but even at that age I realised just what a long standing entertainer he already was. If you were a teenager in the 70’s, you probably remember Mork and Mindy and if you were born in the 90’s (like myself) you remember his family oriented movies like Jumanji and Flubber. The appeal of his family films lies in the bringing together of generations; the parents who grew up watching his earlier work and their children who at a young age enjoy the talent of Robin Williams. In recent years his popularity has remained strong with roles in the Night at the Museum franchise, lending his voice to Happy Feet and last years The Butler. Again, very different movies highlighting his versatility but also the appeal they have on his long term generation of fans.
His recent death at the young age of 63 has resulted in an outpouring of grief from fans around the world. For many people, he was a constant figure in their lives and was probably one of the first actors they ever came across. His persona made him instantly recognisable and the sheer love people have for him and the characters he portrayed meant they felt like they knew him.
The word legend is an often overused word, but there’s simply no other label that perfectly sums up Robin Williams. How many entertainers can honestly say their appeal and popularity has spanned the generations? In terms of his legacy I honestly believe that was set in stone before he died. As a result of TV showings and high DVD sales, his movies are already heralded as cinematic classics and will be discovered by future generations who will be introduced to Robin Williams. He was a true talent, loved by audiences of all ages and will be sadly missed.
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