I am just gutted and truly sad tonight. Just heard of Robin Williams suicide. Hoping I heard wrong - like his death announcement last time. But it is not to be. Thinking of Robin Williams tonight and his family and friends - a true and brilliant actor and comic genius. I loved his dramatic roles best of and was so happy watching him win his Oscar for his portrayal of the empathetic therapist in “Good Will Hunting.” His role in “Awakenings,” that still makes me cry over and over. And as the young teacher in Dead Poets Society” that had me wanting to stand on my seat in the theatre and cheer out loud! And the haunting portrayal in “What Dreams May Come” that still gives me chills. I sat with him one night when I was doing stand up comedy and had gone on so early the crowd wasnt even a little drunk and happy. A tough crowd to say the least. I guessed I looked pretty down coming off stage. He had stood at the side of the stage and watched the comics perform. He gave words of encouragement to all of them. He stopped me and said It gets better. and smiled and squeezed my shoulder and added, Never give up something you love as much as this. And I can tell you love it I watched him take over the stage from the first second he stepped on to it he captivated his audience at lightening speed. And left his fans always wanting more. We chatted long into the night of our comic heroes - His Jonathon Winters and Red Skelton and me Totie Fields and Carol Burnett. He told me that it was tougher for women in the comedy business, and that I was a natural and a gifted storyteller. I have always treasured that first night spent in an empty club with him and the six other young comics who hung on his every word. He put on no airs and was just kind, helpful and encouraging. We bumped into each many times over the years. He knew my face always - never could never remember my name - He always called me Millie - Minerva - Mazie. Years later in 1987 I was doing a regular job as a PR Director of a 1,000 room hotel and convention centre and was arranging media interviews with his media team for a movie he was doing a media junket for (Good Morning Vietnam). He took one look at me and gave me a huge grin and did his best John Wayne impression, Well come over here little lady! Its been a while... and did Waynes staggered walk. I got one of the biggest and best hugs I have ever had. Then he went on a 10 minute improv of me going to the dark side with a Star Wars slant combined with a Hello Lucy - You got a lot of splaining to do! and added an Ethel Merman tweak with a rendition of Theres No Business Like Show Business at full blast. He knew he knew me and it was from comedy clubs wed been in. My boss had thought hed lost it. All I could do was laugh and blush. We went to dinner that night and talked until it was dawn with his wife Valarie, and his business manager about the good ole days and our heroes. There was always an air of sadness within him - even when I first met him and it lingered and was seen in small glimpses over the years. His talent and skill will not be seen again. I am sorry he could only find this final solution to his despair and ended his pain with his suicide. Though we met only in short moments in time throughout the years I was blessed to witness his genius and know the man for who he really was - a caring and kind man who always made sure to make others comfortable and who always gave encouragement and made others feel special. He will indeed be missed! RIP Robin Williams
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 00:38:50 +0000
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