President Obama and celebrities pay homage to Robin Williams Posted by Joyce Sazon Robin Williams’ death shocked many people worldwide as the actor-comedian of over four decades left an immeasurable impact from the movies he made as well as television shows; not to mention his stints as a stand-up comedian on stages around the globe. The surprising announcement of his death drew many of his friends to pay homage; shocked as they are from the sudden twist in Williams’ life. Even the president of the US, Barack Obama, was among the first to pay tribute to the great actor. The first family joined a national outpouring of grief Monday to pay homage to the deceased actor and comedian. The President said: “Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien — but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit,” Obama added, referring to Williams’ breakthrough television role as the extraterrestrial visitor Mork. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most — from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams,” the statement says in conclusion.” David Steinberg, his manager of 35 years laments: “Nobody made the world laugh like Robin Williams. My brother, my friend, my soulmate, I will miss you.” Cornelius Crane “Chevy Chase”, an American comedian, Golden Globe Award-nominated film and television actor, and Emmy Award-winning writer says of Williams: “Robin and I were great friends, suffering from the same little-known disease: depression. I never could have expected this ending to his life, and to ours with him. God bless him and God bless us all for his life! I cannot believe this. I am overwhelmed with grief. What a wonderful man/boy and what a tremendous talent in the most important art of any time – comedy! I loved him.” Danny DeVito, Daniel Michael “Danny” DeVito, Jr. (born November 17, 1944), an American actor, comedian, director, and producer: “So sad to think about this. Hard to speak. Hard to say. Hard to take. All I can think about is what a joy he was to be with. I’m devastated. I’m sending my love to his family and everyone who loved him. My heart is broken by this news.” Steve Martin, a fellow comedian and Pink Panther actor: “I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.” Benjamin Edward “Ben Stiller“, an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, film director, and producer: “His kindness and generosity is what I think of. How kind he was to anyone who wanted to connect with him. And he could not help but be funny all the time. He would do something as long as it would keep you laughing. He made many, many film crews laugh out loud before the audiences ever saw it. He made such a big impact on the world. So there is the man, and his talent, and I think in his case both were extraordinary.” Sally Field, an American actress, singer, producer, director, and screenwriter “I feel stunned and so sad about Robin. I’m sad for the world of comedy. And so very sad for his family. And I’m sad for Robin. He always lit up when he was able to make people laugh, and he made them laugh his whole life long – tirelessly. He was one of a kind. There will not be another. Please God, let him now rest in peace.” Forest Steven Whitaker III, an American actor, producer, and director who earned a reputation for intensive character study work for films: “The world has lost a special soul. Robin touched our hearts, he gave us laughter, he gave us joy, he made us think about the impossible. I’m blessed to have been able to walk inside his universe. He forever changed this world with his presence. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all those who hold him dear.” Chris Joseph Columbus (director, Mrs. Doubtfire, Nine Months, Bicentennial Man), an American film director, producer and screenwriter: “We have lost one of our most inspired and gifted comic minds, as well as one of this generation’s greatest actors. To watch Robin work was a magical and special privilege. His performances were unlike anything any of us had ever seen, they came from some spiritual and otherworldly place. He truly was one of the few people who deserved the title of ‘genius.’ We were friends for 21 years. Our children grew up together, he inspired us to spend our lives in San Francisco and I loved him like a brother. The world was a better place with Robin in it. And his beautiful legacy will live on forever.” David Steinberg (comedian), a Canadian comedian, actor, writer, director, and author reminisces: “Robin Williams and I went on stage together for six months last year, playing theaters across the country. Besides seeing his brilliant improvisational mind in action, every night was the pleasure in just getting to know him and his generosity and spirit. He looked after Jonathan Winters and put him on his TV shows. He would drive to Santa Barbara weekly to make sure Jonathan was ok. A comic genius looking after another comic genius. Robin looked after everyone. If only he would have looked after himself.” Neil Patrick Harris, an American actor, producer, singer, director and fellow comedian tweeted: “I am stunned and just reeling from the news of Robin Williams’ death. He brought so much joy and heart to millions… Just, wow…” Lindsey Lohan: “Mr Williams visited me the first day of filming The Parent Trap. I will never forget his kindness. What an enormous loss. My condolences.” Barbados-born singer Rihanna says: “Heartbreaking news about the late Robin Williams. May his soul now be at peace!” James Franco, actor of 127 Hours: “Love to Robin Williams…” Songbird Taylor Swift went, “Heartbroken for Robin Williams and his family.” Vera Wang, the celebrity designer, posted: “Robin Williams. One of my idols… his intelligence, freedom, honesty and bravery. Love to his family on their inestimable loss. xx Vera.” Paramount Movies official account tweeted, “Our hearts go out to the family, friends and fans of Robin Williams. Rest in peace.” Sarah Michelle Gellar, who acts in American sitcom The Crazy Ones alongside Williams tweeted a compilation of images of the two of them shortly after Williams’ death. Thousands of netizens have expressed their grief and surprise at the sudden demise of a well-loved and well-followed actor-comedian who has touched lives with his roles in his movies.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 12:47:25 +0000