Robin Williams was the first comedian I ever idolized. Within a few years I saw Toys, Hook, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire and Fern Gully and even though I was only a kid I knew I was seeing something unique in the world of comedy. Then around the time I was starting high school, I discovered his more serious roles like The Fisher King, The Birdcage, Good Will Hunting, and Dead Poets Society. Looking back, I think he introduced me to the concept that comedy and drama were not opposites, but could exist together not only in the same film but in the same role, even in the same moment. As a comedian performing out of character (if such a creature actually exists) he was never at a loss for a joke or a line. The ultimate improviser because the ideas never stopped coming. Of course, history has shown us that performers who bring that kind of frenetic energy to the stage almost always have trouble when they step out of the spotlight, and no matter how many times it happens its a terrible loss when a great artist leaves us too soon. But, think of this: Fifty years from now, another smart ass eight-year-old kid who doesnt understand why his schoolmates get nervous talking in front of the class will watch Aladdin for the first time on whatever home video format is the norm by that point and hell learn every word to Friend Like Me and memorize every joke and then find out that the guy who does the voice for the Genie made a ton of other movies and hell watch as many as he can get his hands on...though hopefully not RV...or Jack...or What Dreams May Come...or Fathers Day...or Jumanji...or Flubber...or Patch Adams...or One Hour Photo...Popeye, Bicentennial Man, Man of the Year, License to Wed, Old Dogs...sorry, got a little off topic there. The point is, hell be making people laugh forever so hes not really gone. Or, as he himself so often said, Dont be afraid!
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 02:13:53 +0000
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