We can re-watch his movies, but for the past week, our tears of laughter and joy have been replaced with tears of absolute despair.
On Aug. 11, Robin Williams, a beloved actor and comedian, committed suicide at the age of 63, leaving his fans in shock.
I have always adored films his films and when my mom would mention seeing a movie, a movie he was in, I was immediately rushing out the door and into the car.
“Aladdin” is one of his most notable films. William’s role, was a mentor to the naive, in love Aladdin. This giant genie trapped in an “itty bitty living space” desired only one thing throughout the movie: freedom. I believe this was also the life Williams wanted for himself. Williams longed to be himself and to make everyone happy. I know I learned to be myself. Genie taught me that.
“Hook” and “Night at the Museum” were also movies that I grew fond of. I loved the effects of magic you felt as you watched Teddy Roosevelt, William’s character, in “Night at the Museum”, alter himself from human to figurine as the sun rose. As you glared at the screen, it seemed you became a part of the movie. You were racing around with Williams and the Lost Boys; you were the night guard at the American Museum of Natural History, playing fetch with the T-Rex and growing a close friendship to the faux Roosevelt.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” was the film that affected my childhood the most.
I can vividly remember the moments where Williams would make me laugh, by setting his fake-breasts on fire with the kitchen stove or accidently spewing her fake teeth into a man’s drink at the dinner table. I still have the urge every time I hear “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” by AeroSmith to vacuum. I still want to dance around on living room loveseats when I listen to “Jump Around”. I know I still feel heartbroken as I watch William’s character get supervision of his children, when all he ever wanted was to be around them, because they were his life.
I wasn’t alone on this; I bet you’ve felt it too.
Junior Kayla Moelk said William’s films became her family life by how often she watched them. He grew on her, as just another part of her big family, and she felt as if she personally knew him. Without this “quirky, funny man” she had “grown to love”, as Moelk puts it, she’s abandoned, feeling oddly sad. “Knowing that someone who brought so much joy to the world had a lack of happiness just hurts.” Moelk said. “I’ve learned that the happiest people can often be the most troubled.”
Robin Williams was a man of greatness and plenty of hilarious jokes rolled up his sleeves, but yet, he battled with himself and the unhappiness he felt inside. “You’re only given one little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” Robin Williams once said.
We won’t lose your memories, Williams. You’re a legend and you’ll never be forgotten. Thank you.
