Legendary at stand-up yes but also a noted thief whose 'improv/rapid-fire' style was a mishmash of stolen jokes and stereotypes. Williams was known for paying-off the ones that complained. Ironic that his idol was Jon Winters but his break came on Carson--who had stolen liberally from Winters. To his credit Williams (in recent years) formed relationships with a lot of young comedians and seemed intent on repairing that part of his reputation.
Some have depression because of drug and alcohol problems. Some have drug and alcohol problems, because they depression and self medicate. Love your family, and respect them, but still forgive them when you can forgive them. The death of Robin Williams is a terrible loss. You could tell from all the stories about him, he wanted to make everyone happy. Why he wanted to make everyone happy is an interesting rabbit hole to go down.
I was listening to a podcast recently and a couple of comedians were recanting stories of things that meant the world to the when nobody knew their names. Anyway, one of the comedians said after his show he went out to sell tee shirts and CD's in the lobby and earn a couple extra bucks from patrons who enjoyed the show. There was a bit of a line, and once most of the line was gone someone stepped to the front, said he loved the routine and introduced himself as Robin. When the comedian looked up from the merchandise table and saw he was being complimented by Robin Williams he was floored. Not only did Robin Williams take the time to watch his act, he also took the time to come up and encourage a young comedian, but he even waited his turn in line with people wanting to get their CD jacket signed. I think that speaks of someone who truly loved comedy, helping others and was a good person.
Suicide is sometimes a way to remove your pain by transfering it to your loved ones. It that sense, it can indeed be selfish. (and yes, I am speaking from experience) I don't know enough about William's circumstances to pass judgement on that - but the world has lost an irreplaceable entertainer and unique talent.
Robin Williams And Why Funny People Kill Themselves Not exactly a lighthearted article (nor should it be), even if the source is Cracked.
Robin Williams got his start in comedy clubs in San Francisco. He referred to San Francisco as a big asylum where he could walk down the street and feel at home. Sadly, not enough at home. What those who condemn him don't realize is the severely depressed person thinks he/she is doing others a favor by not being here.
Personally, I was sad at first, but now fuck you Robin Williams you were loved by millions and killing yourself is the ultimate bitch move. You were not a 95 year old person literally on your deathbed, I am sorry you could not overcome your demons but what you did to your family is shameful.
He's not trolling, it's just the unfortunate problem we are facing in this country. Mental health isn't being given enough of our time, or respect. Hopefully this incident can help improve the care we take for those who have a mental illness, whatever it is...sadly I've been watching this movie for about 5 years, and the ending is always the same. One of the reasons I'm most sad about Williams passing, is that I feel horrible that he was so tortured that this is what he thought needed to happen. I have a lot of respect for the people in this thread who have talked about their personal struggles with depression,other mental illnesses, or how medication changed their mind and made them depressed. I'm glad you all became a better person because of your experiences, and I encourage everyone to remember that severe depression can happen to anyone you love. Your mom, brother, daughter, wife, yourself, even your dog. There's nothing wrong with being depressed, and there is always a way to overcome it.
I agree with this being depressed is a terrible feeling. There is a feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness tied into it. Overcoming it can be very difficult but suicide is never the answer.
People close to someone who has taken their own life frequently feel guilt, frustration, and anger along with their sorrow. Being honest about that isn't trolling.
I admit I feel like we've all been robbed some by his passing. I think we lose by not having him around for the next 20+ years. I'm not pissed at him, just sad that he couldn't get past his problems.
I think that it's time people realize that depression is a terrible disease. People don't ask to be depressed. It hits them and many of them are unable to climb out of it. Nobody faults a terminal cancer patient for wanting doctor assisted suicide. They recognize that a person with cancer is suffering, and the humane thing is for that person to be able to die on their own terms, if they so choose. People with severe depression are suffering as well, but we can't see it. Not like cancer. They live with depression until they get to the point where they can't live with it anymore. We treat people with depression like lepers. If you seek therapy, or admit that you've had suicidal thoughts, that's something that will follow you around for the rest of your life. If you want a job with the government, they specifically ask you if you've ever considered suicide at any point in your life. People don't want to admit that they have suicidal thoughts. They don't want to admit they've gone to therapy. They don't want to admit they are depressed and they don't want to admit they're in trouble. That mother who killed herself a couple weeks ago is a perfect example. Nobody had any idea until it was too late. We need to stop treating depression like it's something that people choose, and start treating it like it's something people are inflicted with. If we treated it like any other illness, maybe people would be more willing to seek help. Maybe people like Robin Williams and Phillip Seymour Hoffman would still be alive.
I can't get enough coverage of this. I'm not even really a big movie guy, but I've seen pretty much everything that he's made. I didn't realize just how big of a fan I was until his passing. Just a couple weeks ago I was youtubing his stand up from the 80's which I loved. Just thought the guys was magic. Here's a cool video on how he named his daughter Zelda: [video=youtube;wcZhY_Zo-yg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcZhY_Zo-yg#t=42[/video]
