Robin Williams died yesterday, in an apparent suicide. He was a great actor, writer, stand-up comedian and most of all, a very nice guy. We’ve rounded up the best Robin Williams tributes from all over the web here – tributes that only reinforce what a big loss this is. We’re just so sad.
🙁 RT @Variety: Robin Williams has been found dead at the age of 63 in a possible suicide. http://t.co/7fPrFoNDDp pic.twitter.com/rLf4Er2IDF
— Silverscreen.in (@silverscreenin) August 11, 2014
Soon, the Times confirmed.
Breaking News: Robin Williams, Oscar-Winning Comedian, Dies at 63 http://t.co/XGHPlPMAbL — The New York Times (@nytimes) August 11, 2014
Sounds awfully similar to this scene from the Watchmen.
Man goes to doctor.
Says he’s depressed.
Says life is harsh and cruel.
Says he feels all alone in a threatening world.
Doctor says, “Treatment is simple.
The great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight.
Go see him.
That should pick you up.”
Man bursts into tears.
Says, “But doctor… I am Pagliacci.”
Good joke. Everybody laugh. Roll on snare drum. Curtains.
A lot of celebrities from Hollywood took to Twitter to express their condolences (rounded up here by THR)
Robin dying hurts in a real way. I’m at a loss for words. I hope there’s peace to be found for his family. I have to find mine… — Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) August 12, 2014
But Danny Devito said it best in this one word Tweet.
Heartbroken — Danny DeVito (@DannyDeVito) August 12, 2014
Sesame street posted this heartwarming picture of Williams:
RT @sesamestreet: We mourn the loss of our friend Robin Williams, who always made us laugh and smile. pic.twitter.com/Z7PYOeqKrp — Silverscreen.in (@silverscreenin) August 11, 2014
Mashable and E! rounded up his best film appearances:
Remembering Robin Williams: His best appearances on TV and film. http://t.co/QV10PZqY1J pic.twitter.com/tfUOgmdyLu — Mashable (@mashable) August 12, 2014
Honoring Robin Williams’ legacy: his best roles from Mrs. Doubtfire to Patch Adams. http://t.co/pUdxjmRCxr pic.twitter.com/ScBAYSHn13 — E! Online (@eonline) August 12, 2014
And the President summed it up beautifully.
“Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny … and everything in between. But he was one of a kind.” —President Obama — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 12, 2014
Lady Gaga took the chance to post about the scourge of depression while remembering the man “who made us all so happy.”
Rest in Peace+Laughter Robin Williams. Perhaps this tragedy will shed light on the seriousness of depression. You made us all so so happy. — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 12, 2014
There were several impromptu memorials that showed up:
My neighbors are laying flowers at the former location of the Other Cafe in SF, where Robin Williams got his start. pic.twitter.com/3vSNDzP1bF — Steve Silberman (@stevesilberman) August 12, 2014
Your move chief.
RT @THR: See the #RobinWilliams memorial that has popped up at the Good Will Hunting bench http://t.co/zPHxtG7aRG pic.twitter.com/7cqWXmieo5 — Silverscreen.in (@silverscreenin) August 12, 2014
Then there was this:
Genie, you’re free. pic.twitter.com/WjA9QuuldD
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 12, 2014
Back home, Ileana D’Cruz couldn’t believe the man “that lit up the screen” was gone.
Can’t believe he’s gone! He was such a brilliant actor!! He just lit up the screen…You will be… http://t.co/LEvZSCNmED
— Ileana D’Cruz (@Ileana_Official) August 12, 2014
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
While Prem Panicker rounded up tributes on his Tumblr.
There were several very well received Reddit AMAs, the last of which he ended with
Thank you for an INCREDIBLE session. This was really a lot of fun. And saved me a lot of therapy time. I hope to come back.
while answering questions like his favorite celebrity to impersonate (Jack Nicholson) and the inspiration for his Golf routine:
… A drunken Scottish friend. I think his idea was “What the fuck is that sport” and I just took it from there. I don’t play. I was once at a driving range with my son, I hit 2 balls, and he said “Dad, that’s enough.”
His Oscar acceptance speech for Good Will Hunting.
But as always, The New Yorker had the best last word in this profile of Williams from 1993.