Tribute to Robin Williams

August 12, 2014 | 6

Today, we lost Robin Williams. A man whose amazing sense of humour, warmth and playfulness transcended age, language and yes, even his untimely death.

Robin Williams was a huge part of my childhood. I had the incredible privilege of growing up with the likes of Mrs Doubtfire, Aladdin and Hook.

Robin Williams was an equally large part of my teenage and early adult years. I am thankful that during my personal journey into manhood, I was able to draw inspiration, laugh, learn and be challenged by the likes of Good Will Hunting, Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poet’s Society.

I made this tribute for Robin Williams out of LEGO. I felt like it was the least that I could do, to immortalize his likeness and play tribute to a very special actor, and entertainer. These movies will forever have a special place in my heart.

Earlier today when I learned of his passing, a wave of sadness and gloom swept over me. I hope that if you’re reading this and if you’re suffering from depression, that you know that you’re not alone and that you don’t have to deal with your depression by yourself. I hope that you will reach out to someone, anyone – a friend, a family member, a random stranger. I hope that you discover that you are not alone.

If you feel that you have no one to turn to, I urge you to contact organisations like Beyond Blue, or call your local suicide hotline if you ever consider ending your life. There is always a way out, and I hope that you find your way, that you find belonging and that you realise that you are loved, valued and significant as a fellow human being.

Mrs. Doubtfire was my very first exposure to Robin Williams, I distinctly remember watching the movie on VHS tapes, wishing that I had a cool nanny like Robin Williams.

Who can forget Robin William’s voicing of the Genie from Aladdin. Unbelievably funny, this Disney movie was a staple in my childhood. The movie may have been called Aladdin, but everyone knew that Robin William’s big blue Genie was the real star.

I caught Good Morning Vietnam as a young teenager purely by accident. I was bored at home with nothing to do and just so happened to catch it on TV. His wisecracks, and anti-establishment demeanor as a Vietnam War Radio DJ who uses his gift of humour to lift people up in a war zone made this a movie with an immensely powerful and thought provoking message.

O Captain! My Captain! Dead Poet’s Society is one of my favourite movies of all time. As a lover of literature and the written word, the movie had a profound impact of me. Throughout the day, I reflected on his iconic line from the movie, “Seize the day. Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold and die.”..

Rest in Peace Robin Williams, and thank you for making me laugh, making me think and making me feel the gamut of human emotion.