Genie, You’re Free

The title and image of this post was originally a tweet sent out by The Academy (@TheAcademy). It’s simplicity and message is so brilliant that I had to use it for my post to a great man. It’s amazing how the death of a famous Hollywood actor, like Robin Williams, seems to have such a profound impact me. I truly feel sincerely devastated by his passing, and I never knew him personally and he never knew I even existed. I don’t feel this way about every Hollywood actor that passes away, but Robin Williams’ passing is different. I’ve been watching him since I was a kid. I grew up with him in my living room every week as if he were a relative or close family friend.

“Mork & Mindy” was one of my all time favorite shows growing up. He had me on the floor laughing in every episode and even today I could watch that show over and over and still laugh just as hard. His movies are timeless, from Aladdin to Hook, Mrs Doubtfire, Good Morning Vietnam, Good Will Hunting … I loved so many of his films! His role as the Genie in Aladdin is one of the reasons that movie is one of my favorite Disney movies. I loved hearing about how most of his lines in the movie Father’s Day was adlibbed and I have a fond memory of watching Good Morning, Vietnam in French class back in high school. I was at Purdue when he was on one of his comedy tours. A bunch of my friends and I went to see him at the Elliott Hall of Music on Purdue’s campus and it is one of my fondest college memories.

I was surprised to learn back when he was filming Good Morning, Vietnam that he was taking medication for manic depression. I mean, how could a man that provided the world with so much humor, be so sad?? Depression is a frightening and awful disease of the mind. It leaves friends and family and fans feeling so helpless when they learn of tragedies such as the taking of ones life. We all wonder what we could have done to demonstrate how much Robin William was loved; how much he inspired all of us to laugh everyday, especially when life was at its most difficult. The Apple “What will your verse be” commercials he lent his voice to even felt inspirational.

I think I will be going on a Robin Williams movie binge for a while. I don’t know any other way to honor the memory of such an amazing person. I will pray that I will one day see him in that great comedy club in the sky.

RIP Robin Williams, you will be missed more then you can possibly imagine.