For many viewers, the Oscars are are chance to snark and make fun of everything that happens on stage (and can you blame ‘em?). But then the “In Memoriam” segment comes around and reduces even the most cynical person to puddle of bubbling tears. The 2015 Oscars “In Memoriam” is no different, offering a whirlwind tour through a year’s worth of beloved people who passed away. Get ready ... it’s about to get a little dusty in here.
During the taping of last night's 'Conan,' the heartbreaking news of Robin Williams' passing was announced. Instead of ignoring the news or saving it for tomorrow or not acknowledging it, host Conan O'Brien took it upon himself to share it with a shocked studio audience, sidekick Andy Richter, and guest Will Arnett. Still stunned and reeling from the news, the trio -- all of whom had worked with Williams in the past -- shared their thoughts on the actor and comedian.
As we struggle to make sense of the death of Robin Williams, we've spent some time here remembering him as a person and his work. We're obviously just a few of the many, many people Robin Williams touched during his lifetime. Among them are the many people he worked with over the years, from his days as a guest star on 'Happy Days' to his upcoming role in 'Night at the Museum 3.' Below are some thoughts, prayers and remembrances from friends and family who had the pleasure of knowing him both on- and off-screen.
“Can you believe Popeye is played by the guy who plays Mork?” These words from my mother blew my seven-year-old mind. That's my intro to a piece I don’t know how to write and, honestly, probably shouldn’t be writing so soon after learning about Robin Williams’ death. I only had one encounter with Williams professionally – an interview promoting ‘Happy Feet 2,’ of all things – yet there are tears coming down my face as I type this for what is essentially a stranger. Even though he’s not a stranger. Everyone knew him. This is everyone’s loss.
Robin Williams' death is shocking and heartbreaking and touches us in a way usually reserved for close friends. Maybe that's because we're of a generation that grew up on Robin Williams. He's been making us laugh and cheering us up since we were kids; like a big-screen father figure. That he died suffering from severe depression, makes the news all the more tragic. As director Garry Marshall, who first cast Williams in 'Happy Days' and later 'Mork and Mindy,' said today, "He could make everybody happy but himself."
He made everyone happy and in that spirit, we'd like to celebrate his work, and we asked a few of our writers to look back at their favorite moments of his career.
It has been reported that legendary actor Robin Williams is dead of an apparent suicide due to asphyxia. He was just 63 and lived in Tiburon, California with his wife.