Robin Williams: An Unforgettable Actor & Genius

A man known for his sensational accomplishments, Robin Williams’ legacy will never be forgotten.

(photo courtesy of BagoGames)

On August 11th, the world experienced a great loss when actor Robin Williams tragically passed away. His death has impacted the lives of many across all generations and has even touched the Christian Brothers community.

Known for his phenomenal improvisational skills, impersonations, and dramatic range, Williams had the ability to unite families and simply bring pure joy.

“So many things he produced the whole family could watch. He connected with everybody,” Dr. Holly Peterson remembered. “My favorite Robin Williams work was by far [television show] Mork and Mindy, because even though maybe it wasn’t his most brilliant later work, he is burned into my childhood memories for hilarity.”

The people who really stand out to us are those that impact us in the happiest of ways. We remember fondly those who make us laugh, bring us together, and give us the chance to make happy memories. All of which Robin Williams did.

“He was endearing because he was so over the top goofy, so charming and loveable,” Dr. Peterson continued. “Whether he was doing plays or movies, he helped you feel the joy you were made for. Everybody can connect with joy.”

His aura and persona has had a great impact on our generation as well.

“I grew up watching his movies and I grew up wanting to make other people laugh because I saw the effect he had on others,” Carly Mayer (‘15) expressed.

His power to bring happiness and gaiety to peoples’ lives is precisely why he was such a role model for so many.

“He had the ability to make everyone around him laugh and be happy and be at ease. Its a tragedy that he couldn’t do it for himself, but I will always remember the impact he had on the lives of the people he met and who watched his films,” Carly reflected.

He was in many light-hearted films, but some characters he played had deeper meanings with stronger messages. Williams was a remarkably well-rounded actor in that he could take on such a vast variety of roles. Besides his over the top, goofy side that everyone fell in love with, he could switch gears to show his compassionate, loving side, or bring out darker, more sinister characters for ominous roles.

As a man well-versed in acting, Williams could touch all kinds of different people and reach out to the whole of his audience. But even a man of his talent and genius could not find complete peace.

“Its a dose of reality for people to realize that not everyone is as happy-go-lucky as they seem,” Carly articulated. “Even celebrities have issues,” Carly articulated.

A true statement, seeing how Robin Williams was so cheerful all the time and so selflessly provided humor for not only his audience, but for his friends and family as well. He was outwardly caring, generous, and sincere, not to mention he thrived off of making others laugh. And yet on the inside, he was battling something far more haunting and tormenting.

“What a tormented man he was,” Dr. Petersons’ last words left with sorrow.

The brilliant actor leaves behind a legacy of exceptional accomplishments, unprecedented wit, and extraordinary talent.