A Word on Robin Williams

On August 11, 2014, the world lost one of the warmest, funniest, and furriest actors that it has ever known.  I have heard it said that if you were born between 1980 and 1990, a group that includes all of the PopFilter writers, and I’m guessing most of our readership, Robin Williams meant a great deal to your childhood. With films like Jumanji, Mrs. Doubtfire, Hook, Aladdin, Dead Poet’s Society, Jack, and Good Will Hunting, I can safely say that William’s roles brought a certain kind of energy and excitement to my life. Williams was at his best with the kids movies, perhaps because he became a father in that 1980-1990 time frame, or perhaps it was because he is just a big kid himself. He seemed to understand what makes children so special, without talking down to them or being condescending. His performances were a bridge for children to cross into a world that was a little more enchanting. His shocking passing reminds us that we never really know the struggles these actors who inspire us, who make us laugh and cry, of whom we feel so close to, go through in their personal lives. Williams lives on in his work, and though he is at peace, he is still there for us in the way that he has always been there for us. His legendary kindness and warmth live on in film.