Thank You, Robin Williams
Mohamed El-Erian
President @ Queens' College, Cambridge | Finance, Economics Expert
Of all the movie stars whose work has impressed and influenced, Robin Williams stands out as the one who has left me with the greatest memories of very funny one-liners. And I am not the only one judging from the amazing global reaction to his sad passing yesterday – a reflection of his artistic genius, reach and influence.
I have benefited in another way from Mr. Williams’ enormous talent and his tremendous range. His movies have become one of the staples for my daughter and me, allowing us to share special moments and bringing us even closer together.
Few actors have excelled in such an assortment of comic family movies; and even fewer have displayed such remarkable comic spontaneity and genius.
From when my daughter was very young, we have repeatedly admired together Mr. William’s brilliance. It started for us collectively with his role as the genie in “Aladdin,” and continued with “Happy Feet,” “Night at the Museum” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.” Next on the list of movies to see together – as my daughter grows up – are his other brilliant performances in films such as “The Birdcage,” “Dead Poet Society,” “The World According to Garp,” “Good Will Hunting,” etc…
Unlike my daughter (now 11 years old), I was exposed to Mr. Williams early in his career via the TV show “Mork and Mindy.” As such, his subsequent movies have served for me as further confirmation of his incredible artistic gift. For my daughter, his acting has been a real eye opener in terms of bringing characters to life in unforgettable ways.
Then there is Mr. Williams’ kindness. I witnessed it first hand on a transatlantic flight from Los Angeles to Europe a few years ago – one in which he displayed enormous graciousness and thoughtfulness towards the many people who wished to say hello to him. (While I was too shy to approach him, I so enjoyed watching his wonderful interactions.)
With some of the media pursues the causes of his tragic passing, the rest of us should follow the advice that Susan Schneider, his wife, gave us yesterday. Rather than his death, we should focus on “the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”
Mr. Williams, we will really miss you. You made us laugh and you made us cry. You showed us the meaning of kindness and talent. And you brought us closer together.
Thank you for all this, and for a lot more.
Photo: Peter Kramer via Getty Images
Attended jitegemee jkt high school
10 年he was a great actor
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10 年It's how Robin followed his calling he was given while he was here that's most profound. I think all of us could do some meditating on that. That is why we are here after all. Thanks Robin!
president at asthma, allergy and sinus cr
10 年He was a great actor.
I can tell you all as someone who grew-up in the Bay Area that I saw and met Robin several times. The best was very late one night back in the '80's at Vanessi's Restaurant after a concert at The Old Waldorf. He and Eric Idle were there by themselves in the booth next to ours. It was raining hard outside and Robin was in one of those yellow rain coats like we all wore as kids. We drank and joked with the two of them for a couple of hours. My sides hurt for at least a day afterwards from laughing so hard! THANKS, Robin for all you did for so many in San Francisco and around the world! You were THE BEST comedian.
Senior Client Relationship Specialist-Connecting Leaders to Experts to Make Work Safer
10 年Very well said Kenneth, thanks!