Today the world lost a shining light, an unsurpassed talent and a comic genius. As I watch “Aladdin’ in tribute to Robin Williams I reflect on the actor who has been one of my favourites since his I first saw him as a guest star on ‘Eight is Enough’ in 1977. At that time I just thought he was a pretty good young actor but it was his recurring role in ‘Happy Days’ as Mork from Ork that really cemented his place in my heart.

From his first scene in ‘Happy Days’ I recognised the talent that lie within this amazing actor who has made so many laugh at his on-screen antics over the years. His comedic timing was exceptional and he was at his best when those with whom he worked gave him free rein to ad lib and do what he did best- play the comic whose range of voices and characters made everything he did extraordinary.

In the late 70s and early 80s he was everywhere playing Popeye, Mork, Garp in ‘The World According to Garp’, Vladimir in ‘Moscow on the Hudson’, Tommy in ‘Seize the Day’ and many other roles.  But it was as Adrian Cronauer in ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ that he really hit the big time. In this role he really demonstrated the range of his ability to provide both comic and dramatic entertainment, So much of that movie’s success owed it to his talent in delivering lines with expertise and his passion for the ridiculous.  Every scene with him in it was a pleasure to watch.

Then a few years later he further demonstrated this talent in ‘Dead Poets Society’ when he showed us that “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” This was the movie that I showed my classes when I wanted them to embrace the concept of looking at the world from a different perspective and making the right choices to make the most of the opportunities they are given in life because  “There’s a time for daring and there’s a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for.”  At that time I was sure that this talented actor was sure to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role and I was so disappointed that he didn’t.

‘Cadillac Man’ , ‘Awakenings’ and ‘The Fisher King’ followed soon after and I really enjoyed them, more for Robin Williams’ role and his interactions with his co-stars than for any outstanding script or cinematography. At this time it dawned on me that I had possibly seen more movies that included Robin Williams than any other actor.  He was firmly entrenched as my favourite.

Then there was ‘Hook’ which had so many homages to his other roles that it became, in my mind. a Robin Williams tribute movie and I cherished the foresight of a screen writer (James Hart) and director (Steven Spielberg)  who thought it was a good idea to include so many references to his movie catalogue.

A few other roles followed before Robin provided the voice of the Genie in Disney’s ‘Aladdin’. I am not a huge fan of animated movies but this is one I can watch time and time again as it, too, demonstrates the wisdom of allowing him the freedom to ad lib and create classic movie magic.

Next came ‘Toys’, which was not one of my favourites but was still an entertaining movie, followed by ‘Mrs Doubtfire’, in which he again excelled with a mix of humour blended with the pathos of a father who wanted to spend time with his children and would do whatever he could to do so. I laughed and cried my way through this movie as visual gags gave way to emotion and drama.

There followed a range of appearances in tv shows and movies such as ‘Jumanji’, ‘The Birdcage’ and ‘Deconstructing Henry’ where Robin showed his extensive talent.  It was always a great surprise to see him pop up in an episode of a show I was watching.

But it was ‘Good Will Hunting’ that brought him the Academy Award that had so long eluded him.  I cried during the movie and cried during his acceptance speech when he was presented with the much-deserved award. He had shown the world that the comic genius was also a dramatic force to be reckoned with.

The diversity of the roles that followed was astounding as he appeared in movies such as ‘Patch Adams’ , ‘Bicentennial Man’, ‘A.I.: Artificial Intelligence’. ‘One Hour Photo’, ‘R.V.’, ‘Happy Feet’, ‘Night at the Museum’ and ‘The Butler’. Such an astounding range of characters brought to life by a great talent.

This year we saw him grace the small screen once more in ‘The Crazy Ones’ and it was a delight to see him do what he did best, make people laugh.  The show had so much potential and I was sad that it wasn’t renewed for a second season.

This actor has given me so much joy over the years but I was also aware that behind the face of comedy lay a darker mask of sorrow. I read of his struggle with addiction and depression and could imagine how hard it must have been for him to be on show and expected to provide the humour when what he really felt was a deep and soul-destroying sorrow.  Too often we forget that it is the hidden conditions, such as depression and other mental health issues, that can be the most destructive.

Today I am desolate that this great talent has left this mortal coil and feel a great sense of loss.  I am grateful for the countless hours of joy and entertainment that I was lucky enough to have experienced through his tv shows and movies and his stand-up show that I saw in the 80s, but I feel as though there is something missing in life now, as he has been a constant source of fun and diversion for more than 30 years.

My heart goes out to his family, who have lost a father and husband and to his friends, who must feel a loss of far greater magnitude than fans like me who are coming to terms with his passing in our own small ways.

But his passing is a reminder that we need to take care of those we love as we never know whether the last time we saw them will, indeed, be the last time we see them.

I am reminded of a part of ‘Dead Poets Society’ where his character is speaking of poetry. ‘To quote from Whitman, “O me! O life!… of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless… of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?” Answer. That you are here – that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?’

Mr Williams, you were greatly loved and respected. You have contributed not one but many verses and we will miss you. Thank you for the laughter and tears.  Rest in peace.