Celebrity colleagues and admirers of Robin Williams shared their reactions to his death at age 63 in an apparent suicide.
“I am completely and totally devastated. What more can be said?” “Mork & Mindy” co-star Pam Dawber, in a statement.
“Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him. He was a pal and I can’t believe he’s gone.” “Hook” director Steven Spielberg, in a statement.
“I saw him on stage the very first time he auditioned at the Improv and we have been friends ever since. It’s a very sad day.” talk show host and comedian Jay Leno, in a statement.
“Robin and I were great friends, suffering from the same little-known disease- depression. I never could have expected this ending to his life and to ours with him. God bless him and God bless us all for his LIFE! I cannot believe this. I am overwhelmed with grief. What a wonderful man/boy and what a tremendous talent in the most important art of any time comedy! I loved him,” actor-comedian Chevy Chase, in a statement.
“His impact on the world was so positive. He did so much good for people. He made me and so many people laugh so hard for a very long time.” “Night at the Museum” co-star Ben Stiller, on Twitter.
“We have lost one of our most inspired and gifted comic minds, as well as one of this generation’s greatest actors. To watch Robin work, was a magical and special privilege. His performances were unlike anything any of us had ever seen, they came from some spiritual and otherworldly place. He truly was one of the few people who deserved the title of ‘genius.’” “Mrs. Doubtfire” director Chris Columbus, in a statement.
“I am absolutely heartbroken. Robin was a national treasure and a beautiful soul.” “The World According to Garp” co-star Glenn Close, in a statement.
“I’ve never known a sweeter, brighter, more considerate person than Robin. Robin’s commitment as an artist to lifting our mood and making us happy is compared to none. He loved us all and we loved him back.” “Old Dogs” co—star John Travolta, in a statement.
“Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit.” President Barack Obama, in a statement.
Kamal Haasan’s message
“Comedians are invariably critics of society who have masked their anger with humour. Constantly maintaining a funny facade leads to depression,” actor Kamal Hassan said in his message condoling the death of Williams.
“Robin Williams' true nature is being quick to tears. You can see it in his films. He could have never become a star in the 60's, for American film heroes were too scared to cry on screen,” he said in statement in Chennai. “The Vietnam war changed the American psyche. Rambo was the first popular action hero to show panic cry and scream in fear. Robin Williams brought dignity to male crying.”
“I like him for his talent . If the alleged story about his suicide is true then I dislike him for ending his life before his due date of expiry. That's a copout that I don't expect of an artist of his caliber. Same applies to my Indian idol Mr. Guru Dutt,” he added.
