Oh Captain, My Captain

Lee here.

Robin Williams died today, at age 63.

His death, the result of an apparent suicide, is the end to a battle with depression, according to his publicist. As someone who personally struggles with depression, as well as living with loved ones who struggle with it, I am heartsick to hear this news.

Robin Williams, known and beloved for his frenetic comedy, had a marvelous ability to reach into our souls with dramatic performances as well. My favorite roles played by Robin Williams were those that didn't just make us laugh, but touched on the darker side of the human condition. I've always thought that those who excel in comedy have a knack for getting to the heart of drama, more so than those who focus on drama alone. And Robin Williams didn't only have a knack, he had a gift.

My five favorite films featuring this gift, along with quotes spoken by Williams:

Dead Poets Society:

"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. 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?"


Good Will Hunting

"People call those imperfections, but no, that's the good stuff."

The Fisher King

"Jack, I may be going out on a limb here, but you don't seem like a happy camper."

Awakenings

"What we do know is that, as the chemical window closed, another awakening took place; that the human spirit is more powerful than any drug - and THAT is what needs to be nourished: with work, play, friendship, family. THESE are the things that matter. This is what we'd forgotten - the simplest things."


What Dreams May Come

"What some folks call impossible, is just stuff they haven't seen before."

I've grown up with Robin Williams. He was a regular visitor at my house, from Fern Gully to Mrs. Doubtfire to Jumanji. He gave us unforgettable moments of laughter and poignant moments of humanity. The abundance of talent that just seemed to ooze from his pores was something that caught the attention of people young and old from every walk of life. 

I'm grateful for the years he shared with us, and sorry for the heartbreak that he experienced. For the disease that ultimately took his life. Thank you Robin Williams, for giving us something to laugh about, and to cry about. You are unforgettable.

We will miss you. Many feel the pains of this mortal life to be as shackling as the chains of slavery, so as we say goodbye, we are reminded of your wonderful character in Aladdin.

"Genie, you're free."