Has it really been 11 years since beloved actor Robin Williams died? He was an integral part of our lives for so many years. When this beautiful man, who made us laugh and feel so much, left the world, we couldn’t help but feel it deeply. The memories of him will live on forever, through his work, and the love and joy he spread to the world while he was here.
Robin Williams, the Alien
In the 1970s, Robin Williams started out as a stand-up comedian. He made audiences laugh from the stage until he started making television appearances in 1977. But it was 1978 when he first appeared as Mork from Ork in Happy Days and then, of course, in Mork and Mindy. For 4 seasons and 94 episodes, he brought the charming alien to life alongside costar Pam Dawber. Every Gen Xer knows Mork and his catch phrase, “Nanu Nanu!” You can’t help but smile.
An Incredible List of Movie Credits
Robin Williams wasn’t just funny, he was sensational. And his movie credits show just how popular he was. From Popeye in 1980 to Good Morning Vietnam in 1987, and Dead Poets Society in 1989, he appeared in movie after movie with his signature wit and, sometimes, a seriousness that made you love him even more. Robin Williams didn’t fit into a box. His performances made us sad or thoughtful as often as he made us laugh.
There are so many memorable films that it would be impossible to name them all, and we’ll likely miss someone’s favorites. But we couldn’t have a tribute to Robin Williams without mentioning Mrs. Doubtfire. No one could forget the gender-bending character who just wanted to be with his children, but bent the rules maybe a little too much. We could sympathize with him, though. And we laughed so hard, especially when the front of his dress caught fire!
Then there’s Jumanji, The Birdcage, Good Will Hunting… And Bicentennial Man, which is a movie that makes this writer cry real tears at the end, every time. Robin Williams was just so special.
The Grief of Losing Him
We shouldn’t forget that Robin Williams left behind a family who loved him more dearly than any fan ever could. On July 21, his birthday, his son Zak Williams posted a beautiful tribute on Instagram. He wrote about how this time of year is difficult, with his father’s birthday, Father’s Day, and the anniversary of his death. But his words are beautiful so we’ll share some of what he said.
“For me, grief isn’t linear. It loops and echoes. It softens, then crescendos. But alongside it lives a legacy, the kind built not from fame or recognition, but from generosity and relentless kindness.
My father lived to make people feel seen. He gave permission to feel deeply and to laugh through the pain. In his absence, that mission continues.”
You Aren’t Alone
Grief can be a difficult companion to keep. It’s easier if it is shared. Zak wrote, “To anyone carrying loss right now: you’re not alone. You are part of a passage of love and connection that never really ends.”
And, if you’re going through some things and you don’t see a way out, there is help. The free Lifeline is 988, and you can call, text, or chat through the website. You are important. And the world is better with you in it.
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