The Great Wonder that is Robin Williams | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Great Wonder that is Robin Williams

"Comedy is acting out optimism," Robin Williams said.

46
The Great Wonder that is Robin Williams

Iwas driving home one day in August two years ago when I got a phone call. "Did you hear what happened?" the voice on the other line said. "No, What?" "Robin Williams passed away." I honestly didn't believe it. When I got home I ran over to my computer and sure enough, it was all over the news.

The next few days almost everyone's status was changed to "Carpe Diem" or "Oh Captain my Captain". It was amazing to see how genuine everyone was and how he really moved people. For me, I couldn't hold back tears. Like many my age, I grew up with Robin. When I was very little he was that funny guy that dressed as an old lady in "Mrs. Doubtfire". He was the cartoon genie that had even my parents dying in laughter.

As I got older, Robin William's films continued to be with me. Movies like "Good Morning Vietnam", one of my all time favorites, or "Good Will Hunting" and "The Birdcage" resonated with me. He was one of a kind and his performance often made the film. But, it wasn't until sophomore year of high school where he really came into my life.

"Thank you for choosing “Magic Carpet” for all your travel needs. Don’t stand until the rug has come to a complete stop. Thank you. Goodbye, now. Goodbye. Goodbye. Thank you. Goodbye."-Genie, Aladdin 1992

Sophomore year of high school was particularly difficult for me. I had recently removed myself from what I now realize was an emotionally controlling relationship.The breakup was very messy and took a mental toll on me. I had trouble sleeping and would cry every night. It was then when I discovered "Live on Broadway" one of Robin's many stand up routines.

Bit by bit every night I would watch it. I continued to watch his others routines such as "An Evening with Robin Williams", "Live at the Met", and "Weapons of Self Destruction". I couldn't help but smile while he went on to describe the invention of golf or how he felt bad for Jesus's brother.

"Jesus was an only child, and thank God, because who would want to be Jerry, the brother of Christ?That's a tough gig. I'd imagine he ends up in a bar at the age of 30 going:
"Yeah, I'm Jerry Christ, whoop dee doo. Jesus is a carpenter, I'm a plumber; you do the math! Yeah, I healed someone. Come here Spot, heel! Look at that!"-Live on Broadway 2002

Robin was honest in his routines which were what made them so great. He reminded me that sometimes we don't need to be so serious. Through his many characters and his wise words, I constantly am reminded to enjoy and value the little things.

" Please, don't worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you're ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day... make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular. I know I did." -Jack 1996

The great wonder of Robin Williams is that everyone has their own connection and story with him. He wanted to make people laugh and smile. With me, he did both. Robin's energy picked me up at some of my hardest times. Like many, I never met him personally or knew the true Robin Williams. Although, what I did know was his spirit and the impact he had on me.

Robin Williams, you are very missed. Thank you for making me laugh.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190085
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14818
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457793
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26592
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments