America's loses a Great

What a shock to wake up to the news of the death Robin Williams by suspected suicide. His publicist said “Rob passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss.” His wife, Susan Schneider, is reported as saying "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings."

Most people will know him for his starring roles in classic comedies like Mrs Doubtfire and Jumanji, and he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dr Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting. Back in 1997 he was described as “the funniest man alive” by Entertainment Weekly. In all he played over a hundred credited roles in television and film between 1977 and 2014 with a few still in post production. I'm sure people in America will be shocked at his passing this morning as well as the countless millions he has entertained around the world.

My own first encounter with the star was in "Mork and Mindy" which was made between 1978 to 1982 and shown on television in the UK. Later I started to notice him in films like "Good Morning, Vietnam" and the "Dead Poets Society", However the role I will always associate him with is portrayal of "Mrs Doubtfire" which amused my family and myself from the first time we watched the film together many moons ago.

Reading the press this morning it is clear he was a troubled man, like so many great comics are. He struggled problems with drugs and drink and seems to have had to fight depression all his life. He openly talked about his battles with alcohol and cocaine in the early 1980s, which he seemed to get through, although he had relapse in 2006. Everything seemed fine but according to press reports he returned to rehab last month.

My heart goes out to his friends and family at their loss as always. And agree with the sentiments of his wife when she said "As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions." With countless films and recordings of the television programmes he made legacy will go on and on.