So I struggled a bit with what I wanted my first post to discuss. After some back and forth I decided that the untimely death of Robin Williams is foremost in my mind today. I never met him but as I thought about it for awhile I realized just how significant a role he played in some of my most vivid memories. Let me explain...
The first time I saw him, like most people, was when his egg landed in Milwaukee, WI and he was introduced on Happy Days. It was 1978 (I looked that up by the way) and I was 9. My grandfather's favorite non-cartoon was Happy Days. His favorite show, by the way, was The Adventures of Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. Anyway, we were watching it together before bed. Not that is was a significant event in my life but I was very close with my grandfather and I remember distinctly watching THAT epsiode with him.
These are not chronological by the way...just memories...
In 1992 I was in the Army and stationed at Schofield Barracks, HI. New to the area and to the Army I wasn't really sure of what to do around the island so my best friend Jimmy and I decided to go the on base movie theater to see Aladdin. I have NEVER laughed so hard in my entire life! He and I were like the only people in there without kids and we were cracking up more than anyone. That genie was real I swear! Jimmy and I talked about that for years after and, though I haven't seen him in some time, my guess is he remembers too.
Finally, how could any of us not recall the crooning of Airman Adrian Kronauer..."Goooooooood Morning Viet-naaaaaaaaaaaam." To this day I can remember the first time I watched that movie. The thought in my mind was the old saying "I laughed. I cried. It moved me." GMV had it all. His brilliant, off the cuff humor in that role was one for the ages and I don't think has been matched by anyone else. But entwined in the humor was the serious struggle of a man stuck between humor and horror. Representing America but befriending the enemy (but not his enemy). I still believe it was his defining role.
Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poet's Society, Awakenings, Good Will Hunting, Hook, The Bird Cage...there are so many roles that touched us in so many ways. Rest in peace Mr. Williams. Your struggle is over but your memory will remain forever.
In Memory of Robin Williams
1951-2014
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