Robin Williams

Robin Williams began life in 1951 as a quiet and shy child. Those that have seen him perform may find that hard to believe, but he credits joining his high school drama department for helping him to overcome his shyness. He was a genius at improvisation and enjoyed making people laugh. He noted that his mother was a very important early influence for him and he would try to make her laugh for attention. He had begun college pursuing a political science degree, but quickly changed directions and pursued his passion in acting.

Williams attained a full scholarship to the Julliard School in 1973. He was one of only 20 students accepted into the freshmen class and only one of two students to be accepted by John Houseman into the Advanced Program at the school. The other student was Christopher Reeve who would later play an iconic role as “Superman.” The two became like brothers over time. Reeve was bewildered by the energy that poured out of Williams. His energy and humor started to garner him a reputation as a “simple stand-up comedian,” but he quickly silenced those critics when he played a convincing role as an old man in “The Night of the Iguana.” Reeve commented that “He simply -was- the old man,” and was grateful that they had been thrown together.

Robin Williams was a personal inspiration to me. There was just something about his personality that spoke of a kind soul. But more than that, he seemed to want to inspire greatness in others. He has so many well-known roles in movies and television, including: Mork & Mindy, Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Aladdin, Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji and Night at the Museum. Dead Poets Society was definitely one of his works that greatly influenced me. It is with a heavy heart that I dedicate a star to this amazing man. His memory will live on in me forever.

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Posted on May 26, 2015 by Ryan Hart