RIP Robin Williams (1951 – 2014); The World Loses A Comedic Genius

He’s gone.  He was an unrestrained joyous comedic presence in American television, film and stage.  His boundless energy, willingness to tackle any subject with humor and to use humor to fight some of the world’s most desperate ills made him a beloved figure  to myself and millions of fans around the world.  The news has just broken, but it appears Williams took his own life after battling severe depression.  He was very open about problems with substance abuse and depression and would work them into his act, giving others with the same battles a smile where none previously could exist.  He was….simply brilliant at anything he did and it breaks my heart that someone who brought so much joy to so many people reached a he place where he couldn’t go on.  I don’t think any celebrity death has so shocked me and personally affected me in years.  The feeling I’m most left with, past the shock and sadness, is one of profound gratitude.  I owe this man thousands of smiles and laughs, and I’ll always remember him dispensing those with an energy I’ve never seen before and I don’t think I’ll ever see again.  The latest on the situation is below, courtesy of CNN.  Rest well, Robin.