The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: tombogan03884 on August 12, 2014, 06:30:20 AM
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http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=881799>1=28101
Robin Williams, Oscar-Winning Actor, Dead at 63
Aug. 11, 2014, 7:30 PM EST
By Tony Maglio
TheWrap
Legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams died on Monday, a suspected suicide. He was 63.
The Marin County coroner said in a statement that the death was suspected "to be a suicide due to asphyxia."
"Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late," said the comedian's spokeswoman Mara Buxbaum. "This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."
His wife, Susan Schneider, added: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. 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."
Photos: A look back at Williams' life
Williams, who won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for 1998's "Good Will Hunting," is survived by his wife and three children – son Zachary, 31; daughter Zelda, 25 and son Cody, 22. Williams married Schneider, his third wife, in 2011.
Williams, who most recently starred in the CBS comedy "The Crazy Ones," had recently entered rehab in July, though it was reported at the time that he had entered the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota in order to maintain his long-term sobriety.
Related: Stars react to Williams' death
The actor, born in Chicago, rose to fame on the "Happy Days" spinoff "Mork and Mindy," playing the space alien Mork from the planet Ork. The actor, who struggled with substance abuse through the decades, went on to big-screen success in films such as "Good Morning, Vietnam," "The Fisher King" and "Good Will Hunting," which earned him the Oscar in the supporting actor category.
As a comedian, Williams was known for his manic genius, though he also proved adept in dramatic roles.
The Marin County Sheriff's Office Coroner Division made the following announcement:
On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 am, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. The Sheriff's Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63 year old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA.
An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Divisions of the Sheriff's Office. Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr. Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10:00 pm on August 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed to Marin County Communications. At this time, the Sheriff's Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made. A forensic examination is currently scheduled for August 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted.
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It's hard for me to understand why a guy who had so much going for him would want to check out early?
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Have someone with depression explain it to you.
Richard
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Came across a picture with a quote from him.
Here is the link.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgrefurl=http://pandawhale.com/post/14974/used-to-think-the-worst-thing-was-to-end-up-alone-its-not-the-worst-thing-in-life-is-to-end-up-with-people-that-make-you-feel-all-alone&tbnid=MUSk3GJLxvYwJM:&docid=SHBYb7SjeE7d8M&h=591&w=900
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It's hard for me to understand why a guy who had so much going for him would want to check out early?
He had a history of substance abuse and depression.
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Have someone with depression explain it to you.
I've known some people who had many reasons to be depressed, and weren't. So it makes it that much more difficult to understand why someone who didn't have a reason was.
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Money does not equal happiness. People that are overly funny are generally very sad inside.
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I've known some people who had many reasons to be depressed, and weren't. So it makes it that much more difficult to understand why someone who didn't have a reason was.
Not saying that this is the case but consider that "entertainers" need constant reassurance that they're doing something good, enjoyable, funny, et al..
Why do you think there are so many awards shows for actors, singers and the like! If they're not constantly being patted on the back or praised for their efforts, they get depressed or worse.
Drugs, alcohol, divorce, etc...
He was funny and I enjoyed his antics over the years. Probably one of the best in a variety of genres, even the dark stuff he'd done! He's had a few stinkers lately though...
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The funny people at Cracked.com have a great article on why funny people do things that aren't all that funny (http://www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/robin-williams-why-funny-people-kill-themselves/).
When you put your soul out on display for all to see, it hurts when other people reject it.
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I've known some people who had many reasons to be depressed, and weren't. So it makes it that much more difficult to understand why someone who didn't have a reason was.
Depression is not the same as being really bummed out about something.
Depression is when even when things are going well existence remains a burden you no longer wish to bear.
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Depression is not the same as being really bummed out about something.
Depression is when even when things are going well existence remains a burden you no longer wish to bear.
Very true.
I've known a few people that suffered from chronic depression and it cuts across ALL job titles and economic status lines.
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[might be a good place to post my FB status]
Depression, and it's twin demon anxiety, can affect anyone, not just celebrities or entertainers, but CEOs, day laborers, stay-at-home-parents, retirees, teachers, nurses, anyone. I can't help but wonder what difference it might have made if Robin Williams could have seen how much, as reflected on social media, he was admired, appreciated and loved. I think there is a fine line between being down, which is normal for everyone on occasion, and being clinically depressed. A small "push" either direction could have a big effect on someone tiptoeing that line.
The takeaway would seem to be, that we probably all have someone among our daily contacts who is close to that line. A small word of encouragement or appreciation, even just a smile or a nod of the head, might be the tipping point that makes the difference in their lives. I'm willing to bet that practicing that small act of kindness might even improve our own lives.
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Billt...a person doesn't need a reason to be depressed, they just are. If it could be explained, it could be treated better than w/meds.
JMHO
Richard
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[might be a good place to post my FB status]
Depression, and it's twin demon anxiety, can affect anyone, not just celebrities or entertainers, but CEOs, day laborers, stay-at-home-parents, retirees, teachers, nurses, anyone. I can't help but wonder what difference it might have made if Robin Williams could have seen how much, as reflected on social media, he was admired, appreciated and loved. I think there is a fine line between being down, which is normal for everyone on occasion, and being clinically depressed. A small "push" either direction could have a big effect on someone tiptoeing that line.
The takeaway would seem to be, that we probably all have someone among our daily contacts who is close to that line. A small word of encouragement or appreciation, even just a smile or a nod of the head, might be the tipping point that makes the difference in their lives. I'm willing to bet that practicing that small act of kindness might even improve our own lives.
True, Afl.
Some time ago I was working for a school district and I was walking in the hallway of the admin building when and saw a principal of one of the high schools who I knew from meetings and planning sessions. He look very upset..to the point I felt I should ask him if he wanted to go with me for a beer and to talk...but did not..worried I might be intruding I minded my own business.
He left and went home ans spent the rest of his life sitting in his car in a closed garage with the engine running.
I don't think it likely he would have gone with me or that it would have changed anything...but it would have cost me little to offer.
I'll not be worried about "propriety" in that situation again..ever again.
Don't feel blame or guilt but will remember I might have made a difference.
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My heart does go out to his family.
I understand the thought process involved, and it always saddens me to think of a person who feels that there is no other option or way to get over depression.
He was a comic genius and a pretty good actor and I liked many of his movies, but never really clicked with the "hyper active" nature of his stand-up stuff.
(no, I'm not bashing a poor dead guy.... I truly am saddened by his death)