I loved this guy

his stand up was insane! he did a lot of coke, to speed his mind even faster. but never too fast, to becoming a slurry mess.

his comedies even the disneyish ones were astounding.

but his greatest performance, i think was tragic. he played a guest on a police show called Homicide. playing a father to children who's wife was shot while they were taking a holiday trip to baltimore. he had to help the detectives, while still take care of his kids, helping them deal or just survive what was going on. he alternated brilliantly between his rage, fears and confusion. i remember that performance as one of the best that television ever produced. EVER. i think robin williams had a lot of pain in his life. like many brilliant people, he found an outlet for that in acting and comedy. i think his love of children took over some of that need, and as a result, in later life, his performances, particularly stand up comedy, was tamer to some degree. it also helped him to stop taking drugs.

i go back to that homicide performance, because there is a moment there, where he snaps, and shouts at his child. he is in hell in that moment. I think just imagining the situation, for him, was enough to stir up the act that he needed. think what unusual capabilities for empathy this giant must have had. i do not understand what drove him to take his own life. but it was a terrible blow, hearing about it. i am sure that many felt great sadness because of this news.