Tributes Pour In For Robin Williams' Tragic Death

The Comedy Genius’ Tragic Suicide Highlights The Dangers Of Depression

His passing has been felt profoundly across the world with millions tweeting and posting countless tributes to the star that lit up many peoples lives with his works of comedy gold. From playing a genie in the children’s classic Aladdin to a cross dressing nanny in Mrs Doubtfire, he made a lasting impression that spanned many generations.

Many touching tributes have been seen and shared across social media since the world heard of the news on Tuesday. Friends, colleagues, family and fans alike have all been united in their grief and have taken to Twitter and sent out their messages of condolence with the hashtag #RIPRobinWilliams. However it was one tweet in particular from The Academy that caught everyone's attention and proved to be the most poignant of all. Their tweet included a picture of the genie from the Disney classic Aladdin with a 3 word caption that profoundly read: “Genie, you’re free.” His fellow famous friends and co-stars also joined in on the tributes with many reflecting on how he brought laughter and happy memories into their lives, and also his generous and funny nature.

His on-screen daughter on CBS TV show ‘The Crazy Ones’, Sarah Michelle Gellar, tweeted a picture collage of the pair enjoying many off-screen laughs and antics. She also released a statement saying “he was the father I had always dreamed of having. There are not enough adjectives to describe the light he was, to anyone that ever had the pleasure to meet him. I will miss him every day.” As well as many friends, fans and colleagues’ tweet tributes, it was his daughter’s touching tribute that was the most heartbreaking. She cited the book 'The Little Prince’ in her poignant words of love for her late father:

It isn’t just his professional work and personality that has been fondly referenced to in the flurry of tributes, but also how he died. It was alleged, and has since been confirmed, that he committed suicide by hanging himself. The sad reality of his demise has sparked the question what could have led the funniest man in the business - a man that gave so much laughter to so many people - to end his own life? The sad news, while leading some to look back at his finest work fondly, has also made people stop and think about the dangers and the stigma surrounding mental illness, and significance of talking openly and honestly about the subject of mental illness and depression. 

Amongst the world wide tributes were serious messages reaching out for anyone with depression or a mental illness to seek help and to not be afraid to speak out. Stars like comedian Jason Manford and Stephen Fry - who has also suffered from depression - used the loss of Williams to highlight the dangers of depression. Manford tweeted several times after learning the sad news and tweeted a written 'letter' to all fans encouraging anyone who feels low to 'seek help.' 

So while the world has lost a great comic, actor and an all-round good guy who brought energy and life to everything he worked on, and made every interview he did a barrel of laughs, his legacy will live on as he has left six films behind in his wake including a new Night At the Museum film. His tragic loss will also stand as a message that depression and mental illness can affect even the funniest of people and that it is about time the stigma around mental illness was once and for all quashed.

Julie Bundy

Hi my name is Julie! Fresh out of university studying journalism, I love to have a good laugh and I believe in always keeping an open mind. In my spare time, if you don't catch me between two pages of a book, you'll most likely find me in front of the computer or the TV! I also like to make cakes if I have the time (and the ingredients!)... or as my friends like to call them, Bundy Buns. Make sure you follow me @JulieAtSMF.

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