"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." A true model for inspiration, hope, and compassion,Robin Williams was always devoted to spreading joy and kindness, and with eight years since his passing, his talents and benevolent influence continues to be treasured and honored globally today.
See also: Marin's Radiant History With The Robin Williams Rainbow Tunnel
Survived by his two children Zac, 33, and Zelda, 39, they both posted loving remembrances to their father on social media on August 11th, the day committed suicide almost a decade ago in 2014 at age 63.
Dad, on the eighth anniversary of your passing, I'm remembering how incredibly kind and joyful you were. I deeply miss you you wonderful, hairy man and will be celebrating your life today. Love you so so much! pic.twitter.com/UBa51xeN2g
— Zak Williams (@zakwilliams) August 11, 2022
Accompanied by a pensive photo of Robin on Twitter, Zak captioned, "Dad, on the eighth anniversary of your passing, I'm remembering how incredibly kind and joyful you were. I deeply miss you you wonderful, hairy man and will be celebrating your life today. Love you so so much!"
Zelda also paid tribute through writer Haruki Murakami's poignant eloquence of, "And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in." She supplemented this quote with, "I don't ask for much, but if I may, be gentle to your hearts today. I know I'm trying. X," following it up with a thread of suicide prevention resources.
“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.” - Haruki Murakami
— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) August 11, 2022
A multitude of other friends, adoring fans, and close colleagues to Robin also posted their own heartfelt messages through various social media, reminiscing on all of his iconic past movie roles, comedy sets, and overall touching contributions to the world, both on and off screen.
Much of the Oscar winner's formative years in his career were spent right here in the San Francisco Bay Area, having moved to Tiburon when he was 16. After attending Redwood City High School in Larkspur and then studying theatre at the College of Marin, he eventutally returned to San Francisco to begin doing stand-up comedy in 1976 the Holy City Zoo comedy club.
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After prolific appearances in Los Angeles, New York, and more, he further rose to media prominence with his lead role in 1978's Mork & Mindy, which lasted until 1982. From there you may recognize him in beloved films like Popeye (1980), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), Good Will Hunting (1997), Hook (1991), Aladdin (1992), Jumanji (1995), The Birdcage (1996), and of course, San Francisco's own Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).
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Shot in Pacific Heights, Mrs. Doubtfire remains as one of our city's most essential movies, as well as a significant groundbreaking influence in cinematic, queer, and comedic history. The real 33,000-square-foot house was even listed and sold back in 2016 for $4,150,000.
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Robin continued to effortlessly deliver stellar performances in the following years, which took a turn in 2013 when he began becoming afflicted with an undiagnosed disease just after celebrating his two-year wedding anniversary to Susan Schneider. The year following devastated Robin with not only debilitating motor and mental difficulties, but also severe depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Robin was found on the evening of August 11, 2014, having committed suicide at 63 years. It was later determined that Robin suffered from Lewy Body dementia, an aggressive form of progressive dementia that is also the most common after Alzheimer's disease.
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"You're only given a little spark of madness, and if you lose that, you're nothing."
Robin's impressive legacy has since left an indellible impact in loving fans, the Bay Area, and worldwide. Community efforts have garnered several commemorations to the late luminary, such as Marin County's rainbow tunnels vibrantly honoring his colorful suspenders on Mork & Mindy. Today many film screenings of all of his legendary work still regularly play in his honor, as well as greater resources for mental health, and other tributes that quote his memorable humor, infectious positivity, and unforgettably genuine kindness.
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Robin Williams is very much a part of San Francisco as we were to him, as he once said, "it’s always been someplace where everything changed for the better. It’s always been a home for me.”
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Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know is may be suicidal. You can also text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for a free 24/7 trained crisis counselor.
See also: 6 Essential San Francisco Movies Shot On Location
Photography by: Paul Natkin/Getty Images
