Robin Williams

By: Emily Herbert

Narrated by: Marston York

With his twinkling eyes, boundless energy and unrivalled natural wit, Robin Williams was the comedian who brought laughter to a generation.

Through roles in cherished films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Aladdin and Hook, he became the genial face of family comedy. His child-like enthusiasm was infectious, sweeping viewers away. Allied to his lightning-quick improvisation and ability to riff lewdly off any cue thrown at him, Robin was that rare thing - a true comic genius who appealed to adults and children equally.

He could also play it straight, and empathetic depth came to him naturally. A poignant performance in Good Will Hunting won him an Academy Award whilst his masterfully chilling turn in psychological thriller Insomnia shocked audiences and hinted at a darker side.

What truly caught the imagination, though, was his good-heartedness. Warmth radiated from him on-screen, but he was legendary for his off-screen acts of selfless generosity. Where most Hollywood A-listers demand outrageous pampering in their contract riders, he always insisted that the production company hire a full quota of homeless people to help make his movies.

But behind the laughter lay a deeply troubled man, and tragedy would follow. At midday, on 11th August 2014, Robin Williams was pronounced dead at his California home. The verdict was suicide. He had battled depression and addiction for many years and was allegedly beset by financial difficulties.

Virginia Blackburn's sensitive and thoughtful biography celebrates his genius and warmth, but also attempts to understand what could have driven such a gentle and gifted man to so tragic an end.

©2018 Emily Herbert (P)2018 W. F. Howes Ltd

Child in a man’s body

Robert Williams never grew up. He became an adult a great performer. The greatest of all time.
I would honestly say when GOD made Robert Williams he broke the mode.
G.O.A.T

A wonderful listen

This is a great listen about a very funny man. It show the true sides of robin williams.

Great read sad trip

It without a doubt be said that Robin Williams was a big influence on my childhood and even to this day I rewatch his movies because I miss seeing him in things or even see his smiling face appear in a news article. This book really opened my eyes to what happened in his life and to the brutality of the art industry. I never got to know him personally but I really wish I could have. RIP Robin Williams you are loved and missed by all.

memory

very sad in finding out a man that seemed happy wasn't and with all the available resources he wasn't able to get the helped he do desperately need his entire life.

Great listen

Great insight on a wonderfully talented man. Sad to think someone that brought so much joy to so many, was so troubled.

Loved this.

I will say that I bought this by mistake, but I'm so glad I did. It sure makes me miss him more. We were lucky to live in the time of his life.

Sensitive and Sweet

This is a sensitive, sweet, and caring portrayal of a person who meant so much to so many people. It doesn't shy away from the rough times, but it doesn't indulge in them either, giving the reader a complete portrayal of a person, many believe is a true and rare genius

Truth.

This is the simple truth about hurt and the grief that can debilitate a dear dear life. Here is a man that gave us and taught us 2 precious lessons: Laughter and the ability to see ppl deeper. Thank you, Robin. You truly never knew how much you where loved.

all of it

sadness of his death is felt throughout. the performance was emotional for me. lived it

Saddest and funniest book ever. If that makes any sense.

Being a huge Robin Williams fan, this book breaks my heart. Robin was such an AWESOME GENIUS that truly lived a living hell. I’m a 4 time suicide attempt survivor. I finally found someone that understood and related. The demons of depression and not feeling good enough took his life way to soon. I have cried and laughed through this journey of listening to this book. It has changed my life. I just wish Robin would have known the lives it does change and the people that can relate to him. I feel the industry took advantage of his talents and ignored the signs. People we have to be more aware and alert to the illnesses of depression. It is real and haunting. I would rather be pissed off at someone for trying to help me and save my life than to ignore it because it’s ugly and end up killing myself. This is a must read for anyone that has ever had mental illness, addiction or any other life debilitating issues. He was a purely wonderful man. A LIVING GENIUS that brought so much to the world only to be ignored of his true demons. Big industry these people make you big, care enough to help them and keep them going. Robin deserved so much better. My Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to all his Family. They truly lost a Grand Wonderful Man that changed all our lives and touched them. May God be with you always, Ms. Ginger Leah Davis
Granby Missouri