Missing Robin Williams
Like so many others, I was saddened by the death of Robin Williams. His roles brought such laughter and such depth of thought to all of us, and he will be incredibly missed.
Robin Williams was one my favorite actors. Back in the day, I used to watch Mork and Mindy occasionally, not because I liked the show necessarily, but just to see his humor in action. Over the years he would show up in some unusual roles, even on an episode of Law and Order SVU. I remember seeing him and John Ritter (from Three’s Company) doing a sort of stand-up comedy duet/stand off (I don’t remember the show) and Robin Williams ran comedic circles around John Ritter. He and his talent will be missed.
At first I had planned to say a bit about Robin Williams and his advocacy for the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender folks. Then the news came out that he had Parkinson’s Disease and that hit close to home for me too. So I will mention both.
Robin Williams was an ally of LGBT folks. He did more than play
several gay, and other diverse, characters. According to the
Advocate, “Williams supported local efforts by LGBT community
groups and was involved in multiple fundraisers and
events. “
Link to article:
http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/people/2014/08/11/robin-williams-found-dead-age-63
Parkinson’s Disease is a heartbreaking diagnosis. I have a movement disorder called Essential Tremor, and while there can be some outlying symptoms, the main thing I have to look forward to is shaking more and more as the years go by. Katherine Hepburn is one of many famous people who had Essential Tremor, and it is much more common than Parkinson’s. Folks with Essential Tremor have an increased risk of having Parkinson’s Disease but the connection is not understood. The prognosis for someone with Parkinson’s Disease is much grimmer, but more and more treatments are available.
I can’t know how much the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease had
to do with Robin Williams’ decision to end his life. I just
wish he hadn’t.
RIP Robin Williams.
More about Parkinson’s Disease:
www.parkinson.org
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/definition/CON-20028488
More about Essential Tremor:
http://essentialtremor.org/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/essential-tremor/basics/definition/CON-20034509
~ Marcie
