Hollywood ‘stunned and heartbroken’ over Williams’ death
13 Aug 2014 12:45 AM GMT
Tributes came in from friends and colleagues, studios and executives, the directors of his many movies, fellow comics and even President Obama. Those who knew and worked with him described Williams as a comic genius with a generous heart.
Steven Spielberg called him ‘a pal’ and expressed shock at Williams’ death. Williams starred as Peter opposite Dustin Hoffman’s Captain Hook in Spielberg’s 1991 movie Hook, and he had a voice role in the director’s 2001 feature A.I.: Artificial Intelligence. ‘Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him. He was a pal and I can’t believe he’s gone,’ Spielberg said.
Chris Columbus, director of Williams’ 1993 smash Mrs. Doubtfire said watching the actor at work was a ‘magical and special privilege.’ We have lost one of our most inspired and gifted comic minds, as well as one of this generation’s greatest actors,’ Columbus said. ‘His performances were unlike anything any of us had ever seen, they came from some spiritual and otherworldly place. He truly was one of the few people who deserved the title of ‘genius’.
Obama noted the breadth of Williams’ work and the common threads in the characters he played.
‘Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry.
He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. Here’s what some other actors had to say...
Ben Stiller: A tweet cannot begin to describe the hugeness of Robin Williams heart and soul and talent. This is so sad.
Ellen Degeneres: I can’t believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I’m heartbroken.
Steve Martin: I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.
Jared Leto: Thank you to the beautifully original + brave artist that is #RobinWilliams. You taught us how to stand on the edge, fearless, + shine.
Kevin Spacey: Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure.
Pink: My prayers+sad heart are with Robin Williams’ family tonight. Only met him once, but it was one of the most enjoyable moments of my life RIP
Niel Patrick Harris: I am stunned and just reeling from the news of Robin Williams’ death. He brought so much joy and heart to millions... Just, wow.
John Cusack: RIP mr Williams - beyond great talent -such a kind and lovely person.
Steven Spielberg called him ‘a pal’ and expressed shock at Williams’ death. Williams starred as Peter opposite Dustin Hoffman’s Captain Hook in Spielberg’s 1991 movie Hook, and he had a voice role in the director’s 2001 feature A.I.: Artificial Intelligence. ‘Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him. He was a pal and I can’t believe he’s gone,’ Spielberg said.
Chris Columbus, director of Williams’ 1993 smash Mrs. Doubtfire said watching the actor at work was a ‘magical and special privilege.’ We have lost one of our most inspired and gifted comic minds, as well as one of this generation’s greatest actors,’ Columbus said. ‘His performances were unlike anything any of us had ever seen, they came from some spiritual and otherworldly place. He truly was one of the few people who deserved the title of ‘genius’.
Obama noted the breadth of Williams’ work and the common threads in the characters he played.
‘Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry.
He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. Here’s what some other actors had to say...
Ben Stiller: A tweet cannot begin to describe the hugeness of Robin Williams heart and soul and talent. This is so sad.
Ellen Degeneres: I can’t believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I’m heartbroken.
Steve Martin: I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.
Jared Leto: Thank you to the beautifully original + brave artist that is #RobinWilliams. You taught us how to stand on the edge, fearless, + shine.
Kevin Spacey: Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure.
Pink: My prayers+sad heart are with Robin Williams’ family tonight. Only met him once, but it was one of the most enjoyable moments of my life RIP
Niel Patrick Harris: I am stunned and just reeling from the news of Robin Williams’ death. He brought so much joy and heart to millions... Just, wow.
John Cusack: RIP mr Williams - beyond great talent -such a kind and lovely person.
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