Robin Williams: A New Legacy

Whether he was playing a magical genie, a lost boy, Teddy Roosevelt or a cross dressing super nanny; Robin Williams’ career made many a childhood and filled the hearts of both adults and children alike. With films such as Flubber (1997) and Jumanji (1995) paving the way for family friendly entertainment and masterpieces like Good Will Hunting (1997), Awakenings (1990) and One Hour Photo (2002) solidifying his position as a great, talented character actor; Williams’ career was one of glistening admiration and critical acclaim.

So when the news of his death hit headlines earlier this year, the world reeled at such a tragic loss. Speculation around the cause of his death was imminent as whispers of suicide spread across the globe.  Fans of Williams’ took to social networking, stating their confusion at such an allegation and as the cause of death was confirmed; his peers and his fans couldn’t quite believe the news. However, Williams’ battle with depression has never been hidden throughout his career. Much of his early stand-up played on this and very early this year, Williams’ admitted himself into rehab for alcoholism, a direct result of his depression.

In a matter of hours, conflicting opinions of Williams’ fate plagued social networking sites and a debate of the state of mental health awareness was born.  Some individuals raged misplaced anger, confused as to how somebody so talented and fortunate could get to such a place where taking their own life is their last option. Many used this as an excuse to plague Williams’ family, specifically his daughter, Zelda Williams, with hateful messages about her father.

However, despite the misplaced anger towards such a sad conclusion to Williams’ life, many fans and peers took it upon themselves to take this as a way of educating themselves and other about the dangers of negative mental health awareness. In the UK alone, charities such Mind used social media to connect with people, promoting the worldwide awareness of depression and other mental health issues, in the hope that it could continue to diminish the negative connotations that plague mental health sufferers. Mind issued statements after the news of Williams’ death, urging journalists to change the way in which they report on matters like this, ones which require an extra level of care and sensitivity.

As many other charities, journalists and the general public changed the way they began talking about the loss of Robin Williams, an influx of mental health support swept across the globe. Many found the courage to open up about their own mental health daemons and get help. Often, when a high profile death like this is brought to the attention of the world, it acts as the catalyst for a social change towards the attitude of issues so apparent within modern society. In this case, the loss of Robin Williams’ has obviously left a hole within the lives of his peers and fans, however; the legacy he left has only grown as the state of mental health awareness has greatly increased.