As the news flash across the screen of Robin William’s untimely suicide at the age of 63, I can’t help but run the film reel in mind of every Robin movie I’ve ever loved.
He was a man that was always able to bring my family together and make me feel that it was okay to be silly and that when words fail, laughter is always a universal language. It feels as though I’ve lost a family member. Like a distant uncle that you rarely saw, but you could always flash back to every moment you spent together and remember how much joy it brought you.
As I write, I remember one of my most favorite scenes from a movie I watched every day after school during my Junior year of high school, Mrs. Doubtfire (cue the tears).
In Mrs. Doubtfire, there’s a scene where Mrs. Sellner (his case worker) surprises him outside of his apartment. Mrs. Sellner is there to see Daniel, so as a cover Mrs. Doubtfire states that she is his sister. Mrs. Doubtfire tells Mrs. Sellner that Daniel (Robin) is in the shower and that he’ll be right out. If you’ve seen the movie, you know that the next five minutes are pure hilarity.
As they make themselves comfortable inside the apartment, Daniel steps in it big time when he tells Mrs. Sellner that his sister makes a great pot of English tea, causing him to have to transition back into Mrs. Doubtfire. As he’s transitioning, he loses his mask out of an alleyway window and ends up having to dip his face in a cake’s frosting found in the fridge to cover his face. He startles Mrs. Sellner when he jumps from behind the fridge door and exclaims, “Hello!” Mrs. Sellner jumps back and Daniel (Mrs. Doubtfire) explains that it’s a cold cream mask made of cream and sugar. Drops of the “mask” fall into Mrs. Sellner’s coffee and Daniel exclaims, “Oh! One lump or two dear? Would you like a little cream and sugar with your tea, dear?” Finally as he realizes that the melting mask will soon reveal his identity, he quickly exits the kitchen as he shouts out, “I look like a Yeti. I’m melting like a snow cone in Phoenix!”
I’ve found the scene on YouTube, if you’d like to view it, Mrs. Doubtfire Tea Scene.
His mixture of sharp wit and physical comedy coupled with a childlike manner inspired me to be a better person. To be someone who is not afraid to be silly and say whatever is on my mind no matter how random or inappropriate it may be, because humor is essential to the soul.
Robin, I hope that you’re finally at peace. I think I speak for all of your fans when I say that although you struggled with the deepest and darkest parts of you, your inner light always shone through to us. We mourn the loss of a wonderful man but rejoice knowing that your star will shine forever and always in heaven. God Bless.
Robin Williams (1951-2014)
WHO WERE YOU TODAY? 
Rest in Peace to a man who made the whole world smile. Thank you for sharing this.
I’m glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you!
Remarkable that one man could touch so many people
Agreed. He was one of my dad and I’s favorite. My dad has a very similar personality so it’s almost like the loss of someone I felt I knew very well. What was your favorite Robin Williams moment?
Hands down Good Will Hunting. The bench monologue and the scene at the end where he tells Matt Damon, “it’s not your fault” makes me cry Every time. What’s yours ?
His role in that movie was so dark. I feel it almost bears resemblance to what he may have gone through in his real life.
Since we’re talking dramatic roles, I love Patch Adams at the end where he talks to the board of directors and doctors at the University and gives his speech about caring about people versus and how that is the true role of a doctor.
If we’re talking funny, I’d say hands down the dinner scene during The Birdcage and the English Tea Scene in Mrs. Doubtfire.
I tend to gravitate toward darker more dramatic roles, but OMG yes! The tea scene is the best pure improv I’ve ever seen.
I agree. I’ve been wanting to take an improv class for a while for giggles and testing whether I’m really as funny as I think, lol.
You should! Even if you’re thinking about it do it. I’ve been studying acting for about 8 months in NYC best decision I’ve ever made in my life
That’s awesome. What inspired you to want to study acting? Did you move to NY to specifically pursue that dream?
I went to college on an athletic scholarship not really knowing what I wanted to do. Fell into a business major I had no passion for. I’ve always been an actor, always creating. I graduated and a week later I moved to NYC with about 1000$ not knowing a single person. Long story haha but yes I moved here specifically to act and write
The feeling is all too familiar — the mid-20s crisis. I recently left my hometown, my job, a bad relationship and moved back in with my parents in Miami and I’m starting over. How did you cope with such a big transition?
I think were on different pages, no Mid 20s crisis at 22 years old haha! More like the first solid life decision I’ve ever made.
I’m very straight forward, make a decision and own it. For me there was no coping, just waking up every single day excited that I am here going for what I want…with a plan!
I adapt quite easily. I can understand your situation though…must be tough.
Haha. Ok, point taken! You’re right we are on different paths. It’s very exciting that you are happy with the choices that you’ve made. It shows you’ve got a good head on those shoulders.
The situation I’m in is just that – a situation. Nothing in life is guaranteed so I intend on spending it enjoying my time with friends, family, creating great experiences, helping people and doing what makes me happy.
Why thank you 😃 It’s all about being happy, if you’re not happy what is the point? Plus you’re in Miami ☀️
Thank you for liking my ‘About Me’. I’ve been meaning to change it.
What a lovely tribute! Thank you for following Benzeknees!
Thank you! I appreciate the read. 🙂