Born on July 21st, 1951, Robin Williams was one of the America’s funniest performers and champion of many eminent awards. He captured the hearts of the world with his remarkable wit and charismatic personality. In the mid-1970s, Robin Williams began performing stand-up comedy in the San Francisco Bay Area. From there, he performed and participated in various shows and gained more popularity. Robin made his big-screen debut in a lead role-playing the famous spinach-eating sailor in Popeye (1980). This film was directed by Robert Altman and co-starring Shelley Duvall.
Following this, he acted in many films and some of them earned him Academy Award nods for lead actor. Despite becoming a famous celebrity, he was deeply plagued by depression and others demons he had. Because of this, Robin committed suicide in his Paradise Cay, California, home on August 11, 2014. After his death, four films starring him were released: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, A Merry Friggin’ Christmas, Boulevard and Absolutely Anything.
To the very end, he kept us entertained with his films. So, here are some of the Robin Williams quotes on life that might help you feel a little brighter.
- Transforming the world through words and ideas
Robin Williams’s journey as a performer began in the drama department at Redwood High, where he discovered the transformative power of storytelling. Those early experiences ignited a belief in the profound impact of communication. He saw how words and ideas could resonate deeply, shaping perspectives and inspiring change.
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”
- The Fear of Fading
After his initial explosive success in the late 70s and 80s, Robin experienced periods where his career’s momentum fluctuated. The pressure to maintain his status, to constantly deliver, was immense. This was about a fear of losing the connection with his audience, the very source of his creative energy.
“You have this idea that you’d better keep working otherwise people will forget. And that was dangerous.”
- Always be polite and kind towards other people
Together with his second wife, Marcia Grimes, Robin created the Windfall Foundation to help donate money to a variety of causes, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Also, he founded charity that helped the homeless.
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
- Facing Inner Demons
This one of Robin Williams quotes about life speaks to a deep, almost fatalistic understanding of life’s inevitability. It’s not just about acknowledging hardship, but about recognizing that the emotional and psychological scars we carry often stem from past experiences.
“Things we fear the most have already happened to us.”
- Realizing the actuality
Because of stress and depression, Robin started taking drugs already. One night he met fellow comedian John Belushi after playing a late night set at a comedy club. They ended up at the Chateau Marmont, where Williams shared some cocaine from Belushi, and then left. The next day, co-star Pam Dawber broke the news to Williams on Mork & Mindy’s set that Belushi died of an overdose of drugs. Robin had become devastated. The news shocked him with making lifestyle changes.
“You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”
- The Burden of Joy
Robin Williams was renowned for his ability to bring joy to millions, but beneath the surface, he struggled with profound sadness. This quote is a recognition of the fact that the person who is always making others smile may be the one who needs a smile the most.
“I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy.”
- Always give your best shot at everything
While performing at the Comedy Club in Los Angeles, Robin was discovered by TV producer George Schlatter who offered him a spot on a revival of the old 60’s show Laugh In. Although the show didn’t survive, but he was able to established a foothold into a career in television.
“There’s no shame in failing. The only shame is not giving things your best shot.”
- Embracing Spontaneity
Robin’s legendary stand-up routines, his performances on shows like “Mork & Mindy,” and even his dramatic roles often featured moments of unscripted brilliance. He saw “getting into trouble” as a form of creative exploration, a way to break free from conventional boundaries.
“Sometimes you got to specifically go out of your way to get into trouble. It’s called fun.”
- Never lose your spark
Robin’s work on the Happy Days episode was improvised and augmented with physical comedy. The audience loved his role and demanded more. This led to the creation of the spin-off series Mork & Mindy, which ran from 1978 to 1982.
“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”
- The Power of the Human Spirit
From Patch Adams, this quote speaks to the healing power of human connection and the importance of nurturing the soul. It’s a powerful statement about the resilience of the human spirit, its ability to overcome adversity.
“The human spirit is more powerful than any drug, and that is what needs to be nourished.”
- Feel the bliss
It was with the birth of their son, Zachary, on April 11th, 1983 that Robin finally managed to shake off his addiction. He realized that his family needs him and now, he has a son who is going to look up for him.
“Sometimes you can have a whole lifetime in a day and never notice that this is a beautiful as it gets.”
- Wisdom in Aging
Robin played characters who had gained wisdom through life experience, such as Dr. Malcolm Sayer in “Awakenings” or Theodore Roosevelt in “Night at the Museum”. He understood that aging wasn’t just about physical decline, but accumulating knowledge and self-assurance.
“Stop being afraid of getting older. With age comes wisdom and confidence.”
- Seizing the Moment
This iconic line from “Dead Poets Society” is more than just a movie quote; it’s a philosophy. As John Keating, Robin inspired his students to break free from conformity, live authentically, embrace individuality, and make the most of every moment.
“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
- Reflect on Creativity
Robin’s ability to transform into different characters, to create fantastical worlds, was rooted in his boundless imagination. This quote is a testament to the power of creativity, and its ability to transcend reality and create something new.
“Imagining something is better than remembering something.”
- Learn from Experiences
This quote speaks to Robin’s open-mindedness and his belief in continuous growth. It’s a message of optimism and encouragement, reminding us to embrace new experiences and to see mistakes as opportunities for growth.
“There is still a lot to learn, and there is always great stuff out there. Even mistakes can be wonderful.”
End Note
Robin Williams quotes, both spoken and lived, continue to resonate deeply. His legacy reminds us to embrace life’s complexities, to find joy amidst sorrow, and to cherish the power of human connection. Though he’s gone, his spirit remains, inspiring us to “seize the day” and live with passion and kindness.
Also Read: 25 Bob Ross quotes to brighten your day
