Gone Too Soon, Robin Williams

 

The actor/comedian legend Robin Williams is gone. He was 63. It seems that Williams committed suicide yesterday morning. I am heartbroken. I am a fan. Have been since the first time I saw "Mork & Mindy." It was a weird show and I was a weird child who grew into a weird woman. My love of his greatness grew more with every movie. I specifically remember the day I saw his "Hook." It was during a class field trip with my Speech and Debate Coach Mr. Block. I loved it. Loved. I still feel the same way about it every single time I watch it. It is one of my favorite movies from my childhood. Then, there was the hilarious "Mrs. Doubtfire." A movie about a man who would do anything including don a dress, makeup and wig, to be with his kids. That touched a special part of me. I think the movie that affected me the most has to be "Dead Poets Society." As a writer/poet, it made me want to be more, explore more. The quotes from that movie still stick with me. I am sorry that Mr. Robin Williams battled with a depression so deep that he he took the only way out he knew how. I hope that he has found his peace. Rest in paradise, Robin Williams.

Don Cornelius

The man who blessed us with the innovative show "Soul Train" has passed. Don Cornelius was found dead this morning in his apartment. He was 75 and the victim of an apparent suicide. This news is beyond shocking and sad. He is most famously known as the heart and soul behind "Soul Train." Mr. Cornelius was the producer and creator of the groundbreaking show. "Soul Train" gave African American artists a place to showcase their talents during a time when no one else would. The show would live on for decades.

I remember vividly watching the show as a kid. I loved everything about it. The brightly colored set, the energetic dancers, the singers, the board and of course the host. To me, the show lost some of it's appeal after Mr. Cornelius stopped hosting it. "Soul Train" will always remind me of my childhood. It's a part of our history as is Mr. Cornelius. I'm still so saddened by his passing. He gave a lot to the entertainment industry. I hope that he is at peace now. May he rest in paradise.