It may not seem like it, but many actors and comedians who evoke smiles and laughter daily are the ones who hide the saddest feelings. One who comes to mind is Robin Williams, a legendary actor who was also one of the most respected comedians, but who sadly struggled with depression and many other things. If you didn’t know, Williams’ battle with depression was rough, and one that left a big scar on the entertainment world and the hearts of all of his fans.
Behind the Smile
For those who don’t know, Robin Williams was a famous actor and comedian, equally renowned in both areas. He started as a stand-up comedian, but quickly made his fame as an actor with his role as Mork, and from there, he kept climbing.
However, it wasn’t just comedy that Williams excelled at; he also delivered incredibly serious performances, such as in Good Will Hunting. Yet, many always saw him as the cheerful actor who brought smiles everywhere, whether as a blue genie, a physician, or someone else. Still, it wasn’t laughter and smiles all the time, as Robin Williams struggled with many things, such as substance abuse and depression, caused by Lewy Body Dementia. Robin Williams was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Both of these diseases led to Williams experiencing anxiety and depression, among other things.
The truth is, Williams didn’t make many of these details public, which is understandable. He was diagnosed with early Parkinson’s back in 2013, but no one knew about it until his death in 2014. After that, many of us learned about Williams’ battle with depression, which he was able to hide in public for so many years.
Williams’ Legacy
Besides being considered a national treasure by many and inspiring countless actors and comedians, his legacy also reached the medical landscape. Before 2014, those with LBD were often misdiagnosed, but now, this health condition is known by many, and there are several countries trying to raise awareness of it.
Beyond that, Robin’s Wish, a documentary exploring Williams’ struggle with LBD, helped teach others about this disease, while also showing the challenges he faced while he was acting and doing stand-up comedy.
It was certainly sad to see such a legendary actor pass away, but many of us still remember him. When it comes to celebrities who’ve left a monumental mark on the world, Robin Williams is among the few of them. He was someone who always made us smile, laugh, or even shed a few tears, depending on the character he portrayed. Even if it’s been more than a decade since he left us, we still remember him as the legend he was.
