I haven't said much about Robin Williams today bc...it makes me sad/I'm uncomfortable w/ feelings. But...
We went to same 12-step meeting for years. We never said more than hi bc...what would I say? I love your movies? Anonymity is kind of a big part of said meetings. (thread)
We went to same 12-step meeting for years. We never said more than hi bc...what would I say? I love your movies? Anonymity is kind of a big part of said meetings. (thread)
But he always gave you this kind of knowing smile when you said hi to him. Like he knew you knew who he was and that you probably felt awkward/excited just being around him and he was grateful you weren't making it a thing.
He kept a very low profile but he was unfailingly kind.
People organized a comedy night fundraiser for an underfunded something, but no one wanted to ask him to do a set bc...it was too "we know who you are." They just asked for volunteers.
People organized a comedy night fundraiser for an underfunded something, but no one wanted to ask him to do a set bc...it was too "we know who you are." They just asked for volunteers.
I, and most people, assumed he wouldn't volunteer. When the comedy night came around, several people did (fine) sets. As it was wrapping up, Robin comes sprinting from the back of the room to the stage. Everyone lost their minds, jumping and cheering.
Suddenly, he went from the shy Robin we all awkwardly waved at to the Robin Williams we'd all seen in movies/TV. Just electric and hilarious, brimming with personality and talent. He talked about addiction, recovery, depression & the challenges of being sober in a shitty world.
There were maybe 50-100 people in the room--not the venue in which you expect to see Robin Williams do stand up. I think we all left somewhat in disbelief about what had just happened. Half of us were giggling like little kids who'd heard an adult say something scandalous.
His death hit hard. Some asshole sold pictures of him in a meeting looking "grumpy" or some shit (which...have you been to a 12 step meeting? They called me the Unabomber the first year I went bc I always wore a hoodie, sunglasses and looked like I wanted to murder everyone).
If whoever who sold those pictures happens to read this tweet, BOOOO, you suck as a person.
His death inspired me to write the first personal thing I'd written since getting sober--about sobriety and depression. I realized I had more things to say and kept writing.
His death inspired me to write the first personal thing I'd written since getting sober--about sobriety and depression. I realized I had more things to say and kept writing.
I think he was that kind of person--he was so creative & expressive--he made you want to try to be that way too--however you could.
I didn't really know him, but I will miss him. While I wish he was still alive, I'm grateful for the role he played in getting me to write again.
I didn't really know him, but I will miss him. While I wish he was still alive, I'm grateful for the role he played in getting me to write again.
For those asking why I'm breaking his anonymity: he spoke about his alcoholism, rehab, meetings, and recovery many times in interviews and his stand up. He wanted people to know what it was like and that recovery was possible theguardian.com/film/2010/sep/…
