The world was stunned by the news Monday evening (August 11) of the passing of beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams. The 63-year-old was found in his Tiburon, California, home after an apparent suicide.
Williams’ decades-spanning body of work, which included numerous TV, movie, radio and stage roles, won him fans and friends of all ages in all corners of the world. Some had loved him since they heard his voice come out of a big, blue, wish-granting genie in Disney’s animated classic “Aladdin,” while others were charmed from his first “nanu nanu” as Mork. Still others were drawn in by any of his dozens of other credits.
Friends and fans alike flocked to social media to pay their respects and share their memories of Williams as the news spread. Everyone, it seems, has a story or parting wish to share for the Oscar winner.
President Barack Obama
“Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.”
Lena Dunham
“He never stopped heading to the outer limits. We love you Mork, Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Rainbow Randolph, Sean Maguire… Robin.”
Judd Apatow
“When I was 18 I got a job as an intern at Comic Relief just to be near him. A genius and a truly kind man who made the world a better place.”
Mara Wilson
“Very sad, very upset, very glad I did not have to hear about this though Twitter. Probably going to be taking some time off it for a while.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Will Arnett
“Utterly gutted. Rest in peace Robin.”
Ben Stiller
“A tweet cannot begin to describe the hugeness of Robin Williams heart and soul and talent. This is so sad. #RobinWilliams”
John Krasinski
“To the kindest hearted man. Robin, know you will always be remembered by smiles, laughter and love. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Taylor Swift
“Heartbroken for Robin Williams and his family.”
Danny DeVito
“Heartbroken”
Craig Ferguson
“I am so sorry about Robin. He was sweet and generous and kind as well as a comedic genius. This is just terrible news. #RIPRobinWilliams”
Minnie Driver
“My Heart’s broken. Robin was a beautiful, kind soul. Can’t bear that he’s gone. So incredibly sorry for his family.”
Josh Groban
“Stunned. Devastated. I treasure my time with him. Robin was and will always be an original and a brilliant kind soul.”
Albert Brooks
“Shocked by the news of Robin Williams passing. Rest in peace my friend.”
Mia Farrow
“No! Robin Williams you were so loved.”
Sesame Street
“We mourn the loss of our friend Robin Williams, who always made us laugh and smile.”
Jimmy Kimmel
“Robin was as sweet a man as he was funny. If you’re sad, please tell someone.”
Neil Patrick Harris
“I am stunned and just reeling from the news of Robin Williams’ death. He brought so much joy and heart to millions… Just, wow.”
Joel McHale
“RIP @robinwilliams You were one of the very best that ever was. You were one of my heroes. #RobinWilliams”
Mark Romanek
“Robin was a deeply kind and utterly magical person. This horrendous news is nearly impossible to accept. He did not deserve this fate.”
John Stamos
“God no.”
“The first autograph I ever got: Dear money, send mom. Robin Williams”
Ellen DeGeneres
“I can’t believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I’m heartbroken.”
Tony Hale
“This sucks. Rest peacefully Mr. Williams.”
Steve Martin
“I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.”
Rose McGowan
“Robin Williams feels like we always knew you. And we didn’t. What a gift. Thank you for sharing your life.”
Hilary Duff
“My heart hurts for the Williams family. So so sad 🙁 we love you robin! We love you mrs doubtfire!!”
Lindsay Lohan
“Mr. Williams visited me the first day of filming The Parent Trap. I will never forget his kindness. What an enormous loss. My condolences.”
Anna Kendrick
“O Captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the bells. Rise up, for you the flag is flung, for you the bugle trills.”
Wes Craven
“God bless you @robinwilliams. Thank you for the laughter and insights. #RIPRobinWilliams”
Jim Gaffigan
“I didn’t know I could be so sad, angry, stunned and grateful at the same time. RIP Robin Williams. If you are in pain please seek help.”
Steve Carell
“Robin Williams made the world a little bit better. RIP.”
Kevin Spacey
“Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure.”
Cher
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences
“Genie, you’re free.”
Stay tuned to MTV News as this story develops.
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