I did not learn that Robin Williams entertained military personnel overseas, until Williams died yesterday. To hear of Williams' patriotism was comforting and pleasing.The comedian-actor, age 63, apparently suffered from severe depression and took his own life on Monday. We can only ask that God be merciful with Robin Williams. We have no idea what demons an individual deals with in their personal lives.
In the aftermath of any death of a public figure, the outpouring of praise is full. Hardly ever do you see a person pilloried posthumously. However, the rule -that only allows compliments- is sometimes relaxed for Conservatives who have passed.
Robin Williams was a great, and energetic talent, as a young man. I remember a segment on The Johnny Carson Show, in which Williams literally took the show over, going improv mode, feigning a TV-evangelist faith healer. It was genuinely funny.
As he aged, seeing interviews with Williams, I became less respectful of his talent, and appalled by his politics. Good Morning Vietnam was sound and effective acting, but it also embodied the tactic of cinematic promotion of comedic irreverence that is only accepted for liberals, making a political statement.
Professionally, I just did not think there was anything special about Williams' work in his later years. But that may be because I would shy away from anything he was in. I do know Williams transitioned from an almost slap-stick comic to a more serious, persuasive-based actor.
Knowing his starting point, as an individual, I just could not accept most premises he offered in his roles.
While Robin Williams will be remembered as great by the populous, I choose to mourn the passing of a fellow American, who cared about our country and the people who serve it around the world.
Because of his compassion, I salute Robin Williams, and I feel a pang of sorrow, not only for his death, but for his suffering while he was alive.
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