On top of acting in no less than 14 upcoming movies, James Franco is a notorious celebrity queerbaiter—and he’s just upped the stakes. According a profile this week in the New York Times, Franco lives with a man—actor Scott Haze, who recently appeared in Franco’s Cormac McCarthy adaptation, Child of God. Could Haze be his boyfriend? The speculation has been rampant—surely James Franco wouldn’t need a roommate to help cover the rent or wouldn’t choose to live with a friend for companionship. So is he closeted? Is he heterosexual? Bisexual? It’s anyone’s guess at this point.
Here's Why James Franco And 'Celebrity Queerbaiting' Is A Problem
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Beyonce's Latest Instagram Should Put Those Divorce Rumors To Rest
Beyonce sure doesn't look like she's splitting with Jay Z any time soon.
The Internet has been in panic mode ever since Page Six published a story stating that Beyonce and Jay Z were headed for divorce. The rumor mill only got crazier when, days later, Beyonce was spotted checking out an apartment in New York solo. But fear not, America, because Beyonce posted an Instagram on August 9 that hopefully quashes all those splitsville rumors:
Oh look, there's the impossibly gorgeous Beyonce, looking comfy in pigtail braids and a football jersey with Carter's name on the back. Who needs pants when you're so secure in your marriage?
The Internet has been in panic mode ever since Page Six published a story stating that Beyonce and Jay Z were headed for divorce. The rumor mill only got crazier when, days later, Beyonce was spotted checking out an apartment in New York solo. But fear not, America, because Beyonce posted an Instagram on August 9 that hopefully quashes all those splitsville rumors:
Oh look, there's the impossibly gorgeous Beyonce, looking comfy in pigtail braids and a football jersey with Carter's name on the back. Who needs pants when you're so secure in your marriage?
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Listening To 50 Cent Before Job Interviews Will Make You More Confident, Study Suggests
Listening to 50 Cent's "In Da Club" has always been perfect for when it's your birthday, for when you're sipping Bacardi or when it's not your birthday, but now you can add right before a job interview to that list.
A study conducted by Dennis Y. Hsu, Li Huang, Loran F. Nordgren, Derek D. Rucker and Adam D. Galinsky and published by The Society For Personality And Social Psychology tested "high-power" and "low-power" music on a group of subjects. "High-power" music included 50 Cent's "In Da Club," Queen's "We Will Rock You" and 2 Unlimited's "Get Ready For This," while "low-power" music included Biggie's "Big Poppa," Fatboy Slim's "Because We Can," and Baha Men's "Who Let The Dogs Out?" The results suggested that those who listened to the "high-power" or bass-heavy music felt more confident and powerful when going into interviews and meetings, while those listening to the "low-power" music felt meeker, and made more mistakes in a test measuring abstract thinking.
“Just as professional athletes might put on empowering music before they take the field to get them in a powerful state of mind, you might try [this] in certain situations where you want to be empowered," wrote Rucker, a professor of marketing at the Kellogg School of Management.
Chances are, 50 Cent would approve of the study's results. "There are too many entrepreneurs," 50 Cent told Esquire in 2009. "We need the worker to make the process function properly."
Head to Kellogg Insight for more on the study.
A study conducted by Dennis Y. Hsu, Li Huang, Loran F. Nordgren, Derek D. Rucker and Adam D. Galinsky and published by The Society For Personality And Social Psychology tested "high-power" and "low-power" music on a group of subjects. "High-power" music included 50 Cent's "In Da Club," Queen's "We Will Rock You" and 2 Unlimited's "Get Ready For This," while "low-power" music included Biggie's "Big Poppa," Fatboy Slim's "Because We Can," and Baha Men's "Who Let The Dogs Out?" The results suggested that those who listened to the "high-power" or bass-heavy music felt more confident and powerful when going into interviews and meetings, while those listening to the "low-power" music felt meeker, and made more mistakes in a test measuring abstract thinking.
“Just as professional athletes might put on empowering music before they take the field to get them in a powerful state of mind, you might try [this] in certain situations where you want to be empowered," wrote Rucker, a professor of marketing at the Kellogg School of Management.
Chances are, 50 Cent would approve of the study's results. "There are too many entrepreneurs," 50 Cent told Esquire in 2009. "We need the worker to make the process function properly."
Head to Kellogg Insight for more on the study.
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Bobbi Kristina Celebrates Mom Whitney Houston's Birthday With Touching Tribute
On what would have been Whitney Houston's 51st birthday, her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown took to social media to honor the special occasion.
Brown tweeted a heartfelt message along with a photo of a birthday cake on Aug. 9:
She sent out additional tweets in remembrance of her mother, tagging her husband Nick Gordon:
Brown, 21, is the only child of the late Whitney Houston, who died in February 2012.
Brown tweeted a heartfelt message along with a photo of a birthday cake on Aug. 9:
#HappyBirthdaymommy ! #HappyBirthdayWhitney ! #AllAugustAllWhitney #iloveyou ! @nickdgordon @mwhitaker10 ❤️ #Family. pic.twitter.com/din06FAwKi
— Bobbi Kristina H.G. (@REALbkBrown) August 9, 2014She sent out additional tweets in remembrance of her mother, tagging her husband Nick Gordon:
GoodMorningWorld ! & AGrandBeautifulPhenomenalWonderful HappyHappyHappyBirthday2my amazingMommy! 2day is YOUR day, Iloveulady! @nickdgordon
— Bobbi Kristina H.G. (@REALbkBrown) August 9, 2014Brown, 21, is the only child of the late Whitney Houston, who died in February 2012.
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Pregnant Kelly Rowland Glows In Gorgeous Instagram Photo
Just gorgeous.
Kelly Rowland looked radiant in an Instagram photo posted Aug. 9:
The 33-year-old mom-to-be smiled over her shoulder as she cradled her growing belly. Rowland captioned the photo, "#P.R." as she is currently vacationing in Puerto Rico.
Rowland first announced her pregnancy on June 10 with a cryptic Instagram photo of baby sneakers. The Destiny's Child alum accidentally revealed that she's expecting a baby boy during an interview, in which she referred to her baby using the pronoun "his."
"Aw, f--k it! It's a boy. It's a boy!" she said after realizing her slip up.
Kelly Rowland looked radiant in an Instagram photo posted Aug. 9:
The 33-year-old mom-to-be smiled over her shoulder as she cradled her growing belly. Rowland captioned the photo, "#P.R." as she is currently vacationing in Puerto Rico.
Rowland first announced her pregnancy on June 10 with a cryptic Instagram photo of baby sneakers. The Destiny's Child alum accidentally revealed that she's expecting a baby boy during an interview, in which she referred to her baby using the pronoun "his."
"Aw, f--k it! It's a boy. It's a boy!" she said after realizing her slip up.
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Dwayne Johnson Posts Emotional Message After Mother And Cousin Survive Car Accident
Dwayne Johnson posted an emotional message on Instagram after his mother, Ata, and cousin, WWE NXT Diva Lina Fanene, survived a horrific car accident earlier this week.
Johnson shared a photo of the wreckage:
Reflecting on the scary event, The Rock wrote an inspirational caption alongside the photo:
"My mom & cousin @linafanene were struck head on by a drunk driver this week - they lived. First reaction is to find the person who did this and do unrelenting harm to them. But then you realize the most important thing is my family lived thru this and we can hug each other that much tighter these days. Hug your own family tighter today and be grateful you can tell them you love them. #BearHugsAndGratitude #100PercentPreventable #ChoicesMatter."
Lina Fanene had posted an Instagram photo alongside Johnson's mother in the car before the car accident occurred:
Fanene later posted a photo of herself in a sling, writing, "Still all smiles! Very grateful to be alive and for the love from all of my family and friends! Incredibly blessed!"❤️
We wish for a speedy recovery for these women.
Johnson shared a photo of the wreckage:
Reflecting on the scary event, The Rock wrote an inspirational caption alongside the photo:
"My mom & cousin @linafanene were struck head on by a drunk driver this week - they lived. First reaction is to find the person who did this and do unrelenting harm to them. But then you realize the most important thing is my family lived thru this and we can hug each other that much tighter these days. Hug your own family tighter today and be grateful you can tell them you love them. #BearHugsAndGratitude #100PercentPreventable #ChoicesMatter."
Lina Fanene had posted an Instagram photo alongside Johnson's mother in the car before the car accident occurred:
Fanene later posted a photo of herself in a sling, writing, "Still all smiles! Very grateful to be alive and for the love from all of my family and friends! Incredibly blessed!"❤️
We wish for a speedy recovery for these women.
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Donald Sutherland Threw Berries At The Teen Choice Awards Crowd
How we live now: Donald Sutherland wore a tuxedo to the Teen Choice Awards to accept his surfboard for Choice Movie Villain. Sutherland won the honor for his part as President Snow in "The Hunger Games" franchise. True to the character, Sutherland, 79, wore a white rose boutonniere and threw berries to the crowd. "I wouldn't eat them if I were you," Sutherland joked.
![donald sutherland]()
![donald sutherland]()
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Robin Williams' Final Instagram Shows Touching Family Photo
Robin Williams, the beloved actor who died of an apparent suicide Monday, posted a touching photograph on Instagram two weeks earlier that showed him holding his daughter, Zelda Rae Williams, when she was a young child:
Williams, who was 63 years old, is survived by three children: Zachary, 31; Zelda, 25, and Cody, 22. Zelda is also an actress. His wife, graphic designer Susan Schneider, with whom he lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, said in a statement Monday that she was "utterly heartbroken."
"This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings," she added. "As he is remembered, it is our hope that the focus will not be on Robin's death but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."
Fans took to Williams' Instagram page to express their own grief, and dozens of celebrities paid tribute on Twitter.
In earlier Instagram posts, Zelda Williams shared pictures of her family in happier times:
According to his publicist, the actor had been suffering from severe depression. Last month, HuffPost confirmed Williams had checked into a rehab facility in Minnesota in what representatives said was an effort to maintain his sobriety.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Williams, who was 63 years old, is survived by three children: Zachary, 31; Zelda, 25, and Cody, 22. Zelda is also an actress. His wife, graphic designer Susan Schneider, with whom he lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, said in a statement Monday that she was "utterly heartbroken."
"This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings," she added. "As he is remembered, it is our hope that the focus will not be on Robin's death but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."
Fans took to Williams' Instagram page to express their own grief, and dozens of celebrities paid tribute on Twitter.
In earlier Instagram posts, Zelda Williams shared pictures of her family in happier times:
According to his publicist, the actor had been suffering from severe depression. Last month, HuffPost confirmed Williams had checked into a rehab facility in Minnesota in what representatives said was an effort to maintain his sobriety.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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Remembering Robin Williams' Classic Role As Genie In 'Aladdin'
As the world mourns the death of our beloved friend, Robin Williams, let's take a look at his memorable vocal performance of "Friend Like Me" as the magical Genie in Disney's 1992 film, "Aladdin."
Here's to you Robin, we'll miss you dearly.
Here's to you Robin, we'll miss you dearly.
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Relive Robin Williams' Glorious 1998 Oscar Speech For 'Good Will Hunting'
The news of Robin Williams' death has conjured a bounty of memories regarding the beloved actor's life. One of his crowning moments came in 1998, when he collected the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his turn as psychotherapist Sean Maguire in "Good Will Hunting." He'd been nominated three times previously, for "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987), "Dead Poets Society" (1989) and "The Fisher King" (1991). His acceptance speech was peppered with grace and humor, insisting that he "still want[s] to see some I.D." for the movie's then-young screenwriters, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, and thanking the "Mishpucka Weinstein." His embrace with host and old friend Billy Crystal after the speech remains one of the most touching moments from that year's Oscars. Relive Williams' glorious moment below.
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Robin Williams And The 'O Captain' Scene That Inspired A Generation
When Robin Williams died on Monday, August 11, the world looked back on his most memorable roles from his diverse and iconic career. His performance as John Keating, an influential and empowering high school teacher, in 1989's "Dead Poets Society" stood out among the rest.
The scene in which his students recite "O Captain! My Captain," an homage to Walt Whitman's poem, has become an indelible part of pop culture. It's an onscreen moment that honors Williams as a fictional teacher and a metaphorical one to the young actors in the movie. Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles and Robert Sean Leonard stand on top of desks and take Keating's side at the prep school. Together, they honor his intellect and compassion.
After Williams' death, fans and actors recalled the scene, citing lines from the poem and "Dead Poets Society" in general. It's a film in which Williams' ability to display both humor and pain is showcased in fine, fine form.
The scene in which his students recite "O Captain! My Captain," an homage to Walt Whitman's poem, has become an indelible part of pop culture. It's an onscreen moment that honors Williams as a fictional teacher and a metaphorical one to the young actors in the movie. Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles and Robert Sean Leonard stand on top of desks and take Keating's side at the prep school. Together, they honor his intellect and compassion.
After Williams' death, fans and actors recalled the scene, citing lines from the poem and "Dead Poets Society" in general. It's a film in which Williams' ability to display both humor and pain is showcased in fine, fine form.
Dead Poets Society & Good Morning, Vietnam are very important movies to me. Thank you for your grind and your talent.
— jake johnson (@MrJakeJohnson) August 12, 2014— HuffPostEnt (@HuffPostEnt) August 12, 2014
O captain my captain #RIPRobinWilliams
— Bret Taylor (@btaylor) August 12, 2014"O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done." Robin McLaurin Williams, 1951-2014 pic.twitter.com/5Fq0LqyysC
— Yale Film Study Ctr (@YaleFilmCenter) August 12, 2014Somewhere, Robert Sean Leonard, Josh Charles and Ethan Hawke step up on a table.
— writer (@LAcrush) August 11, 2014O Captain! My Captain!
— Johanna Fuentes (@jfuentes) August 12, 2014O'Captain my Captain - says it all. http://t.co/4mcv6XqVJd
— Natalie Jamieson (@Nat_Jamieson) August 11, 2014I was 19 when it came out, affected me profoundly, I felt it in my soul.
#CarpeDiem O'Captain my Captain: http://t.co/IAZQkYX4iM
— Patricia Bourque (@TrishaBourque) August 11, 2014O'Captain my Captain. pic.twitter.com/2gfTSC1ncb
— Sam Stein (@samsteinhp) August 11, 2014Rest well, O captain my captain. #CarpeDiem #RobinWilliams pic.twitter.com/EyyWavsPJz
— Graham Fenton (@graham_fenton) August 11, 2014O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done. The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won. #RIPRobinWilliams
— CJ Johnson (@cjjohnsonjr) August 11, 2014O Captain, my captain.
— Eric Sundermann (@ericsundy) August 11, 2014↧
Remembering Robin Williams As Mork In 'Mork & Mindy'
He was our favorite genie and the nanny we all wished we had. And 36 years ago, he was the funniest alien to ever touch down on planet earth.
As we mourn the loss of Robin Williams, let's revisit the laughter he brought us for four wonderful years as Mork on "Mork & Mindy."
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
As we mourn the loss of Robin Williams, let's revisit the laughter he brought us for four wonderful years as Mork on "Mork & Mindy."
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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Robin Williams' Movies, From 'Popeye' to 'The Butler,' Were Never Just One Thing
Robin Williams was found dead at his home in Tiburon, California on Monday at the age of 63. The versatile actor began his career on television, but it was in the movies where Williams flourished. He scored four Oscar nominations in his life, including three Best Actor nods. He won Best Supporting Actor for 1997's "Good Will Hunting."
Despite all those plaudits, Williams' career on the big screen had an inauspicious start: He played the title character in 1980's "Popeye," a notorious critical failure for director Robert Altman.
"He's such a great, crusty character and an orphan, and sort of the whole idea of finding his Pappy -- and all that stuff he mumbles is pretty nasty," Williams said in a 2013 interview. "Going back they wanted me to re-loop it, but it wasn’t meant to be understood, it was meant to be, like, 'Oh, I seen better looks in oatmeal,' you know, this kind of wild stuff. But it was, you know -- it's a great character. He's tough."
Williams continued to star in a mix of quirky movies and broad comedies throughout the 1980s -- "The World According to Garp," "Club Paradise" among them -- but it was 1987's "Good Morning, Vietnam" that launched Williams onto another level. Williams scored his first Oscar nomination for the film and won a lead actor award at the Golden Globes in the Musical and/or Comedy category.
Two years later, Williams received another Oscar nomination for "Dead Poets Society." By the time 1990 rolled around, he was one of Hollywood's biggest stars, a fact born out by Williams' resume of diverse hits and critical favorites throughout the decade: "Awakenings," "The Fisher King" (another Oscar nominated performance), "Hook," a voice-acting role in "Aladdin," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Jumanji," "The Birdcage" and "Good Will Hunting." He even turned the critically panned "Patch Adams" into a hit.
In the 2000s, Williams shifted again. He starred in dark thrillers such as "Insomnia," "One Hour Photo" and "Death to Smoochy." The latter part of the decade brought another animated hit ("Happy Feet") and his first franchise part in "Night at the Museum." Williams will appear again as Teddy Roosevelt in "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb," the series' third installment, in December.
Last year, Williams even played a President of the United States. He starred as Dwight D. Eisenhower in "Lee Daniels' The Butler."
"People have forgotten what it was like almost 50 years ago," Williams said in an interview on the set of Daniels' film. "You realize how intense it was, and how violent it was. These changes, which now having a black president, that's the whole purpose of the script: Do you remember what it was like?"
Williams last listed credit on IMDb is as the voice of Dennis the Dog in "Absolutely Anything." That film is currently scheduled for release in 2015.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Despite all those plaudits, Williams' career on the big screen had an inauspicious start: He played the title character in 1980's "Popeye," a notorious critical failure for director Robert Altman.
"He's such a great, crusty character and an orphan, and sort of the whole idea of finding his Pappy -- and all that stuff he mumbles is pretty nasty," Williams said in a 2013 interview. "Going back they wanted me to re-loop it, but it wasn’t meant to be understood, it was meant to be, like, 'Oh, I seen better looks in oatmeal,' you know, this kind of wild stuff. But it was, you know -- it's a great character. He's tough."
Williams continued to star in a mix of quirky movies and broad comedies throughout the 1980s -- "The World According to Garp," "Club Paradise" among them -- but it was 1987's "Good Morning, Vietnam" that launched Williams onto another level. Williams scored his first Oscar nomination for the film and won a lead actor award at the Golden Globes in the Musical and/or Comedy category.
Two years later, Williams received another Oscar nomination for "Dead Poets Society." By the time 1990 rolled around, he was one of Hollywood's biggest stars, a fact born out by Williams' resume of diverse hits and critical favorites throughout the decade: "Awakenings," "The Fisher King" (another Oscar nominated performance), "Hook," a voice-acting role in "Aladdin," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Jumanji," "The Birdcage" and "Good Will Hunting." He even turned the critically panned "Patch Adams" into a hit.
In the 2000s, Williams shifted again. He starred in dark thrillers such as "Insomnia," "One Hour Photo" and "Death to Smoochy." The latter part of the decade brought another animated hit ("Happy Feet") and his first franchise part in "Night at the Museum." Williams will appear again as Teddy Roosevelt in "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb," the series' third installment, in December.
Last year, Williams even played a President of the United States. He starred as Dwight D. Eisenhower in "Lee Daniels' The Butler."
"People have forgotten what it was like almost 50 years ago," Williams said in an interview on the set of Daniels' film. "You realize how intense it was, and how violent it was. These changes, which now having a black president, that's the whole purpose of the script: Do you remember what it was like?"
Williams last listed credit on IMDb is as the voice of Dennis the Dog in "Absolutely Anything." That film is currently scheduled for release in 2015.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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O Captain, My Captain: Thank You, Robin Williams
It was Friday, March 8, 1996. I was 13 years old and closeted. My family decided to see the new Robin Williams film, The Birdcage. I was terrified.
I knew it was a gay film and that he played part of a gay couple, alongside Nathan Lane. Knowing this scared the shit out of me. I was scared to be gay, scared of my future, scared of dying from AIDS. Would my parents see Robin Williams, America's favorite funny man, as gay and then look to me and figure everything out? Would they hate me?
A lot can be said for what it meant culturally to see Robin Williams play a gay man that wasn't dying of AIDS, or committing suicide, or being murdered, but rather part of a loving couple that raised a child. Did it lead to more adequate depictions of gay Americans in film and TV? Would we have had My Best Friend's Wedding, Ellen, Queer as Folk -- all of which quickly followed The Birdcage's release, if it were not for Williams' performance? I don't know, and I don't care.
Like the rest of the United States, my family loved The Birdcage. Seeing their reactions, listening to them quote lines from the film, this was the first indication that maybe things were going to be alright for me. Maybe they will love me even if I'm gay. (They did and continue to.)
I sit here writing this with tears in my eyes because of the passing of Robin Williams at 63. Like many people, including myself, he suffered from the demons of depression and addiction. He spoke of these demons before, and the fact that they may have contributed to his passing is heartbreaking, but in no way diminishes the amazing gift he gave all of us: himself.
There will be many great things written about Robin Williams, about his body of work, his philanthropy, and yes, his demons. For me though, his passing is personal.
Seventeen years later, after six months of chemo, I produced a live version of my #Chemocation. After the show I had the great opportunity to share a meal with Robin Williams. Let me clarify, in no way were we close. But in that moment, talking with him, seeing that man that so changed my life, who in unexplainable ways has contributed to my being an openly gay writer/comedian, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. I was too nervous to tell him about that day in 1996, awestruck not by his celebrity, but by where my life had taken me. We talked about comedy and my cancer. I will never forget his belly laugh upon seeing my lifesize singing tumor.
![2014-08-12-527851_10200433108085785_701144727_n.jpg]()
In a way, I feel like a member of my family has passed, as I'm sure many people who loved him do. It's important to remember that behind the mask of comedy was a man with children, with people he loved, a man who struggled, but most importantly, a man who lived.
For me, I will always remember the man who made it okay for me to be me for the first time in my adolescence.
This piece was originally published on Thought Catalog.
I knew it was a gay film and that he played part of a gay couple, alongside Nathan Lane. Knowing this scared the shit out of me. I was scared to be gay, scared of my future, scared of dying from AIDS. Would my parents see Robin Williams, America's favorite funny man, as gay and then look to me and figure everything out? Would they hate me?
A lot can be said for what it meant culturally to see Robin Williams play a gay man that wasn't dying of AIDS, or committing suicide, or being murdered, but rather part of a loving couple that raised a child. Did it lead to more adequate depictions of gay Americans in film and TV? Would we have had My Best Friend's Wedding, Ellen, Queer as Folk -- all of which quickly followed The Birdcage's release, if it were not for Williams' performance? I don't know, and I don't care.
Like the rest of the United States, my family loved The Birdcage. Seeing their reactions, listening to them quote lines from the film, this was the first indication that maybe things were going to be alright for me. Maybe they will love me even if I'm gay. (They did and continue to.)
I sit here writing this with tears in my eyes because of the passing of Robin Williams at 63. Like many people, including myself, he suffered from the demons of depression and addiction. He spoke of these demons before, and the fact that they may have contributed to his passing is heartbreaking, but in no way diminishes the amazing gift he gave all of us: himself.
There will be many great things written about Robin Williams, about his body of work, his philanthropy, and yes, his demons. For me though, his passing is personal.
Seventeen years later, after six months of chemo, I produced a live version of my #Chemocation. After the show I had the great opportunity to share a meal with Robin Williams. Let me clarify, in no way were we close. But in that moment, talking with him, seeing that man that so changed my life, who in unexplainable ways has contributed to my being an openly gay writer/comedian, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. I was too nervous to tell him about that day in 1996, awestruck not by his celebrity, but by where my life had taken me. We talked about comedy and my cancer. I will never forget his belly laugh upon seeing my lifesize singing tumor.
In a way, I feel like a member of my family has passed, as I'm sure many people who loved him do. It's important to remember that behind the mask of comedy was a man with children, with people he loved, a man who struggled, but most importantly, a man who lived.
For me, I will always remember the man who made it okay for me to be me for the first time in my adolescence.
This piece was originally published on Thought Catalog.
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Robin Williams' Most Spiritual Role: How 'What Dreams May Come' Offered A Glimpse Into The Afterlife
Hollywood lost one its great actors on Monday to an apparent suicide, leaving many stunned and saddened. Robin Williams was just 63 years old when he was found dead in his Bay Area apartment, police reported.
In addition to the brilliant comedic performances for which he is commonly known, Williams left a trail of subtle, dramatic roles in his wake, including the 1998 film, "What Dreams May Come."
In this highly spiritual movie that explores the concept of death and the afterlife, Williams' character, Chris Nielson, dies in a car accident four years after losing his two children. In the scene above, Neilson awakens to find himself in the afterlife, which is both beautiful and unexpected. In the afterlife he is reunited with his dog and at first confuses his surroundings for "dog heaven."
As he continues exploring the afterlife and coming to terms with his death, however, Nielson takes ownership of the situation. "Maybe I'm not in your heaven after all, girl," he says. "Maybe you're in mine."
Here are two more inspiring scenes from Williams' life work:
From the 1989 "Dead Poets Society":
From the 1997 "Good Will Hunting":
Rest in peace, Mr. Williams.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
In addition to the brilliant comedic performances for which he is commonly known, Williams left a trail of subtle, dramatic roles in his wake, including the 1998 film, "What Dreams May Come."
In this highly spiritual movie that explores the concept of death and the afterlife, Williams' character, Chris Nielson, dies in a car accident four years after losing his two children. In the scene above, Neilson awakens to find himself in the afterlife, which is both beautiful and unexpected. In the afterlife he is reunited with his dog and at first confuses his surroundings for "dog heaven."
As he continues exploring the afterlife and coming to terms with his death, however, Nielson takes ownership of the situation. "Maybe I'm not in your heaven after all, girl," he says. "Maybe you're in mine."
Here are two more inspiring scenes from Williams' life work:
From the 1989 "Dead Poets Society":
From the 1997 "Good Will Hunting":
Rest in peace, Mr. Williams.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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The Academy Shares Touching Tribute To Robin Williams
The death of Robin Williams is being felt around the world. As we mourn the loss of a great talent, The Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences took a moment to remember one of the very best with a touching tribute on its Facebook page.
The Academy posted a series of 12 photos that span the course of Williams' career, but it's a still from the 1992 film "Aladdin," captioned with "Genie, you're free," that appears to be eliciting the most emotional response from fans:
The Academy posted a series of 12 photos that span the course of Williams' career, but it's a still from the 1992 film "Aladdin," captioned with "Genie, you're free," that appears to be eliciting the most emotional response from fans:
Post by The Academy.
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Robin Williams Quotes That Will Stay With Us
It was with heavy hearts that we received the news of Robin Williams' death. While the many, many performances, interviews and memories of Williams could fill a lifetime and more with joy and laughter, his death will always feel too soon. However, we must preserve the smiles he has given us, and learn to live a lighter, happier and more loving life through his words. Ahead, 14 of the best Robin Williams quotes that will stay with us for a long time.
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5 Facts You Didn't Know About Robin Williams
"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."
Robin Williams lived an amazing life before his death at the age of 63. In the beginning of his career, Williams struggled as a street mime in front of New York’s Museum of Modern Art; by the end, he was the type of performer who could lift the spirits of a long-time friend in the hospital to our nation's troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait and everyone in between. Moreover, once Williams reached the top, he remembered to look back on where he came from: The actor famously helped Jessica Chastain become the first person in her family to go to college, funding her full-ride scholarship to Juilliard when she was just starting out herself. There's certainly no doubt Williams will be missed by both fans and colleagues. Below are some of the little known moments of Williams' inspiring career.
1. Robin Williams improvised most of Genie for "Aladdin."
![TK TK gifs]()
Apparently, the Academy Awards rejected the bid for "Aladdin" in the Best Adapted Screenplay category because so much of Williams role ended up being improvised. According to producer and director John Musker, Williams ended up improvising about 70 impressions to be used in the film as well. In a Reddit AMA, Williams explained:
Williams was known for improvising most of his iconic roles in some way or another.
2. Robin Williams dressed in scrubs and surprised his friend Christopher Reeve in the hospital following his career-ending accident.
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Reeve and Williams became good friends when they both attended The Juilliard School together. Williams claimed at the time that Reeve was "literally feeding me because I don't think I literally had money for food or my student loan hadn't come in yet, and he would share his food with me." In his book, "Still Me," Reeve wrote about Williams visiting him in the hospital:
Williams later surprised Sharon Osbourne in a similar way after she was diagnosed with cancer.
3. During the filming of "Schindler's List," Robin Williams called Steven Spielberg to tell him jokes and lift his spirits.
![robin williams spielberg]()
Spielberg called these "comic care packages over the telephone."
In his Reddit AMA, Williams explained:
4. In high school, Robin Williams was voted by his classmates as the "Least Likely To Succeed."
![robin williams]()
Williams attended Redwood High School in California where, during his senior year, he was voted both "the funniest and least likely to succeed."
Later in life, Williams would win five Grammys, two Emmys and an Academy Award.
5. Robin Williams favorite childhood book was "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," which he'd read to his kids.
![robin williams zelda]()
Here is Williams' description of reading his favorite book from childhood to his kids:
Image Left: Amazon
And one of his thoughts on death.
![robin williams]()
The Guardian, 2010.
To Robin Williams (1951 - 2014)
![TK TK gifs]()
All images Getty unless otherwise stated.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Robin Williams lived an amazing life before his death at the age of 63. In the beginning of his career, Williams struggled as a street mime in front of New York’s Museum of Modern Art; by the end, he was the type of performer who could lift the spirits of a long-time friend in the hospital to our nation's troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait and everyone in between. Moreover, once Williams reached the top, he remembered to look back on where he came from: The actor famously helped Jessica Chastain become the first person in her family to go to college, funding her full-ride scholarship to Juilliard when she was just starting out herself. There's certainly no doubt Williams will be missed by both fans and colleagues. Below are some of the little known moments of Williams' inspiring career.
1. Robin Williams improvised most of Genie for "Aladdin."
Apparently, the Academy Awards rejected the bid for "Aladdin" in the Best Adapted Screenplay category because so much of Williams role ended up being improvised. According to producer and director John Musker, Williams ended up improvising about 70 impressions to be used in the film as well. In a Reddit AMA, Williams explained:
Initially they came in and I was just doing the scripted lines and I asked 'Do you mind if I try something?' and then 18 hours of recording later, they had the genie. I just started playing, and they said "just go with it, go with it, go with it." So I improvised the character. I think that in the end, there were something like 40 different voices that I did for that role.
Williams was known for improvising most of his iconic roles in some way or another.
2. Robin Williams dressed in scrubs and surprised his friend Christopher Reeve in the hospital following his career-ending accident.
Reeve and Williams became good friends when they both attended The Juilliard School together. Williams claimed at the time that Reeve was "literally feeding me because I don't think I literally had money for food or my student loan hadn't come in yet, and he would share his food with me." In his book, "Still Me," Reeve wrote about Williams visiting him in the hospital:
Then, at an especially bleak moment, the door flew open and in hurried a squat fellow with a blue scrub hat and a yellow surgical gown and glasses, speaking in a Russian accent. He announced that he was my proctologist, and that he had to examine me immediately...it was Robin Williams...for the first time since the accident, I laughed. My old friend had helped me know that somehow I was going to be okay.
Williams later surprised Sharon Osbourne in a similar way after she was diagnosed with cancer.
3. During the filming of "Schindler's List," Robin Williams called Steven Spielberg to tell him jokes and lift his spirits.
Spielberg called these "comic care packages over the telephone."
In his Reddit AMA, Williams explained:
I think I only called him once, maybe twice. I called him when I was representing People for the Valdheimers Association. A society devoted to helping raise money to help older Germans who had forgotten everything before 1945. I remember him laughing and going 'thank you.'
4. In high school, Robin Williams was voted by his classmates as the "Least Likely To Succeed."
Williams attended Redwood High School in California where, during his senior year, he was voted both "the funniest and least likely to succeed."
Later in life, Williams would win five Grammys, two Emmys and an Academy Award.
5. Robin Williams favorite childhood book was "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," which he'd read to his kids.
Here is Williams' description of reading his favorite book from childhood to his kids:
Growing up, it was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - I would read the whole C.S. Lewis series out loud to my kids. I was once reading to Zelda, and she said "don't do any voices. Just read it as yourself." So I did, I just read it straight, and she said 'that's better.'
Image Left: Amazon
And one of his thoughts on death.
The Guardian, 2010.
To Robin Williams (1951 - 2014)
All images Getty unless otherwise stated.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
↧
Robin Williams, A Baby Boomer Favorite... You Enriched Our Lives!
Few comedic actors possess the capability to cheer us up when we're feeling down, fall off our chairs laughing and remind us of our social responsibility to help others. Robin Williams was one and now he's gone.
Many Boomers came of age virtually the same time as Robin. At 63 he was right in the middle of the first wave and so many of us enjoyed his "breathless" manic humor. His performance co-hosting HBO's first "Comic Relief" broadcast in 1986 along with contemporaries Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg will long be remembered.
My first encounter with his humor was on the sitcom Mork and Mindy. It was different than so many other shows of the period. I wasn't surprised when he became a big talent, and always felt good about the camaraderie he seemed to share with Billy and Whoopi. They were part of my generation... indirectly I was part of their special group.
I always enjoyed his movies and particularly recall Dead Poets Society, One Hour Photo, Moscow On The Hudson and Good Morning Vietnam.
His personality was electric and the quick wit and repartee a joy to behold. I've always had great respect for those whose thought process is lightning quick and addresses topical issues as well as the array of idiosyncrasies of life. Robin's humor had the ability to transcend age, gender and virtually any boundaries.
As we get older it's difficult to see others we care about exit our lives. However we often become inured to it. When someone as gregarious and outgoing as Robin Williams goes before his time it's especially disturbing. For many of us it's as if a close friend has passed away. He and his cohorts are inextricably woven into the fabric of our lives.
While the cause of his death has not been determined precisely, his publicist issued a statement that he had been battling severe depression.
This should give all of use cause to pause and introspect a bit. There's no question that depression plays a major role in aging. Yet unless it manifests in a major fashion we tend to live with and ignore it. But we really shouldn't.
Many of us come from an age when emotional problems were not focused upon and often considered a sign of weakness. Yet the enlightened know this is not so. And the truth is that there are countless Baby Boomers among others who live their lives suffering from some level of depression.
Robin Williams death is a wake-up call to us all. Depression should not be ignored or passed over lightly. It's important to acknowledge when we suffer and to seek out help. It's a sign of strength whenever one looks for counsel to make positive change in their life.
Thousands of articles have been written on the subject and yet still so many suffer. One can't help but wonder about the extent of Robin Williams depression. It's only human to think that if an incredibly talented star with virtually unlimited resources could succumb, then what about ourselves.
Let's not let his passing be simply another "news cycle" that eventually recedes into the recesses of our consciousness.
Now might be a good time for some introspection and perhaps dedication to addressing and recognizing depression in our own lives as well as those whom we care about. Depression is a debilitating illness that can be dealt with effectively and successfully. But only if we make the effort.
I'm a believer of celebration rather than mourning. I choose to recall all the joy and laughter Robin Williams brought to my life as well as his touching cinematic performances that seemed to resonate with me.
For right now I simply choose to remember Robin Williams fondly and enjoy the fruits of his labor. I'm going to watch my favorite performance of his as Vladimir Ivanoff in Moscow On The Hudson and relive the pleasure he brought into my life.
Many Boomers came of age virtually the same time as Robin. At 63 he was right in the middle of the first wave and so many of us enjoyed his "breathless" manic humor. His performance co-hosting HBO's first "Comic Relief" broadcast in 1986 along with contemporaries Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg will long be remembered.
My first encounter with his humor was on the sitcom Mork and Mindy. It was different than so many other shows of the period. I wasn't surprised when he became a big talent, and always felt good about the camaraderie he seemed to share with Billy and Whoopi. They were part of my generation... indirectly I was part of their special group.
I always enjoyed his movies and particularly recall Dead Poets Society, One Hour Photo, Moscow On The Hudson and Good Morning Vietnam.
His personality was electric and the quick wit and repartee a joy to behold. I've always had great respect for those whose thought process is lightning quick and addresses topical issues as well as the array of idiosyncrasies of life. Robin's humor had the ability to transcend age, gender and virtually any boundaries.
As we get older it's difficult to see others we care about exit our lives. However we often become inured to it. When someone as gregarious and outgoing as Robin Williams goes before his time it's especially disturbing. For many of us it's as if a close friend has passed away. He and his cohorts are inextricably woven into the fabric of our lives.
While the cause of his death has not been determined precisely, his publicist issued a statement that he had been battling severe depression.
This should give all of use cause to pause and introspect a bit. There's no question that depression plays a major role in aging. Yet unless it manifests in a major fashion we tend to live with and ignore it. But we really shouldn't.
Many of us come from an age when emotional problems were not focused upon and often considered a sign of weakness. Yet the enlightened know this is not so. And the truth is that there are countless Baby Boomers among others who live their lives suffering from some level of depression.
Robin Williams death is a wake-up call to us all. Depression should not be ignored or passed over lightly. It's important to acknowledge when we suffer and to seek out help. It's a sign of strength whenever one looks for counsel to make positive change in their life.
Thousands of articles have been written on the subject and yet still so many suffer. One can't help but wonder about the extent of Robin Williams depression. It's only human to think that if an incredibly talented star with virtually unlimited resources could succumb, then what about ourselves.
Let's not let his passing be simply another "news cycle" that eventually recedes into the recesses of our consciousness.
Now might be a good time for some introspection and perhaps dedication to addressing and recognizing depression in our own lives as well as those whom we care about. Depression is a debilitating illness that can be dealt with effectively and successfully. But only if we make the effort.
I'm a believer of celebration rather than mourning. I choose to recall all the joy and laughter Robin Williams brought to my life as well as his touching cinematic performances that seemed to resonate with me.
For right now I simply choose to remember Robin Williams fondly and enjoy the fruits of his labor. I'm going to watch my favorite performance of his as Vladimir Ivanoff in Moscow On The Hudson and relive the pleasure he brought into my life.
↧
Robin Williams On Depression: 'I Get Bummed'
Comedian Robin Williams once told an interviewer that he struggled with depression, but hadn't been diagnosed with either "clinical depression" or bipolar disorder.
Williams, 63, who had been struggling with depression before his apparent suicide on Monday, told Terry Gross on the "Fresh Air" NPR radio show in 2006 that mania was something he imitated for characters he sometimes performed. But depression, he said, was more personal.
"Do I perform sometimes in a manic style? Yes," Williams said. "Am I manic all the time? No. Do I get sad? Oh yeah. Does it hit me hard? Oh yeah."
When Gross asked specifically if he had been diagnosed with clinical depression, Williams answered: "No clinical depression, no. No. I get bummed, like I think a lot of us do at certain times. You look at the world and go, 'Whoa.' Other moments you look and go, 'Oh, things are okay.'"
Williams struggled with drugs and alcohol in the 1980s, but quit after the 1982 overdose death of his friend John Belushi. He relapsed in 2003 and finished treatment in 2006, a few months before the interview with Gross.
Williams told Diane Sawyer of ABC News just after his two-month treatment for alcoholism in 2006 that falling back into the addiction was gradual. In July 2014, the actor checked himself into the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota in an effort to maintain his sobriety, his publicist said at the time.
"It's the same voice thought that ... you're standing at a precipice and you look down, there's a voice and it's a little quiet voice that goes, 'Jump,'" Williams told Sawyer. "The same voice that goes, 'Just one.' ... And the idea of just one for someone who has no tolerance for it, that's not the possibility."
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Williams, 63, who had been struggling with depression before his apparent suicide on Monday, told Terry Gross on the "Fresh Air" NPR radio show in 2006 that mania was something he imitated for characters he sometimes performed. But depression, he said, was more personal.
"Do I perform sometimes in a manic style? Yes," Williams said. "Am I manic all the time? No. Do I get sad? Oh yeah. Does it hit me hard? Oh yeah."
When Gross asked specifically if he had been diagnosed with clinical depression, Williams answered: "No clinical depression, no. No. I get bummed, like I think a lot of us do at certain times. You look at the world and go, 'Whoa.' Other moments you look and go, 'Oh, things are okay.'"
Williams struggled with drugs and alcohol in the 1980s, but quit after the 1982 overdose death of his friend John Belushi. He relapsed in 2003 and finished treatment in 2006, a few months before the interview with Gross.
Williams told Diane Sawyer of ABC News just after his two-month treatment for alcoholism in 2006 that falling back into the addiction was gradual. In July 2014, the actor checked himself into the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota in an effort to maintain his sobriety, his publicist said at the time.
"It's the same voice thought that ... you're standing at a precipice and you look down, there's a voice and it's a little quiet voice that goes, 'Jump,'" Williams told Sawyer. "The same voice that goes, 'Just one.' ... And the idea of just one for someone who has no tolerance for it, that's not the possibility."
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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