News of the death of legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams on Monday took many fans by surprise, but his entertainment colleagues were also stunned by the sudden turn of events.
Publicly known for his razor wit and good humor, but privately struggling with substance abuse for years, Williams had legions of admirers.
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Across the social media spectrum a wide range of high-profile entertainers, including the likes of Jimmy Kimmel, Steve Martin, Mia Farrow, Marc Maron, Mike Epps and Fran Drescher, and even some institutions (like the San Francisco Giants and Beats Music), expressed their condolences.
The amazingly broad collection of sincere acknowledgements only serves to reinforce Williams' genre- and generation-spanning cultural impact.
Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure.— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) August 12, 2014
Goddamnit! Robin Williams. Sorry. #RIP— marc maron (@marcmaron) August 12, 2014
I am stunned and just reeling from the news of Robin Williams' death. He brought so much joy and heart to millions... Just, wow.— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) August 12, 2014
Can't believe we lost a legend today. RIP Robin Williams- your legacy will live on forever.— Diddy (@iamdiddy) August 11, 2014
I AM BEYOND DEVASTATED #RIPRobinWilliams— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) August 11, 2014
My Heart's broken. Robin was a beautiful, kind soul. Can't bear that he's gone. So incredibly sorry for his family.— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) August 11, 2014
A huge loss to this generation and more importantly his loved ones... My condolences . Rest in peace to you RW. #robinwilliams #comicgenius— Jeremy Renner (@Renner4Real) August 12, 2014
RIP @robinwilliams You were one of the very best that ever was. You were one of my heroes. #RobinWilliams— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) August 11, 2014
I can’t believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I’m heartbroken.— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 11, 2014
Mork from Ork: Rare evidence that aliens can be smart, clever, articulate & funny. Robin Williams, RIP— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) August 11, 2014
I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 11, 2014
I can't believe it. @robinwilliams is gone. I didn't know him well but the moments that we shared were hysterical and memorable. RIP Robin— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) August 11, 2014
So sad Robin Williams died :( We did 2 films 2gether. He ws a very lovely man & kind caring person. My heart goes out 2 his loved ones.— Fran Drescher (@frandrescher) August 11, 2014
RIP Robin Williams - an amazing man - if you r struggling w/ mental health issues know there is help. UR NOT ALONE. MY prayers w his family.— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) August 11, 2014
No! Robin Williams you were so loved.— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 11, 2014
Robin Williams was the first famous person I ever met. On the set of DEAD POETS SOCIETY, I was an extra, was 18 and he encouraged me. Im sad— Jamie Kennedy (@JamieKennedy) August 11, 2014
The world lost today. RIP Robin Williams— Jerry Ferrara (@jerrycferrara) August 11, 2014
So sad about Robin Williams...— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) August 11, 2014
His heart was as big as his genius. So sad. Rest in Peace Robin Williams.— bob saget (@bobsaget) August 11, 2014
He was Sweet LOVELY,Man. He ran high voltage,Mind Always Going, It was who he was.I Know Well..Many X’s from High There is Only Low.So Sad— Cher (@cher) August 11, 2014
"The moon, like a testicle, hangs low in the sky..." 1st Robin Williams bit I ever saw. He changed the course of comedy & my life with it.— Chris Hardwick (@nerdist) August 11, 2014
Robin Williams? Ah, man. RIP. Genius artist.— Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) August 12, 2014
Ah Robin, I'm so sorry the earth couldn't stay worthy of you. Hope happiness awaits you.— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) August 11, 2014
#robinWilliams the kind of comedy R.I.P miss u!— John Leguizamo (@JohnLeguizamo) August 12, 2014
Genie, you're free. pic.twitter.com/WjA9QuuldD— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 12, 2014