Zelda Williams, the 25-year-old daughter of Robin Williams and the subject of Williams’ final post on Instagram — released a statement about her father’s suicide yesterday, and it is funny and thoughtful and sad and hopeful, which is exactly what you might expect from the daughter of Robin Williams.
From her blog, Contrariwise:
My family has always been private about our time spent together. It was our way of keeping one thing that was ours, with a man we shared with an entire world. But now that’s gone, and I feel stripped bare. My last day with him was his birthday, and I will forever be grateful that my brothers and I got to spend that time alone with him, sharing gifts and laughter. He was always warm, even in his darkest moments. While Ill never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, theres minor comfort in knowing our grief and loss, in some small way, is shared with millions. It doesn’t help the pain, but at least its a burden countless others now know we carry, and so many have offered to help lighten the load. Thank you for that.
To those he touched who are sending kind words, know that one of his favorite things in the world was to make you all laugh. As for those who are sending negativity, know that some small, giggling part of him is sending a flock of pigeons to your house to poop on your car. Right after youve had it washed. After all, he loved to laugh too
Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls Ive ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence. Well just have to work twice as hard to fill it back up again.
Well said, Zelda. Now try watching this without losing it just a little.
Robin Williams sons also released statements yesterday, via Access Hollywood.
From Zak Williams, who is 31:
“Yesterday, I lost my father and a best friend and the world got a little grayer. I will carry his heart with me every day. I would ask those that loved him to remember him by being as gentle, kind and generous as he would be. Seek to bring joy to the world as he sought.”
From Cody Williams, who is 23:
“There are no words strong enough to describe the love and respect I have for my father. The world will never be the same without him. I will miss him and take him with me everywhere I go for the rest of my life, and will look forward, forever, to the moment when I get to see him again.”
Williams ex-wife, Marsha Garces Williams, with whom he split amicably several years ago, also released a statement:
“My heart is split wide open and scattered over the planet with all of you. Please remember the gentle, loving, generous – and yes, brilliant and funny – man that was Robin Williams. My arms are wrapped around our children as we attempt to grapple with celebrating the man we love, while dealing with this immeasurable loss.”
I will also add that, if you’re a fan of Robin Williams, as others have suggested, listen to his 2010 podcast with Marc Maron, where he talks about depression, about his relapse, and about fame. I listened to it yesterday, and it’s probably the most insightful thing I’ve heard about who Robin Williams really is. (Plus, there’s some really great Richard Pryor stories in it).
Sources: Contrariwise, Access Hollywood via Gawker
