Yesterday we learned of the sudden and tragic passing of one of the all-time greats Robin Williams. Though Robin Williams passed away, we will still have the opportunity to watch him onscreen with several unreleased movies. This definitely shows just how busy of a performer he was and what range of roles he was capable of. Williams was not in the middle of shooting a movie when he died, he had one finished film and three more in post-production.
His next role is in MERRY FRIGGIN’ CHRISTMAS, an indie comedy with a November 7, 2014 release date. Williams and Joel McHale play a father and son who hit the road to retrieve some forgotten gifts in time for the holidays. Wendi McLendon-Covey, Lauren Graham, and Oliver Platt also star in the film. Another holiday release for Williams is the upcoming sequel NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB, which opens December 19, 2014; he will once again reprise his role as the very loud Teddy Roosevelt.
Looking into 2015 we have ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING, a comedy/animation movie in which Williams voices the animated Dennis the Dog. Kate Beckinsale and Simon Pegg as also starring. Finally, and the most intriguing of the bunch, is the Dito Montiel (FIGHTING) directed drama BOULEVARD, in which Williams plays a married man who picks up a gay hustler. There is no theatrical distributor at this time, Bob Odenkirk co-stars.
The saga of the on again and off again sequel to MRS. DOUTBFIRE is also likely to be over; Williams was making plans with Fox and director Christopher Columbus to reprise the role even going as far as meeting with writers, but sources indicate the sequel is thankfully unlikely to move forward without Williams.
While you have likely come across a lot of heartfelt sentiment over the past 24 hours; there’s nothing more sincere than the words from Robin’s family. Below you will find personal statements from Robin Williams’ three children Zak, Zelda and Cody Williams, as well as from Robin’s former wife (and mother to Zelda and Cody) Marsha Garces Williams, and yesterday’s statement from Robin’s wife, Susan Schneider.
Zak Williams:
"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."
Zelda Williams:
“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 be forever 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 I’ll never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, there’s 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 it’s 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 you’ve 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 I’ve 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. We’ll just have to work twice as hard to fill it back up again.”
Cody Williams:
"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.”
Marsha Garces Williams
“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.”
Previously Released quote from Robin Williams’ Wife Susan Schneider:
“This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”