The world lost one of its brighter lights last week when Robin Williams, comedian extraordinaire, took his own life.
I was greatly saddened to hear this news. I’m rarely affected by celebrity deaths, but actually cried out, “NOOOOO!” when I saw the headline.
Robin was a great comedian. As an adult, I’ve tended to prefer him in some of his more serious roles as an actor. But despite his incredible success in film, I will probably always remember him as Mork, from Mork & Mindy. This was one of my favorite television shows as a child (right next to Wonder Woman and Charlie’s Angels). And while I wouldn’t necessarily label it as formative or influential programming in any way, it was…entertaining. It taught me about laughter and silliness and how to be a kid at the most appropriate time in my life for such lessons. It was a show which, regardless of its intent, taught me that being different or quirky was ok. It emphasized the importance of being yourself, no matter how that was perceived by others. I doubt the writers of Mork & Mindy had any of that in mind when they set out to create each week’s episode, but it was what they accomplished in my house every week nonetheless.
In tribute to Robin and his accomplishments—many of which have brought joy to just about every one of us—I’ve added a new piece to the Polygraphy series: Robin.
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