Friends and Fans Alike Mourn Robin Williams on Social Media
The big story today on social media is the passing of celebrated comedian and movie star Robin Williams. He died Monday at the age of 63 in his home near San Francisco from an apparent suicide. According to a statement issued from a representative, he had been battling severe depression of late.
Williams had a devoted following that is evident from the sheer number people who took to social media to remember him.
In the six hours after the news broke of his passing, he had 7.5 million mentions on Twitter.
Originally, the response was of disbelief, but as word spread, celebrities and fans alike shared their sentiments, many citing quotes from their favorite films.
im seeing tweets about Robin Williams dead. this better be fake
— Billy Roberts (@BillyRoberts19_) August 11, 2014
I really, really hope the news about robin williams is fake...
— rory (@rory785) August 11, 2014
No words.
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) August 12, 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 am named after a character from a Robin Williams TV show when my parents still lived in Africa. He meant so much, to so many, so far away.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) August 12, 2014
Robin was as sweet a man as he was funny. If you're sad, please tell someone.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) August 11, 2014
Social media has become a forum for public mourning. After his death, Philip Seymour Hoffman had tens of thousands of mentions per hour, and Michael Jackson, in his passing had more than 100,000 mentions per hour.
The last tweet from Robin Williams was a link to a Throwback Thursday Instagram pic wishing his daughter a happy birthday.
#tbt and Happy Birthday to Ms. Zelda Rae Williams! Quarter of a century old today but always my… http://t.co/qlsWIu429e
— Robin Williams (@robinwilliams) July 31, 2014
Zelda, in turn, posted this to her account on Monday, a quote from "The Little Prince" and this message: I love you. I miss you. I'll try to keep looking up.
— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) August 12, 2014
Perhaps the most popular post came from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which awarded Williams an Oscar for best supporting actor in 1998 for his performance in "Good Will Hunting."
Genie, you're free. pic.twitter.com/WjA9QuuldD
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 12, 2014
What will you remember most about Robin Williams? Let us know in the comments below.