Friends and Fans Alike Mourn Robin Williams on Social Media

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.

 

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.

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.

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."

What will you remember most about Robin Williams? Let us know in the comments below.