I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am missing the hell out of Robin Williams. It’s been two weeks, and I still can’t believe he’s gone.
For years, I’ve watched his movies and his old comedy specials, like I was visiting an old friend. Cracking up at him as Adrian Cronauer in Good Morning, Vietnam, or weeping (with both sadness and laughter) at his portrayal of Parry in The Fisher King. To know that he will never create again makes the world feel a little strange.
TIME put up a video of Williams explaining how he does such top-speed improv. I’ve decided his mind is like a tornado, sucking in everything in his path. And sometimes those things end up miles away. This 9 minutes shows it well. Plus, you’ll laugh. I promise.
In More Cowbell lingo, Williams was a man who “really used his studio space.”
What is your favorite show, movie, special memory of Robin Williams? Are you mourning like I am? Enquiring minds always want to know these things here at More Cowbell!
~ Jenny
Update on the “Dog Hip“:
As most of you know, I had hip surgery on June 19th. It wasn’t a hip replacement. It was a labral tear repair and re-attachment, with a complete reshaping of the femoral head and neck. I just tell people who ask that “I had my hip rebuilt.”
From my perspective it has been a very slow healing process. The intense pain for this injury started back in Feb/March, so there are many, many loose threads for me to tidy up. I’m just now starting to catch up a little, get out my thank you’s, and dive full-tilt back into my work and writing. I got the word last week that I have six weeks of physical therapy left (yes, I whimpered), so there is an end in sight.
Thank you to all of you who have cheered me through this process. Truly, you can’t know how much you helped with your texts, calls, FB updates, and gifts. I appreciate every one of you. 60 hours a month of rehab is like having a third job. Thanks for your patience while my posting schedule is so scattered.
Jenny Hansen's Blog 
Hang in there, Jenny! You’re doing marvelously. I’m in awe of your strength, good humor, and dedication throughout all of this! And remember, all you have to do is say the word, and a bunch of us would be all-too-happy to guest post while you take a break. Hugs. xo
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Thanks, Kathy! I’m not remotely opposed to guest posting, but it takes almost as much time to coordinate as it does to just post. I usually end up powering through it on my own, but perhaps I’ll do a shout-out before it’s all over, just to spice things up. 🙂
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Glad the end is in sight for rehab but you’re already making great strides (pun intended!). Thanks for sharing the Robin Williams video. I miss him, too.
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LOL…that’s me, Amy. GREAT STRIDES.
It’s hilarious that you would say this. I just got yelled at on Friday because the PT lady said, “You’re still protecting that hip. Walk BIGGER!”
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Yeah, he’s one of those where, two years later, someone will mention him, and I’ll go, ‘Robin Williams? He’s not dead.” Because I’ve forgotten there can be a reality without his amazing life in it.
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That’s exactly it, Laura! It’s something that my mind absolutely refuses to take in, despite the fact that he’s been gone for two weeks. You watch that clip above and see that he’s such a sweet, humble man. And it’s heartbreaking to know that he was so unhappy, even though he spread so much joy.
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Definitely mourning here. I did a blog post about him here:
It was short, but I couldn’t bear to write any more. As soon as I start getting paid again (I’ve been between semesters for a little more than a month) I’m going to complete my Robin Williams collection.
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I understand completely, Lara. It was short AND lovely. Which items are missing from your Robin Williams collection?
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I’m missing several, Jenny. Some are probably at my ex’s house. I really want to pick up Good Morning Vietnam again. I need to get Dead Poet’s Society because I’ve only got that in VHS. Hook. So many things, really.
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Oh by far – Genie in Aladdin. I will never NEVER be able to watch that character again without being sad.
Glad you’re getting better.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
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The whole Robin Williams thing happened while I was moving, so I didn’t give it the attention I normally would have. So to answer your question about what my favorite movie of his was, I googled him. What a portfolio! He was brilliant. Here’s what else I was reminded of – I could both love him and hate him. He’d play characters that I disliked, but he played them so well that I forgot they were characters and disliked him instead. Then he would play a role so charming that I thought I’d permanently adore him – until he played someone I didn’t like again.
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I feel privileged to have seen the whole Actor’s Studio interview with Robin Williams when it aired originally. I practically peed my panties I laughed so hard. Of course I am a fan of his movies, but what impresses me more was his heart. He gave so much of himself to make people happy. He was a great humanitarian. He will be missed. *sniff*
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I agree with Billy Crystal, he can’t not be here, it just isn’t plausible. Keep healing!
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Its so sad that he took his own life. I also can’t believe he is gone. Depression is such a hard thing for many to overcome.
Good luck with that hip and hope it heals fully!
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