A bright light just went out. Robin Williams could speak faster than most of us can think. And when he spoke (often in tongues) we laughed, long, hard and well.
Only photographed him once. Typical of his irreverent whimsy, he walked onstage to rehearse wearing a “Forty F%&*$#&G Niners” t-shirt, and dared the assembled photogs to take his picture and put that in your “family f%$*(**&^%g newspaper.” Had to bring my timing to get a publishable snap.
We were all lucky to get anything sharp. He kept it lively, doing his routine, and riffing here and there. His pinball wizard brain kept us anywhere from chuckling to outright howling. I know I missed a bunch of pics just standing there, slack jawed at the pace of it, camera in my hands and not to my eye, giggling like an idiot. Old style chrome, EPT pushed one stop. Radio City Music Hall, 1982. Long time ago, and lots of laughter since then.
Thank you….Godspeed…..more tk…..
You nailed it, Joe….a tack sharp picture of genius in action
Nice little story from my favorite contemporary photographer to my favorite comedian.-
Thanks for sharing a great shot and the BTS story!
Robin Williams will be missed terribly. That was an amazing opportunity to shoot him I’m sure. I can’t even imagine. Thanks Joe.
Brant
So sad ….
The world became a little less bright today. Thanks for making us smile Robin
Great SHot, Joe….and thank you. Robin will be dearly missed for sure. Still can’t believe it…
This is a great note.. Celebrates his spirit. Thank you for sharing this story with us.
Thanks for sharing your story. I
t always saddens me to hear of the death of a performer who’s made me and tens of thousands of others laugh and who’s work I’ve enjoyed.
When they’ve taken their life through depression and from feeling the opposite of the work they worked so hard to create, it breaks my heart.
RIP Robin Williams. May you find joy and peace in the next adventure.
I never saw his show live but I was fortunate enough to watch it on VHS. Always loved your shots and your stories Mr McNally.
A great loss. He was a great voiceover artist for cartoons as well as a wonderful comedian
Thank you, Joe, for sharing your story… it still hasn’t sunk in that he’s gone.
So sad. Thanks for sharing.
They are rolling in the aisles in Heaven right now. May peace be with him.
Robin Was The Steve Jobs of Comedy and Humor. Remember him in Mork & Mindy and never stopped laughing since. Miss him, miss his laughter and enjoy his talent.
F%&*$#&G awesome pic Joe.
Thanks for sharing that.
Hope you find peace Robin.
He will live on inside us with the laughter and love that he shared when preforming. As photographers a lot of times they put on their best face, Wish we could share the love back to him and hope his family feels our love. Joe, This is also a thank you to you for sharing not just your talent but the love of teaching your craft to those of us who are inspired to follow in your footsteps.
Thanks, Joe, for sharing your memory.
God bless his soul.
I real “Legend” photographed by a real “Legend”! Enough said………..
Very Sad, will be missed terribly
Great post. Thanks for your thoughts!
Great shot, Joe, of an amazing family man, first and foremost. RIP, Robin.
Love your blog and your story about Robin Williams….a loss for us all!
Have a wonderful day!