Robin Williams- everyone knows who he was. No one can mistake his familiar voice, even if he was impersonating someone else. He did so many voices and impersonations, but he was an original person. He was an individual that impacted our generation. From Aladdin, to Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, and even Hook. Almost everyone has seen at least one or more of his movies. These movies were favorites to our generation growing up. The mastermind behind these characters left us with laughs. So for our generation, Williams’ death is a shock. It almost doesn’t seem real that a figure from our time is dead. Robin Williams may have left us, but his performances will always be in our minds and hearts.

Looking back, Williams appeared in many of our favorite childhood films, TV shows, and talk shows. His smile would light up a room with his jokes. Think back to when you and your family would sit around and watch one of his movies. In our minds we always would think, ‘Oh! This one is a classic.’ His fans would memorize their favorite lines. For example, from Aladdin, everyone always remembers his famous line, “I can’t believe it! I’m losing to a rug!” or from Mrs. Doubtfire, the unforgettable line “Hello!” from his pie facial. He made all of his movies better. He was the best part of every one of them. He is a legend that will always be there. For his fans in Chicago, it’s harder to take because he was born here. An idol of our film generation is hard to lose after all the memorable contributions to Hollywood he has given us.

Williams was not just popular for his movies. His first real hit was for his standup comedy routines. He was the god of improvisation. On most of his movies, including Aladdin, Good Will Hunting, and Mrs. Doubtfire, he adlibbed his lines according to International Business Times. Some, like Aladdin, for example, were turned down for awards because of how much of the movie he made up himself. Also, another famously known improvisation was his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1981. This was and still is one of his most popular appearances. Some people debate that this is what launched his career in the first place.

Robin Williams is an inspiration still today. The kids and adults of our generation will grieve over the death of this king of comedy. He was a figure many of us grew up watching, and knowing that he is gone from the world is just too hard to believe. He may be gone, but his legend and laughs will live on for generations to come.