O Captain, My Captain…

Image from forevermagicmovies.blogspot.com

Many people will have awoken today to find out the upsetting news that actor Robin Williams has died. After suffering bouts of depression, it is suspected that he took his own life in his Californian home yesterday morning. He leaves behind a wife and three children, who our hearts go out to at this difficult time.

 

Robin Williams was best known for his superb talent in acting, allowing him to assume a wide variety of roles, capturing audiences around the world. Some of his most notable and memorable works are Good Will Hunting, Dead Poet’s Society and Mrs. Doubtfire, no doubt favourites of many a family. He was an actor that inspired many people through the characters he played, bringing a certain unique charm that filled you with hope and warmth.

 

Is it odd that we mourn celebrities that we have never personally met? This death will certainly affect a number of people whose only connection with him is watching a film through a television screen. It seems those we so regularly invite into our homes through a film or series become akin to that of extended family. We are also reminded that no one is immune to death, grief and loss, it happens to everyone, even the celebrities we so often idolise. I certainly haven’t escaped without shedding a tear for an actor I have grown up watching, an actor who has contributed to the shaping of my childhood through his portrayal of the genie in Aladdin, to Alan Parrish in Jumanji.

 

Image from cineplex.com

Much like talking about death is a taboo, talking about mental health is somewhat of a taboo in our society as well. Often when people need help the most, they are unsure who to turn to, but there are a number of UK charities that can support people suffering from a wide range of issues. ‘Mind’ is a nationwide service that provides advice, information and support for individuals and families regarding mental health. You can visit their website HERE.

 

There has been an outpouring of grief and remembrance on Twitter over the last 24 hours, with #RobinWilliams and #depression being in the top 10 trending hash tags. He was a kind-hearted man who inspired us in so many ways and will surely be missed by all of those who knew him.

"Parting is such tweet sorrow..."

During Dying Matters week in May, Dying Matters asked what your final Tweet would be if you could write it now. We've blogged about what happens to your Twitter acount when you die, but if you could predict your very last Tweet before you die what would it be?

They got back a real mish mash of funny, heartfelt and pop culture responses. A lot of people felt they couldn't top the late Spike Milligan's epitaph of "I told you I was ill". Some of our favourites were:

"Parting is such tweet sorrow"
"You all know I have a small fortune hidden away but you don't know where. Well, I'll tell you. It's in..."
"The coffee pot is cold, the jokes have all been told. Goodbye to all the souls who sailed with me the longer way" (Billy Bragg's 'Goodbye, Goodbye')"

They even had responses from celebrities and MPs such as Stephen Fry and Alistair Campbell.

Search the hashtag #FinalTweets on Twitter to see what other people said.

Even though Dying Matters week is over, our work continues all year round - so we'd like to extend the question: what would your final Tweet be? Let us know over at @Bucket_Project!