Entertainment Industry Celebrates Life of Robin Williams in San Fransisco

By: Sep. 28, 2014
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Yesterday afternoon, hundreds of entertainment industry members gathered in Curran Theatre (San Diego, CA) for a private memorial celebrating the life of the late Robin Williams.

The presenters included Billy Crystal, who hosted, Whoopi Goldberg, Bonnie Hunt, and personal assistant and friend Rebecca Erwin Spencer. In addition, Williams' widow, Susan Schneider, and children Cody, Zelda, and Zak spoke about the actor. Also in attendance were George Lucas, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Bette Midler, Penny Marshall, Ben Stiller, Marlo Thomas, Eddie Izzard, and Mork and Mindy costar Pam Dawber.

Stevie Wonder, accompanied by San Fransisco's GLIDE Ensemble and Change Band, led a musical tribute to go with video segments of Williams' best moments. The event was followed by a reception at Westin St. Francis Hotel.

Robin Williams passed away of an apparent suicide at the age of 63 on Aug. 11.

After studying theatre at Julliard, Mr. Williams rose to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series "Mork & Mindy." Williams went on to establish a successful career in both stand-up comedy and feature film acting, winning an Oscar for his supporting role in Good Will Hunting. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times, received two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Grammy Awards.

His film career included The World According to Garp; Good Morning, Vietnam; Dead Poets Society; Awakenings; The Fisher King; Good Will Hunting; Popeye; Hook; Aladdin; Mrs. Doubtfire; Jumanji; The Birdcage; Night at the Museum; and Happy Feet.

Mr. Williams starred in a number of theatrical productions, including Mike Nichols's 1988 off-Broadway version of Waiting for Godot, co-starring with Steve Martin; and his own one-man show, Robin Williams: Live on Broadway. In 2011, he made his acting debut on Broadway in the title role of Rajiv Joseph's drama Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.

Source: Entertainment Weekly



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