In the wake of the news of the death of Robin Williams, tributes to his life and legacy have been all over the web, including statements in his memory from the animation community and the announcement of special airings this weekend of the film Aladdin.
Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of the Walt Disney Company had this to say about the late Robin Williams:
"We're deeply saddened by the loss of Robin Williams, a wonderfully gifted man who touched our hearts and never failed to make us laugh. An incredible actor and a comedic genius, Robin will always be remembered for bringing some of the world's favorite characters to life, from his zany alien on ABC's 'Mork & Mindy' to the irascible genie in Disney's 'Aladdin'. He was a true Disney Legend, a beloved member of our family, and he will be sorely missed. We join Robin's friends and fans everywhere in mourning, and we offer our thoughts and condolences to his family during this difficult time."
Cartoon Brew posted statements also released by the Disney company by the Jon Clements and Ron Musker, the directors of Aladdin.
"We had the thrill and privelege of directing Robin Williams in 'Aladdin'. We wrote the part with him in mind, but his performance, complete with is brilliant, improvised flights of fancy, took us and the character far beyond what we had imagined. Like the genie it was immeasurable, thrilling, a cosmic explosion of wit and warmth. Robin brought magic into our lives, to his animator/other half, eric Goldberg, and to the scores of artists who brought the genie to such vivid life on the screen. But most of all, Robin's magic touched millions of viewers who laughed and were moved by him. We will cherish the memory of this ever-giving man who made every life he touched, including our own, better."
Billboard.com released a statement from Aladdin composer Alan Menken:
"If I had only watched Robin Williams on the TV screen, in the movies or on stage, I would consider myself blessed for having simply experienced his brilliance, his joy, his humor and his heart. The fact that I had the honor of sharing the creative process with him is an honor and a privilege that I will cherish for the rest of my life."
Eric Goldberg, supervising animator for the character of the Genie on Aladdin, recently sat down for an interview with Entertainment Weekly remembering the experiences he had working with Robin during production of Aladdin. A statement from him was also publicly released by Disney:
"I am beyond devastated. I cannot express how influential and important Robin was, and will continue to be, to me and countless other animation artists. Robin gave those of us who worked on the Genie so much humor, inspiration, and just sheer delight, that we were always spoiled for choice whenever we came back from a recording session. Like the Genie, Robin's immense talent could not be contained in that lamp. I think we all know, as the world does now, if there was ever a person who was tailor-made for the medium of animation, it was Robin. We have lost not just a great voice, though. We have lost a warm, human, miraculous person whose numerous and amazing talents will continue to inspire people for generations upon generations."
Eric Goldberg also created this special piece of art in memory of Robin:
The Academy Awards posted this tweet featuring the iconic words from Aladdin that changed the life of the Genie:
Genie, you're free. pic.twitter.com/WjA9QuuldD
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 12, 2014
Disney Insider has announced that Aladdin will be airing on Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior this weekend.
It will air on Disney Channel Saturday, August 16th, at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Disney XD Sunday, August 17th, at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Disney Junior, it will air Sunday, August 17th, at 6 p.m. and on Monday, August 18th, at 11 a.m.
I may remember Robin most fondly for his role as Genie, but he's contributed even more to the animation world, whether it be other animated characters or presenting awards to animation legends. He may not be of this world now, but he will never be forgotten, forever preserved by the work he's done over the course of his life.
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