In my first year of secondary school I was asked to write a biography on an actor/actress/singer that I admired, my choice of course: Robin Williams. Who better? That eccentric quick-witted man who acted in some of my most favourite childhood films. Growing up in the 90’s films like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Jumanji” were that escape that I needed; fun, adventurous and engrossing these films (in my opinion) owe their success to Robin Williams. He brought an energy to the roles he played that is hard to describe, though with ADHD myself it isn’t a trait that particularly needs explaining.

Robin Williams is one of those actors who although comfortable in comedy could play sensitive mature roles, often within the same film. Mrs. Doubtfire is an excellent example of this. Under the comedy generated by the duel roles of Daniel Hillard and Mrs. Doubtfire, the film themes resonated through even to my hyperactive and ignorant child self. So after vacuuming to Aerosmith’s “Dude (Looks like a Lady)”, voicing cartoon characters, to finally becoming a responsible father – the film was a whirlwind ride for me as a boy of… 5, 6? AND the finger? AND throwing a lime at Pierce Brosnan’s head??

I will never pretend that Robin Williams changed my life, or lie and claim he is solely responsible for me getting over difficulties in my life – but what I will say is Robin Williams will always have a special place in my heart as a major representation of my childhood and I honestly couldn’t imagine my childhood cinema experience being without him.