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DannyNicholas — RIP ROBIN WILLIAMS

Published: 2014-08-13 02:14:44 +0000 UTC; Views: 3703; Favourites: 193; Downloads: 9
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Description

Let me tell you a story.

This was shortly after “Aladdin” was released, I was very young, and my family went on our annual Thanksgiving holiday to Walt Disney World. One of the trips was to “MGM Studios” (now it is called something different), and out of the many of attractions my parents brought me on, one was very special. It was the newly opened “Disney Animation Studio” in Florida, and visitors were allowed to go through the studio.

The tour started off with a film starring, Robin Williams. In the short, Robin Williams explained in his own comedic way how animation worked; he even became an animated character in the process, a lost boy, if I remember correctly (“Hook” was already out by then).

Then after the show was over, the group I was apart of was brought into the animation area, and through display glass, nose pressed up right against it, I saw animators at work. And from that day I wanted to be a Disney Animator. I bought books and taught myself how to draw.

Now, maybe the art bug would have bitten me another way. But, when I think about this point of origin of my art, I always thought of that day as a big influence.

And it might not have been influential if it wasn’t for Robin Williams' zany enthusiasm.

Naturally, I am one of many people who grew up watching Robin Williams. Even at that very young, impressionable age, I knew who he was. Christ’s sake, he was “Popeye” to me; he was “Mork,” from Ork. The man just played the most lovable character in the biggest animated movie of all time at that point.

He was a man universally known through many generations. When this man showed up, you felt like he was part of the family, the truly funny uncle you never had.

The way Robin Williams hosted that film help break down the door of something very complicated, and through his excitement help made a young boy understand that all you need to do is draw, and you can make this happen.

I will miss Robin Williams a lot. The man still had much life to live and many laugh left to give. His legacy will be his films which we will watch countless times and smile.

Though, importantly, I will always remember him as the man who helped usher a little kid into a world he wanted to be a part of.

I still draw because of that short film he hosted.

Thank you, Mr. Williams from helping put a pencil in my hand.

Rest In Peace.

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Comments: 34

MijumewAndCo [2016-05-31 13:31:15 +0000 UTC]

Great job on the drawing.

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DannyNicholas In reply to MijumewAndCo [2016-06-04 00:57:29 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, MinumewandCo

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MijumewAndCo In reply to DannyNicholas [2016-06-04 10:59:35 +0000 UTC]

Of course

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rabbity-thing [2015-10-25 03:39:09 +0000 UTC]

Lovely drawing.

I've always wanted to watch Aladdin. I heard good things about the Genie. So, I bought the Diamond Edition. I watched it, and as expected, LOVED the Genie. I went online to look up stuff about Genie, and I somehow got the news Rob was dead. I felt my heart drop and I've been upset since, looking up memorials.

Thanks for drawing this, I'm glad we can all grieve together.

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DannyNicholas In reply to rabbity-thing [2015-10-29 11:48:32 +0000 UTC]

Wow, this is such a lovely comment, Ask-Clear-Sky! Thank you!

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rabbity-thing In reply to DannyNicholas [2015-10-29 20:05:20 +0000 UTC]

No problem. G'day to you.

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JamestheRedEngine91 [2014-12-20 02:17:52 +0000 UTC]

(sighs sadly) The most commonly asked question on that infamous day was probably "Why would Robin kill himself?" And I call August 11 "Robin Williams Memorial Day." There should also be a foundation called the Robin Williams Foundation For Fighting Depression like The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Good drawing by the way, and thanks for sharing your story!

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DannyNicholas In reply to JamestheRedEngine91 [2014-12-26 02:01:15 +0000 UTC]

Very lovely comment, James! Thanks for sharing it, pal.

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JamestheRedEngine91 In reply to DannyNicholas [2014-12-26 02:04:20 +0000 UTC]

My real name is David, and I couldn't be happier to!

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marianagarciagr [2014-09-09 05:14:22 +0000 UTC]

This is by far the most beautiful story I've read since Robin's passing. Honestly I didn't know about this short until he passed away (I've only been to Disneyland, and only once); I found out about it because someone posted a link on a drawing I made as a homage for Mr. Williams. Now I know why our Genie is wearing those clothes at the end of the film.
I can't say I relate to your story because I fell for animation in a different way, in different circumstances. However, I understand what you said about him and the reason why you keep drawing, and now that I watched that short film I can understand why you love it and why Robin Williams influenced you in this way: he had this magical energy that made you believe that everything is possible. 
It's hard to believe he's gone. You're so right; he had so much left to give. 

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DannyNicholas In reply to marianagarciagr [2014-09-14 17:24:04 +0000 UTC]

This is the most beautiful comment I've ever received! Absolutely touching. Thanks, marianagarciagr! 

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fanartj [2014-08-15 19:59:30 +0000 UTC]

Great story and great tribute. God rest his soul.  

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DannyNicholas In reply to fanartj [2014-08-18 06:09:20 +0000 UTC]

Lovely! Absolutely lovely, fanartj! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to leave a comment!

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fanartj In reply to DannyNicholas [2014-08-18 20:45:16 +0000 UTC]

No problem. Keep up the good work!

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Slappy-Snifferdoo [2014-08-13 22:00:47 +0000 UTC]

What a lovely story. He will be missed greatly!

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DannyNicholas In reply to Slappy-Snifferdoo [2014-08-18 06:07:31 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, Slappy! I really appreciated. He will be sorely missed. Thanks for commenting!

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Slappy-Snifferdoo In reply to DannyNicholas [2014-08-19 00:57:40 +0000 UTC]

No problem. May he rest in peace.

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BalloonPrincess [2014-08-13 11:28:39 +0000 UTC]

Awesome tribute!

I remember that animated short with Robin Williams.  Fantastic!  Thanks for reminding me of that. 

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DannyNicholas In reply to BalloonPrincess [2014-08-18 06:05:39 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, Princess!!!

You should try hunting down the video on YouTube.

I believe Disney originally projected the footage at a higher frame rate to prevent anyone from filming it on their VHS camcorders (my god, VHS camcorder!). But someone found a way around it.

Thanks for leaving a comment!

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BalloonPrincess In reply to DannyNicholas [2014-08-18 13:11:21 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure!

I'll have to check that out. 

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LightningTopaz [2014-08-13 03:06:01 +0000 UTC]

He will always be the Genie in my heart

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DannyNicholas In reply to LightningTopaz [2014-08-18 05:57:25 +0000 UTC]

Mine as well. Thank you leaving a comment, Lightning! You are too kind!

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LightningTopaz In reply to DannyNicholas [2014-08-18 13:04:06 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome.

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Halowing [2014-08-13 02:59:12 +0000 UTC]

His smile will shine~

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DannyNicholas In reply to Halowing [2014-08-18 05:54:41 +0000 UTC]

Bright and last forever! Thank you for leaving such a beautiful comment, Halowing!

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Halowing In reply to DannyNicholas [2014-08-18 07:17:23 +0000 UTC]

You're very welcome~~ ^^

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ShyScope [2014-08-13 02:26:40 +0000 UTC]

That is a very touching story.Its Great to know he inspired you sooo much^^ Robin Williams will always be remembered & loved by all his Fans. RIP Mr. Williams 

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DannyNicholas In reply to ShyScope [2014-08-18 05:53:01 +0000 UTC]

Indeed, ShyScope, he will be loved and remembered forever. Thank you for leaving a comment.

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ShyScope In reply to DannyNicholas [2014-08-24 17:40:30 +0000 UTC]

Oo yes

Your very welcome

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Cheezeburger123 [2014-08-13 02:17:09 +0000 UTC]

thats beautiful...so beautiful.... ivi

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DannyNicholas In reply to Cheezeburger123 [2014-08-18 05:50:38 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much, Cheezeburger123. It was from the heart. Thank you.

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Meiprime31 [2014-08-13 02:16:10 +0000 UTC]

We will miss you! TT_TT

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DannyNicholas In reply to Meiprime31 [2014-08-18 05:47:44 +0000 UTC]

That we will, "oh captain, my captain!" 

Thanks for leaving a comment, Meiprime31!

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Meiprime31 In reply to DannyNicholas [2014-08-18 06:35:18 +0000 UTC]

Your Welcome

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