Williams death has led to renewed discussion

The absence of my Film Talk column last week has given me time to reflect on the shocking death of Robin Williams last Monday. It was a devastating, unbelievable loss.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Aug 2014, 13:00 BST
A file photo released by Touchstone Pictures of actor Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam (AP Photo/Touchstone Pictures) - and below, Sally Ann Tiernan from Limerick pictured with the actor in Shannon in 2011A file photo released by Touchstone Pictures of actor Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam (AP Photo/Touchstone Pictures) - and below, Sally Ann Tiernan from Limerick pictured with the actor in Shannon in 2011
A file photo released by Touchstone Pictures of actor Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam (AP Photo/Touchstone Pictures) - and below, Sally Ann Tiernan from Limerick pictured with the actor in Shannon in 2011

A multi faceted performer, he was a gifted comedian, equally adept in dramatic roles both as hero and villain.

In films like Aladdin, Jumanji, Hook and Mrs Doubtfire (to name a select few), he entertained me for longer than I can remember.

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It’s almost impossible to encapsulate his career into one defining role, but his Best Supporting Actor Oscar win for Good Will Hunting was the pinnacle of his acting success.

What’s particularly heartbreaking about Robin Williams is that he was so beloved by everyone all across the world, yet he was seemingly unable to love himself. That’s the illogic of depression. It lies.

If there is one ‘positive’ to be derived from such tragic circumstances, it’s that it has led to a renewed discussion of depression; an affliction that plagues many lives, yet still has a stigma attached.

If you, or anyone you know has been afflicted by depression and have been fighting a silent battle, then please talk to someone and seek help. Even in your darkest hour, you are never alone.