The genius comedian and Academy award-winning actor has died aged 63.
'Genie, you're free'. Source: Supplied
IT started with one perfectly succinct tweet, coming from no less a respected institution than the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
"Genie, you're free," it read, a quote from the heart-rending conclusion of Disney's 1992 smash hit Aladdin, when Robin Williams' Genie learned he was finally free from his years spent in a tiny lamp.
That simple message of has since been retweeted over 170,000 times, and has been echoed far and wide by a viewing public who grew up loving Robin Williams and today mourn the loss of a legend.
The animation classic Aladdin came in the midst of Williams' 1990s peak as a family film favourite: a year before he'd starred as Peter Pan in Hook, while the following year he'd frock up to play Mrs Doubtfire.
'I'LL MISS YOU DAD': Robin's daughter says emotional goodbye
But for many of us, it was Williams' hyperactive turn as the Genie in Aladdin that saw his star burn brightest. It was as if in animation, Williams had finally found a medium that could keep up with his lightning fast, surreal wit.
Robin Williams' role in Aladdin was the standout voice performance in the film. Picture: AP Photo Source: AP
The Genie could grow as tall as a house one second, then shrink into a tiny lamp the next. He could momentarily morph into anyone from Arnold Schwarzenneger to Johnny Carson to Rodney Dangerfield, conveniently ignoring the fact that the film is set in the fictional, ancient land of Agrabah in the pursuit of a great pop-culture gag.
Indeed, in an interview with the LA Times today, former Walt Disney Studios chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg revealed that many of Williams' best lines in the film were off-the-cuff ad libs, the result of a comic genius let loose in a vocal booth.
"That moment in which he introduced himself to the audience was purely of his imagination," Katzenberg told the Times.
Tributes have flown today, including on Robin Williams' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Picture: Getty Images. Source: Getty Images
"For me, it was one of the most breathtaking, pure moments of creativity I think I have ever witnessed. Aladdin would not be the classic movie it is without his brilliance."
Not just Aladdin: one could argue that Williams helped usher in a new era in animation, in which comic voice actors are given space to cram animated films with hilarious asides, pop-cultural references and yes, even occasional adult humour that would fly over the heads of young viewers.
Take Eddie Murphy as Shrek's lovable donkey, or Ellen DeGeneres as Dory in Finding Nemo: Both performances clearly owe a debt to Williams' iconic work in Aladdin.
No Donkey without Genie — just sayin'. Source: Supplied
As the heartbreaking "Genie, you're free" message gathered steam today, some were keen to stress that it should not be misinterpreted as a comment about Williams' reported suicide. It is important to remember that Williams himself is not free, but has apparently succumbed to the horrific illness that is depression — an illness that had plagued him throughout his life.
With that sad truth in mind, we could all use a bit of cheering up tonight. Aladdin viewing party, anyone?
If you, or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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