Reactions to the death of comic genius Robin Williams are coming in from across the entertainment industry and around the globe. Although Williams had a hot and cold relationship with The Walt Disney Company, there is no denying his influence and role in the success of the studio.
Chair and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Robert Iger on the passing of Disney Legend 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 offer our thoughts and condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
As mentioned in my brief summary of his career, Williams was made a Disney Legend in 2009. I want to use this post to collect reactions from around the Disney world to his much too early passing.
The Disney Theatrical Broadway production of Aladdin tweeted:
Robin Williams. The world just won’t be the same without the magic, inspiration and laughter you brought to us all. You will be very missed.
— Aladdin (@aladdin) August 12, 2014
and current Broadway incarnation of The Genie, James M. Iglehart, said
Robin Williams! 1 of the Greatest Period. I just want to say Thank You for the laughs. #FallenHero — james m. iglehart (@jamesmiglehart) August 11, 2014
Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy said:
Stunned to hear Robin Williams is gone! We became Disney Legends the same day. He was so kind, funny and amazing. Will miss him!
— Bill Farmer (@GoofyBill) August 12, 2014
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner tweeted
So sad, so missed..Mork, Dead Poets Society, Good Morning Vietnam, Alladin @Disney, @Paramount #RobinWilliams, a talent so amazing,gone
— Michael Eisner (@Michael_Eisner) August 12, 2014
Former Walt Disney Studios chair and current CEO of Dreamworks Jeffrey Katzenberg said of Williams’ performance as the Genie in the LA Times:
“That moment in which he introduced himself to the audience was purely of his imagination,” Katzenberg added. “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.”
Video of Robin Williams 2009 Disney Legends induction courtesy Attractions Magazine:
This story will be updated.
It might be too much to ask that they bring back Timekeeper, but it would be great of Disney to bring back “Back to Neverland” at DHS for the rest of the year in Williams’ honor.
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Timekeeper or bringing back Back to Neverland would both be fantastic. The current Animation tour is merely a shell of what it used to be, and is now more about the meet and greet at the end than much else.
Heck, they still aren’t using the theater from Sounds Dangerous….why not put it there?
As far as Timekeeper, there’s plenty of room in the Communicores, or if they wanted more space, take out that boring monolithic IBM exhibit and build it there!
Pingback: James M Iglehart and cast of Disney’s Aladdin the Musical pay tribute to Robin Williams | The Disney Blog
My understanding is that the Timekeeper was destroyed when they took down the tomorrowland skyway building, as that was where he was housed, but if they could bring it back I would fly down there in a heartbeat. I definitely think they should bring back the Back to Neverland, as that should be a zero cost, super easy way to pay tribute. Thanks for the great tribute article!
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