As a child of the ‘90s, Robin Williams dominated my movie watching, from Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire and Jumanji to voicing characters in Aladdin and FernGully. When I was old enough, I got to see Good Morning, Vietnam, The Birdcage and Good Will Hunting. To my shame, I haven’t seen Dead Poets Society yet, but Death to Smoochy remains one of my all-time favourite movies. Even when he wasn’t in movies, he continued to make me laugh. I will always remember the episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway? that he guest starred on as being the best one I’d ever seen.

Trying to put my feelings into words here has left me with a lump in my throat. There’s no easy way to describe just how fantastic Robin Williams was. His passing is one of the first celebrity deaths that have made me feel profoundly sad. I grew up with his work, and it continued through my adult life. It feels like I’ve lost a kind and funny uncle I’ve known since childhood.

So I’d like to take a moment to honour the late, great Robin Williams. I’ll remember him as the man who gave me so much, so many memories and so many laughs. I’ll remember him as a father who cared for his family, a clown who made me laugh in order to heal me, a genie who granted my wishes, and a teacher who inspired us all.