Robin Williams remembered in Vancouver
CBC News | Posted: August 12, 2014 3:40 AM | Last Updated: August 12, 2014
Academy Award-winning actor and comedian has died aged 63
As the world learned of Williams' passing, many B.C.-based fans took to Twitter and Instagram to remember the time he spent filming in Vancouver.
Robin Williams was found dead at his home in an apparent suicide, aged 63, on Monday. The Academy Award-winning actor and comedian had reportedly been battling severe depression.
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For Williams, Vancouver was a home away from home, where he shot a number of blockbuster movies including Jumanji and Night at the Museum. Following his death, it's clear his greatest influence was on fellow actors and comedians.
Patrick Gallagher, a Los Angeles-based actor from Vancouver, worked with Williams on the latest instalment in the Night at the Museum series, which will be in theatres later this year.
"We just finished shooting two months ago and I was lucky to spend a lot of time of his," Gallagher told CBC News. "We lost not just a great comedian, but also an incredibly talented and gracious actor, so it's very sad."
Simon King, a Vancouver-based comedian, said he ran into Williams many times in the city and was pleasantly surprised when he decided to approach him one day.
"I thought, well, I'm going to go talk to this guy. He's one of my heroes," he said. "So I went over and we had this genuine, sweet interaction. He really was a very kind and, like, he was a very open person."
Rich Elwood, founder of Punchlines Comedy Club, told CBC News that while Williams was in town, he often joined in with their improv troupe.
"Robin, of course, was a great guy and just wanted to be one of the people in the improv group. That's kind of how he was," Elwood said. "Just a real ball of fire on stage, but just wanted to be one of the participants."
You can see a Storify of more memories and messages below — or if you're on mobile, click here: Storify: Robin Williams remembered in Vancouver.
Did you meet Robin Williams while he was staying in B.C.? Tell us your story in the comments below, or tweet us @cbcnewsbc.