Robin Williams' Impact on New England
GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team
Robin Williams' Impact on New England
Williams was found dead from an apparent suicide at the age of 63 yesterday. His publicist explained that he had been fighting a recent battle with severe depression.
To see how Williams worked his magic locally, check out the slides below.
New England Connections To Robin Williams
Robin Williams Dead
Last night, the world learned of the death in a suspected suicide of Robin Williams. Tributes have been pouring in from around the world. He also left his mark on New England.
Ericka Atwell
Rhode Island native Ericka Atwell was profiled by GoLocalProv back in January after getting a part in the CBS sitcom "The Crazy Ones," starring Robin Williams. Of working with some of Hollywood's elite, Atwell said, "To share the screen with Robin Williams -- he is the one of the kindest, most generous spirited people out there. Should I make it, I aspire to be like him. But right now, I know my role. It's to be in the background and learn. I do feel the camera is my friend, and I will continue to work hard to succeed."
Jumanji
"Jumanji," the 1995 movie about a young boy sucked into a board game in the 1960s and released back into our world in the 1990s, was a hit for Robin Williams and a childhood memory for many of the millennial generation. Not only was it set in Keene, New Hampshire, but parts of the movie were filmed there as well.
Chris Van Allsburg
Providence childrens author Chris Van Allsburg was not only a story writer for the 1995 movie version of "Jumanji," but he also wrote the original book in 1981. The RISD graduate has also had his work featured on the cover of various editions of the C.S. Lewis boooks, The Chronicles of Narnia.
Good Will Hunting
The 1997 movie "Good Will Hunting" was a return to drama for Robin Williams. Centered around a brilliant janitor, played by Matt Damon, Williams is his therapist as he guides the main protagonist through life and into thinking about his relationships and his future.
L Street Tavern
The L Street Tavern in South Boston is well known as one of the actors favorite haunts in the city. It was also made famous for its role in the 1997 movie "Good Will Hunting" starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
Dead Poets Society
In 1989, Williams portrayed English teacher John Keating at the prestigious Welton Academy, a private school in Vermont. He teaches the students to seize the day and in return is called, "O Captain, My Captain," after the famous poem by Walt Whitman.
Thom Jones
Thom Jones, the Head of Voice and Speech at Trinity Rep, worked with Robin Williams in the production of the 2013 film "Lee Daniels' The Butler."
