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Robin Williams
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins
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Robin Williams
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Summary
With his twinkling eyes, boundless energy and unrivalled natural wit, Robin Williams was the comedian who brought laughter to a generation.
Through roles in cherished films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Aladdin and Hook, he became the genial face of family comedy. His child-like enthusiasm was infectious, sweeping viewers away. Allied to his lightning-quick improvisation and ability to riff lewdly off any cue thrown at him, Robin was that rare thing - a true comic genius who appealed to adults and children equally.
He could also play it straight, and empathetic depth came to him naturally. A poignant performance in Good Will Hunting won him an Academy Award whilst his masterfully chilling turn in psychological thriller Insomnia shocked audiences and hinted at a darker side.
What truly caught the imagination, though, was his good-heartedness. Warmth radiated from him on-screen, but he was legendary for his off-screen acts of selfless generosity. Where most Hollywood A-listers demand outrageous pampering in their contract riders, he always insisted that the production company hire a full quota of homeless people to help make his movies.
But behind the laughter lay a deeply troubled man, and tragedy would follow. At midday, on 11th August 2014, Robin Williams was pronounced dead at his California home. The verdict was suicide. He had battled depression and addiction for many years and was allegedly beset by financial difficulties.
Virginia Blackburn's sensitive and thoughtful biography celebrates his genius and warmth, but also attempts to understand what could have driven such a gentle and gifted man to so tragic an end.
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What listeners say about Robin Williams
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nikki Murphy
- 04-08-21
could be retitled understanding mental illness
loved it great subject, didnt need to hear all of the reviews critics suck
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Marnie
- 13-03-20
Excellent brilliant read. x
Loved every bit entertaining and sad . Would recommend to all my family and friends.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 15-12-20
only a middling book
As an audio book the narrator was not suited to read this book, also his attempt at portraying robins jokes at the end was monotone.
sadly this book was not wrote by robin so the author attempted to summarise Robin's life through his movies & acting. I guess if robin had of been interviewed for the book we might of gotten a more personal view of this comedy genius that he was.
quite depressing portrayal of robin when there was so much more to him on the inside.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- sandra
- 26-05-24
Robin Williams the real one
i didn't dislike any of it. I enjoyed an insight into this kind flawed talented generous man. it made him feel human even though his talent was in the stratosphere. it's just my opinion but I think critics need to be a little kinder as how much lays at their door for Denise of this brilliant actor, or any other person who is criticism. There's always a better way to give feedback without the barb comments, always. Don't know who owns this quote but 'just be kind as you never know what internal battles people are fighting when they are smiling
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Michael Pearson
- 15-08-21
You never realised how amazing you where.
I'm glad I listened to this book but found it sad as a fan, who has always found him such a talented. By the sounds of things so did everyone else.
I did find it hard to listen to as it made me feel sad.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Scrummie mummy
- 18-01-24
The star could shine brighter
Efficient, clear narrator but a bit emotionless for such a vibrant chatter. Too many references about reviews, enjoy ed the dialogue behind his films and how he played the roles. May be mirexsbout his friendships, more examples of his charity a lot referred to his lovely nature not many stories or told in a way you could you could feel that connection. Great ending and very Robbin Williams to hear his humour. And
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mr SM McGann
- 04-05-20
So sad!
A good listen. Sad life of a very funny man.
Read beautifully and an insight into the mind of a clever comic.
Really sad life!
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 26-07-24
Too many critic reviews
A somewhat disappointing representation of the life of Robin Williams. A detailed account that’s at times too detailed. Naming every actor that was part of a production or an awards ceremony is understandable albeit not needed and slightly draws the listeners attention away from the story. But this is nothing compared to authors insistence of including what feels like every critics review on every production Robbin ever made. At times it feels like the book has more reviews from critics than the story of Robin. Overall the accuracy of the book is clearly of great importance to the author and this comes through in abundance. It offers a no nonsense look of the highs and lows of RW life which is a complex insight.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- David McGettrick
- 19-03-20
Disappointed
Overall I was disappointed with the book. I am a big fan of Robin Williams, but there is nothing new or interesting here that most 1-hour documentaries wouldn't cover. The constant quoting of critics is annoying and in my opinion unnecessary unless this was the goal of the book. Also, the naming of all characters in every film, as well as giving their real name, while also giving the plotline of the film, is again unnecessary and take too much time away from the main character in this book, namely "Robin Williams.'
For someone unfamiliar with his work and his life, maybe it gives some good details, but for any real fan, most things covered are well known already
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Allan Lord
- 08-10-19
out standing
it is such a same such a fantastic person is no longer here now .
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