Robin Williams Remembered At Private Memorial

Robin Williams was honored by close friends and family at a private memorial in San Francisco on Saturday. The iconic actor and comedian passed away on August 11th of this year. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the tribute was held at the Curran Theatre and featured music and video tributes. Zelda Williams, the actor’s 25-year-old daughter, arranged the majority of the event.

People who knew Williams well in life made reportedly emotional speeches, including Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal and Eric Idle. Crystal gave Williams a very public remembrance during the recent Emmy Awards telecast, during which he spoke about his long-time friend.

Zelda retreated from social media following her father’s death, but recently tweeted a note of thanks to those who had supported her family.

“I just want to say thank you for all the stories and letters I’ve been receiving, especially from those who’ve lost loved ones. I don’t come online often, but reading of others who have dealt with this loss and gone on to live happy, full lives is helpful. Truly.”

Zelda and Williams other children, Cody, 22 and Zak, 31, as well as his wife Susan also spoke at the tribute. US Weekly reports that loved ones of Williams’ received wristbands with a touching message:

“Love the stillness of life.”

The two-hour event featured music by Stevie Wonder who was joined by participants from a local San Francisco church, the Glide Ensemble and Change Band.

Robin Williams’ former representative told THR that a lengthy list of well-known names attended the service, including Bette Midler, George Lucas, Penny Marshall, Danny DeVito, Minnie Driver, Seth Green, Eddie Izzard, Richard Lewis, Gus Van Zant and Jeff Bridges. Also in attendance were Williams’ Mork and Mindy co-star Pam Dawber and his fellow The Crazy Ones cast member Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Following the actor’s passing, his ashes were scattered in the San Francisco bay. His wife gave a statement to E! Online which read in part:

“Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly. It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.”

Following the tribute, attendees also went to a reception at a nearby hotel. Williams was 63.

[Robin Williams Image: Google]