Robin Williams: The Laughter Stops is a heartbreaking and poignant documentary from Amazon about the life and tragic death of one of the greatest comedians and actors of our time. The show offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Robin Williams, the man who brought laughter to millions of people around the world, but who struggled with depression and addiction behind the scenes.
The documentary takes us through Williams' life from his childhood in the affluent suburbs of Chicago, to his rise to fame as a stand-up comedian in San Francisco, to his successful career in Hollywood, and finally to his untimely death in 2014. Along the way, we hear from some of the people who knew Williams best, including his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow comedians.
The show is divided into seven episodes, each of which explores a different aspect of Williams' life and career. In the first episode, we learn about Williams' childhood and early years, including his years at Juilliard and his early struggles as a comedian. The second episode focuses on the rise of Williams to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, as he became one of the most beloved and successful comedians of his generation.
The third episode delves deeper into Williams' personal life, including his marriages, his children, and his struggles with addiction and depression. This is perhaps the most difficult episode to watch, as we see the toll that these struggles took on Williams and those around him.
In the fourth episode, we focus on Williams' work in television and film, including his iconic roles in Mork & Mindy, Dead Poets Society, and Good Will Hunting. We also hear from some of the actors and directors who worked with him, including Pam Dawber, Billy Crystal, and Barry Levinson.
The fifth episode explores Williams' humanitarian work, including his involvement in numerous charities and his efforts to entertain US troops overseas. We see the impact that Williams had on these people and how he used his fame to make a difference in the world.
The sixth episode is perhaps the most emotional, as we hear from Williams' family and friends about the days leading up to his death. We learn about his struggles with depression and the moments of hope and despair that he experienced in the final years of his life.
The final episode of the show serves as a tribute to Williams' life and legacy, featuring clips from some of his most memorable performances and interviews with his fans all around the world. The episode also includes some of Williams' own reflections on his life and career, including his thoughts on death and the afterlife.
Overall, Robin Williams: The Laughter Stops is a touching and powerful tribute to one of the most creative and beloved artists of our generation. While the show is at times difficult to watch, it ultimately leaves viewers with a sense of the joy and laughter that Williams brought to the world, even as it highlights the struggles he faced behind the scenes. For anyone who has ever loved Robin Williams or enjoyed his work, this documentary is a must-watch.
Robin Williams: The Laughter Stops is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between August 11, 2019 and on Amazon Addon