Robin Williams is dead at age 63, by his own hand.

Robin Williams DangerRobin Williams is dead at the age of 63?

Of an apparent suicide?

Williams’ publicist Mara Buxbaum told The Hollywood Reporter that Williams “has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”

I’m sorry.  This will take a while to process.

Go here.

Mork and MindyAnd where I first discovered Robin Williams, above.

Is comedy dead?

Is improv dead?

Is brilliance in improv comedy dead?

Long live Robin Williams, the true master of the comedic.

There was no one faster in comedy than Robin Williams.  Absolutely no one.

And I think to myself: the world is completely diminished by his loss. 

Robin, please — we need more laughter these days, not less.

BZ

Robin Williams Lasrt PhotoLast photo of Robin Williams.

 

 

Sid Caesar, creator of “Your Show of Shows,” dead at 91

Sid CaesarSid Caesar, 1922 to 2014

From Showbiz411.com:

by Roger Friedman

Sid Caesar has died in Los Angeles at age 91. The creator of “Your Show of Shows” had been in fragile health for some time. If you don’t know his name ( and I’m sure you do) , Sid Caesar is where all contemporary comedy began. He launched Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Woody Allen with “Your Show of Shows.” There was even a movie made about him, sort of– “My Favorite Year,” written by one of his other disciples, Norman Steinberg. With Imogene Coca, Sid Caesar created an unparalleled legacy. In recent times, Brooks, Reiner and friends like Lainie Kazan, Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna had been going to Caesar’s house on Sundays to entertain him as he convalesced.

You can’t get more concise than this:

You certainly did, sir.

BZ