Nanu, Nanu No More!

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8



August XIIth, MMXIV

Hon. Jeff Johnson, B. Ed., MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

For students interested in the comedic arts, we lost a real talent when Academy Award (TM) Winner/Grammy (TM) Award Winner/Emmy Award (TM) Winner/Golden Globe Award (TM) Winner/Screen Actors Guild Award (TM) Winner Robin Williams took his own life yesterday due to depression. It just goes to show you that mental health issues can affect a person no matter what their age, socioeconomic status, or popularity level. Plus, Mr. Williams addictions to alcohol & drugs didn't add to the mix for helping him.

I myself have performed short stand-up comedy sets many years ago & studied comedy in bars, comedy clubs, as well as being a late night talk show aficionado for years. So I saw Robin perform on tv many times & I also appreciated his acting talents.

My two fondest memories of Robin Williams are when he went on Johnny Carson's penultimate "The Tonight Show" (at Johnny's request) along with Bette Midler to say goodbye to Johnny & thank him for his service & just to hang out on the couch with Johnny, Ed, Doc, & the NBC Orchestra.

Secondly, when David Letterman came back II host his first "Late Show" on CBS after his quintuple heart bypass surgery, who was his first guest? That's right, it was Robin Williams who came out in medical scrubs to act as "Dr. Robin" & tease & mock Dave & Dave wouldn't have it any other way. He had nothing in terms of a project to promote. He just came out on an airplane from California to Dave's New York based show because David asked him to. I mean talk about a class guy!

The joy he brought II these II men, II of the world's greatest ever late night talk show hosts & entertainers, as well as his many fans was palpable. The look of pure happiness & the smiles on their faces was just absolutely fantastic!

Jonathan Winters & You Can Now Reunite & Do Comedy In Heaven Robin,

Rory

Source: Myself, "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson": National Broadcasting Company & Carson Productions Incorporated, "Late Show With David Letterman": Columbia Broadcasting System & Worldwide Pants Incorporated, & Www.RobinWilliams.Com.