Everyone took a hit to the gut Monday with the news regarding the loss of Robin Williams. Although many of us can’t fathom what his immediate family and friends are currently feeling, it doesn’t matter whether you work in entertainment, business or sports, all of us had some kind of connection with one of the greatest comedians who ever lived. It also doesn’t matter if you grew up in the 70s, 80s or 90s — even for the younger Millennials — Williams, through either the role of an alien, overzealous radio host, transvestite divorcee or South Boston raised professor, was able to capture our hearts as much as any entertainer any generation has seen.
As I reflect back on the amazing life and career of the San Francisco native (and Giants fan), I remember my favorite role played by Williams; to no surprise it’s a popular one — that of Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting.
The role obviously captured Williams’ first and only Academy Award and is widely considered one of his greatest works. In it, he not only encompasses a character full of love, compassion and intrigue towards his antagonist played by Matt Damon, but he also relives one of the greatest sports moments in history, Carlton Fisk’s Game 6 home run during the 1975 World Series.
Of course his entire scene is meaningful all because “he had to go see about a girl.”
Rest in peace, Robin. We — including us sports fans — will miss you.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
