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We hereby suspend our purely Oakland love for this list. Losing Robin Williams and his incredible art and talent so early is honestly devastating. The reason’s the world loves Mr. Williams are numerous and thankfully are being shared quickly throughout social media and the regular media and  being done with such heart that it is inspiring.  I hope his family and loved ones can be wrapped in that love and support in this difficult time. His talent and heart were beyond compare and he touched so many. We ain’t never had a friend like him. <3

In the Bay Area though, we had even more reasons to love him. This was his home. He went to high-school here. He raised his children here. He was our champion, and neighbor, and we are honored to have had him share the love of this incredible place. These are just a few of the reasons the Bay Area loves Robin.

1.) Mrs. Doubtfire

I mean, is there anything better than Robin walking like a man, in a dress, up the hills of San Francisco? We don’t think so. While his children were growing up Mr. Williams did quite a few films set in the city. Presumably to be close to home, but hopefully also because he loved it. Others include: Nine Months, Jack, Flubber,  What Dreams May Come, Patch Adams, and Bicentennial Man.

2.) He was a Giants fan.

There is a great video roaming the internet right now of Robin Williams pumping up the crowd before Tim Lincecum  struck out 14 Atlanta Braves at the beginning of the 2010 World Series. It is a great show of fanaticism, his comedy, and general Giants love. I would like to believe that he was the difference in that game.

3.) Trick or Treating at his house was an event.

If you grew up in the Bay Area you wanted to go trick-or-treating in the Seacliff neighborhood of San Francisco. And get a glow stick from Robin Williams. From his house. How cool is that?

4.) He owned a vineyard.

If there’s one thing the bay area loves, it’s wine. And owning a vineyard is definitely a rite of passage. For a kid who graduated from Redwood High School, Mr. Williams didn’t just do well by Hollywood standards…he made it in the Bay too.

5.) His presence in the SF  comedy circuit started his career and inspired many more.

After graduating from Juilliard, Mr. Williams came back to San Francisco and started doing stand-up comedy around San Francisco. And he considered it the best place in the world to do stand-up, telling The Chronicle “The audiences are intelligent, yet not cruel, so you can develop a certain style…It’s a great incubator for a comedian; they love madcap, wonderful things.” Even after his success, he would still visit stand-up clubs around the city while he lived there inspiring and captivating audiences and new comics alike.

It is such a tragic thing to hear that one of your hero’s has left the world. But, what has been so encouraging is to see the mark that he left on it. You can feel that mark on the streets of the Bay and you can see it throughout the world. Rest In Peace Robin Williams. Thank you for your gift which you shared so much with all of us. You will truly be missed.

 

Written by Lesley

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