In a controlled situation, like a movie or TV series Williams showed his brilliance. But often he’d lose control over himself and act quite manic in an unstructured environment like a talk show. It was obvious he was suffering from some form of mental illness and was in serious need of help. Patty Duke was the same way in her private life–she’d lose all control. Happily for her she was diagnosed bi-polar and was able to get the help she needed.
So many people in show business have such disorders. They use performing is a means of dealing with it, along with drugs and alcohol. It’s so sad that all the treatments he had could not safe his life. I used to watch Williams, trying to find him funny, but I could sense all too clearly the underlying bitterness and pain that drove his humor. I might laugh at some antic, but then the sadness would return to his eyes leaving me feeling disturbed and worried for him. I pray he’s found the peace he could not find now that he has gone to God.
