San Francisco city officials unanimously voted to memorialize Robin Williams. A meadow in Golden Gate Park will be renamed to memorialize the comedian.
On December 21, 2017, the Recreation and Parks Department formally announced the space adjacent to Sharon Building will be renamed, Robin Williams Meadow.
Debi and Will Durst petitioned to have the first renamed for the late actor because the location was the site of the annual Comedy Day. Williams was an active contributor at the event for local comedians.
The Dursts considered him a friend, and once called him Comedy Day’s “anonymous angel,” according to SF Gate. They believed that renaming Sharon Meadow would be a fitting tribute since the comedic showcase had been located there for the last 25 years.
In September, reports indicated that the mayor was in favor of the change, however, he said, it would be up to the Recreation and Parks Commission to give its approval. Days later the commission’s website posted the announcement about their decision.
In the notice, they talked about Williams’ international beneficence, but San Franciscans remember him for his comedic contribution to their community. They affectionately remember him for his support of the free Comedy Day. In the 37-year history of the event thousands of “the world’s funniest comedians” performed providing laughter to more than 500,000 people.
Former San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee said:
Through his comedy, Robin [sic] brought so much light into this world, which is why it is fitting that we are naming a beautiful outdoor meadow in his honor. Robin was one of San Francisco’s cherished sons, whose selfless acts of philanthropy benefitted communities across our city. We will forever remember him fondly and the Robin Williams Meadow will be a lasting testament to his legacy.
Naming the meadow after the actor/comedian is a fabulous tribute to the man who entertained billions. Other than the Comedy Day, Williams will be remembered for his part in “Comic Relief,” fundraising comedy program, which collected over $5 million for the homeless Americans during the 20 years he co-emceed with Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal.
His illustrious career garnered him multiple awards: an Oscar for “Good Will Hunting;” two Emmys; two Screen Guild Awards; four Golden Globes; and five Grammys. Rotten Tomatoes lauded him as “one of Hollywood’s most eclectic stars.”
In their assessment of the “Mork and Mindy” star’s top 10 films number one was his Oscar-winning movie. Numbers 2-10 are: the Disney classic, “Aladdin;” mystery/thriller, “Insomnia;” his first Golden Globe award winner, “Good Morning Vietnam;” Comedy-drama, “Moscow on the Hudson;” the Indie film/drama, “World’s Greatest Dad;” the amazing movie “Awakenings,” which earned him his Golden Globes; the film that made Carpe Deim a common phrase, “Dead Poets Society;” he earned his third Best Actor Oscar nomination for “The Fisher King;” and drama/thriller, “One Hour Photo.”
Williams was honored with the Career Achievement Award from the Chicago International Film festival in 2004. Then in 2005, he won the Cecil B. DeMille Award. “In 2007, Williams’ received the Peter J. Owens Award for excellence in acting from the San Francisco International Film Festival,” according to San Francisco Recreation and Parks website.
Williams passed away on August 11, 2014. The epic comic took his own life leaving his fans broken-hearted.
By Cathy Milne
Sources:
Fox News KTVU: San Francisco names Golden Gate Park meadow in honor of Robin Williams
ABC 7 News: San Francisco officials unanimously vote to name meadow in Golden Gate Park after Robin Williams
SFGate: Renaming Sharon Meadow after Robin Williams gets official support
Rotten Tomatoes: ROBIN WILLIAMS’ 10 BEST MOVIES WE COUNT DOWN HIS BEST-REVIEWED WORK
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