Dara Ó Briain & Nikki Hayes react to Robin Williams' death + classic stand-up performances

“Well, that is a proper gut-punch of news to wake up to,” says Dara Ó Briain on Twitter. “What a loss Robin Williams is. Let’s not let this news bolster the dumb, pat cliché about ‘Tears of a Clown’. Depression is an illness that strikes anywhere in society. There are people who can offer help; without judgement or obligation.”
Spin 1038 DJ Nikki Hayes urges: “In light of Robin Williams’ apparent suicide remember to talk to Pieta House and many more. I too was affected. Mental health issues are a real illness - wish people would finally acknowledge this fact.”
Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar has spoken at length about her admiration for the actor and stand-up.
“My life is a better place because I knew Robin Williams,” she tells People magazine. “To my children he was Uncle Robin, to everyone he worked with, he was the best boss anyone had ever known, and to me he was not just an inspiration but he was the father I had always dreamed of having.
''There are not enough adjectives to describe the light he was, to anyone that ever had the pleasure to meet him. I will miss him everyday, but I know the memory of him will live on. And to his family, I thank them for letting us know him and seeing the joy they brought him. Us crazy ones love you.''
Elsewhere, Harry Styles says, “One of my all time favourites. Movies I grew up watching over and over again. A genius that will be so missed”; Russell Crowe recalls a five-minute meeting with Robin that, “Evolved into 90 minutes. My sides were aching from laughter. Amazing mind, such a kind man” and Gabrielle Aplin tweeted: “I don't want to believe the news of Robin Williams’ death. So devastating.”