For a long minute Monday night, it felt like the entire Internet felt the loss of Robin Williams.
At one point, six of the 10 trending topics on Twitter were related to the comedian, who was found dead at his California home on Monday afternoon. He had committed suicide, according to the coroner’s office.
In addition to all the people who had watched Williams’ TV shows or movies were his many famous friends — and fans. Here are some of their memorable tributes:
Comedian Patton Oswalt gave a fitting tribute with a reference to the ultimate sad clown story.
“But doctor, I AM Pagliacci.” That’s the only way this makes sense. Can’t stand thinking of him being that sad. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) August 11, 2014
Kevin Spacey summed up Williams’ impact.
Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure. — Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) August 12, 2014
Anna Kendrick borrowed her eulogy from Williams’ students in “Dead Poets Society.”
O Captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the bells. Rise up, for you the flag is flung, for you the bugle trills. — Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) August 11, 2014
John Stamos encapsulated the man with a single story:
The first autograph I ever got: Dear money, send mom. Robin Williams
— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) August 11, 2014
Neil Degrasse Tyson pointed out that Williams was rare in more ways than just himself.
Mork from Ork: Rare evidence that aliens can be smart, clever, articulate & funny. Robin Williams, RIP — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) August 11, 2014
Tom Green had a friend when he needed one the most.
Robin Williams was very nice to me during my battle with cancer. I will always remember that. Rest in peace. — Tom Green (@tomgreenlive) August 12, 2014
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences used the fewest words, proving that brevity is the soul of wit.
Genie, you’re free. pic.twitter.com/WjA9QuuldD — The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 12, 2014
Timothy Omundson observed the dichotomy between Williams’ career and death.
I watched ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ with my daughters just last month. How do you explain that someone so funny can still be so sad.
— Timothy Omundson (@Omundson) August 11, 2014
Williams was an inspiration to other funny men.
When I was 18 I got a job as an intern at Comic Relief just to be near him. A genius and a truly kind man who made the world a better place. — Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) August 12, 2014
Even magician David Copperfield tipped his hat.
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” – Robin Williams. Robin, yours forever did.
— David Copperfield (@D_Copperfield) August 11, 2014
Steve Martin will miss him.
I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 11, 2014
Macklemore pointed out the irony.
Robin williams had the ability to make thousands of other people happy but not himself, i find that so sad — Macklemore (@BestMackleMore) August 12, 2014
Writer/director Charlie McDowell summed up Williams’ legacy for the acting world.
Robin Williams taught us that comedy and drama can and should coexist. What a gift he gave us. — Charlie McDowell (@charliemcdowell) August 11, 2014
Drew Carey put the loss in perspective.
Condolences to the whole world. @robinwilliams RIP. #RobinWilliams — Drew Carey (@DrewFromTV) August 11, 2014
Orlando Jones doesn’t want it to happen to anyone else.
If @robinwilliams death teaches us anything PLEASE talk to someone if you’re feeling depressed/suicidal. You’re not alone. #RIPRobinWilliams — Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) August 12, 2014
And Lena Dunham reminds us that sadness doesn’t know barriers.
A tragic reminder that the conversation about mental health CANNOT stop. Money, fame, artistic freedom- none of it is a barrier. — Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) August 12, 2014
Follow Eva Kis on Twitter @thisiskis or email eva.kis@metro.us.