The Little White Bird: Captain, my Captain

The boy who never grew up. The casting of Robin Williams as the adult Peter Pan in Spielberg's 'Hook' was a genius move on their part. Robin Williams was always more interested in being himself than trying to conform to societies expectations of a grown up and that is exactly how he managed to remain so beautifully childlike.

When I learnt today that Robin Williams had died - it's safe to say that I was numb with shock. Although I am not particularly interested in being a comic actress, Robin Williams has always inspired me as a performer.

At work we played a Disney soundtrack for the M4J mornings. On that CD was 'Prince Ali'. That song would immediately spring tears to my eyes. No, I don't have a traumatic past experience with that song. I used to cry because he was just so passionate. I could practically see him standing in that recording studio belting away, absolutely in love with what he was doing.

But, as most of us do, he had his own demons to battle. Williams had bipolar disorder and was in one of his severe depressive episodes when he took his own life.

I have seen many comments from people asking why would such a successful man find himself being so unhappy? But that's what the illness does to you. J.K Rowling personified depression with the use of dementors - beings that follow you around and take away your happiness. It's not something that someone asks for, nor is it something that someone can snap out of.

The demons in mental illness succeeded in taking away one of our best. But that doesn't mean it will continue to. If this great man inspired you as much as you say, then let his memory inspire you to seek help if you need it. Remember that you have nothing to be ashamed of if you find yourself stuck in a dark place. You can have everything in the world and still feel empty - thinking about how fortunate you are compared to others isn't going to help - but seeking the right attention will.

I also hope more people will realise how big a thing mental illness is and how we all need to wake up and smell the roses. It's not something that can be ignored or put away. We need to stare that black dog in the face and snarl.

I will miss Robin's passion, his talent, his spontaneity and his kindness.