THE SAD PASSING OF COMIC GENIUS ROBIN WILLIAMS: AN APPRECIATION
Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams will be remembered for many things — all the joy and laughter he gave to the world and the generosity he brought to others. In addition to his first-class, one-of-a-kind performances in film and TV roles, he devoted countless hours to those less fortunate, from charity bike rides in Malibu to benefit kids with cancer to raising millions for “Comic Relief” and letting service men and women overseas know they are not forgotten.
Williams, who was found dead on Monday at his Northern California home, became a household name in the television hit “Mork & Mindy,” and went on to play in more serious roles on the big screen with “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Dead Poets Society” and “Good Will Hunting,” which earned him an Academy Award. Then there were wacky, unforgettable films like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “The Birdcage,” just to name a few. Malibu local Minnie Driver, who starred with Robin, offered a touching tribute saying, “He was a beautiful, kind soul. My heart is broken.” Millions agree. So, if you are having a bad day, just think of all the times this magnificent actor made you laugh, made you cry and made you smile. “O Captain, my Captain,” you will be so missed.
LOCALS COOK UP A STORM
Malibu’s Brooke Burke-Charvet made it a family affair when she ventured out to town and brought her little ones in tow. They pitched in at a party space called the Washbow in Culver City for some fun in the kitchen to help the No Kid Hungry campaign. The local television personality joined celebrity chef and Food Network star Sandra Lee as well as E!’s Giuliana Rancic to make a feast fit for a king. Like Giuliana, Brooke brought the kids along for the ride with six-year-old daughter Heaven Rain and four-year-old son Shaya dishing out some good grub.
The evening’s festivities featured a variety of activities, ranging from hands-on cooking demonstrations featuring Sandra, who is the host of the popular show “Semi-Homemade.”
Other familiar faces included Joely Fisher of Fox’s “’Til Death,” Mark-Paul Gosselaar of TNT’s “Franklin and Bash” and Bill Horn and Scout Masterson of Oxygen’s “Tori and Dean” and “The Gruncies.”
The kids had a blast learning to whip up some creative meals and help a good cause at the same time. No Kid Hungry has the mission of ending childhood hunger in America by connecting kids in need with effective nutrition programs, like school breakfast and summer meals. In addition, it teaches low-income families how to cook healthy, affordable options. Since the campaign’s launch, No Kid Hungry and its partners have connected youngsters struggling with hunger and putting food on the table with more than 107 million additional meals. Now that’s dishing it out for a good cause.
