*The following article contains discussion of suicide/self-harm.
This past Tuesday, actor Jamie Costa posted test footage of himself portraying the late great Robin Williams which left the internet astounded.
Though Williams is best remembered for being one of the funniest people to ever grace the earth, the footage saw Costa portraying him in a dramatic scene where he is informed by his Mork and Mindy co-star, Pam Dawber—portrayed in the scene by Sarah Murphree— John Belushi had died.
Williams visited Belushi only hours before the Saturday Night Live star died of a drug overdose at age 33.
Costa's frighteningly uncanny impression of Williams, who died by suicide in 2014, resulted in fans calling for Costa to play the late Oscar winning star in a biopic.
It seemed inevitable the footage would eventually find its way to Williams' three children. But fans felt the need to tag them just the same.
The Mrs. Doubtfire star's daughter, actress and producer Zelda Williams, revealed on Twitter fans had sent her the footage.
She had a message for all of them—"stop".
"Guys, I'm only saying this because I don't think it'll stop until I acknowledge it... please stop sending me the test footage"
Zelda made it clear she was impressed by Costa's portrayal, but it was simply overwhelming to see another actor portray her late father on one of his darkest days.
"Jamie is SUPER talented, this isn't against hum, but y'all spamming me an impression of my late Dad on one of his saddest days is weird."
In the wake of Williams' passing in 2014, Zelda found herself forced to quit Twitter and Instagram after countless trolls barraged her with hurtful messages.
While she subsequently reinstated both accounts, she still avoids social media on and around the anniversary of her father's death, explaining her reasons in a heartfelt Twitter post in 2020.
pic.twitter.com/4GBrfUyKZg— Zelda Williams (@Zelda Williams) 1597086158
"As I've said in the past, while I am constantly touched by all of your boundless continued love for him, some days it can feel a bit like being seen as a roadside memorial- a place, not a person, where people drive past and leave their sentiments to then go about their days comforted their love for him was witnessed."
"But sometimes, that leaves me emotionally buried under a pile of other's memories instead of my own."
After her request to stop, Zelda's fans sent her messages of love and condolence.
Several expressed how strange it must have been for her to watch Costa embody her father.
You go through so much and handle so much with more grace than I can ever imagine.— Eliza- Commissions for masks are open (@Eliza- Commissions for masks are open) 1634069682
Your dad was my hero, I can't imagine what you are going through :(— Porky Shears (@Porky Shears) 1634069780
I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. My heart goes out to you— Victor Nelson (who is also a robot, pirate ghost) (@Victor Nelson (who is also a robot, pirate ghost)) 1634308152
Totally understood It\u2019s draining\u2026Energy wise! I can imagine \u2026 Sending Peace & Love \u2026.— Doe Toons (@Doe Toons) 1634311666
I can't imagine the feelings that must have brought forward. Sending love and light. Hope people gain clarity and sensitivity. I admire your ability to set and hold this boundary.— Kaylene Bawden (she/her) (@Kaylene Bawden (she/her)) 1634303651
A few others condemned all those who bombarded Zelda with Costa's video, scolding them for their thoughtless insensitivity.
@zeldawilliams Makes me angry seeing you have such a hard time. With all these fans of your pops. \nI mean I'm one of them, but I'll never bombard you with pics or tributes to him, ffs. I don't understand what makes people think that behavior is in any way okay. Best wishes.— Cattman Morrigan (@Cattman Morrigan) 1634309690
Hey uh, yeah, why the hell are people sending Zelda Williams DMs of an impersonation of her father?\n\nLike, it doesn't matter how well-meaning the gesture is, Zelda's a person and more than just her relatives so...stop being weirdos here? Stop being weirdos here. Let her be.— Ade (@Ade) 1634307849
I'll never understand the need for people to send links to the stunningly obvious thing that everyone has seen.— KevDog (@KevDog) 1634069707
Do... Do people not realize you're a human being with thoughts and feelings of your own?— Art By Luna! (@Art By Luna!) 1634311658
Perhaps as a way of lifting her spirits, several fans flooded the reply section with adorable pictures of their pets with Zelda eventually returning the favor.
Since you all are kindly sending me pet pics, here\u2019s Bettie in her winter gear. Her butt and back have gone mostly bald in her old age, so once it drops below 70 degrees seasonally, she needs a bit of extra warmth.pic.twitter.com/joGW5x0813— Zelda Williams (@Zelda Williams) 1634246125
Sending lots of extra warmth to you as well, Zelda.
***
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
To find help outside the United States, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has resources available at https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
