Oh boy.  I haven’t really been in the blogging mood these last two weeks since the news about Robin Williams.  I normally keep my opinions to myself (and don’t go blasting things on social media) when it comes to matters like these that are so personal and so private that we can’t possibly try to understand or comprehend what exactly the person was going through.  I believe matters like these deserve the utmost respect and especially… a restraint from judgement from everybody.

I kept seeing things on Facebook and Twitter that I don’t even want to repeat…

I really just wanted the whole world to stop… and go and hug someone.  I wanted the whole world to stop… and not judge or criticize or make an example out of this particular situation or a topic of discussion that was anything other than… a positive reflection and celebration of his life.

I have been thinking a lot this past week about the industry that I have longed to be a part of since I was 4 years old.  The same feelings came up months ago when Phillip Seymour Hoffman passed away too.

I think the one thing people don’t truly understand about this crazy industry is that we (actors, artists, creatives) are human beings.  We give our souls, our bodies, our minds, our talents and our fate to the industry and to the world.  As a result, (naturally) we become vulnerable to everything and often fragile.  This industry can be deceiving with all the Hollywood magic, and the spotlights and the fame.  It is easy to see actors and celebrities as objects because that’s how they are presented to you!  Sometimes I sit and wonder what the hell I am doing trying to be a part of something that can be so damaging to the spirit.

A dear family friend, who was an Australian TV star, who had wonderful experiences in the industry, as well as horrible experiences, sat me down and pleaded with me to not go into this crazy world.  I have had people tell me that I am too sweet for this industry and will never make it because of it.

I am 5 years into it and I know it’s only just the beginning for me. I spent the last 5 years grounding myself and building a foundation of support, belief, clarity and love… there were points in those 5 years where I could have gone down a dark path.  It’s so easy to in this town.  Now, you don’t have to suffer to be successful as an artist, but it is understandable why suffering is present in this industry.

What keeps me here is, well many things, but one thing that I know for sure is how powerful this industry is.  It can have such a positive influence on the world if it is used in the right way and in the right hands… so I keep trenching forward.  As my old school motto said… Per Aspera Ad Astra… Through Struggles to the Stars.

When I was in Year 7 in Australia, I had to perform a monologue in my drama class.  Everyone could choose whatever monologue they wanted to perform.  I (12 year old Allison) chose Robin Williams’ final speech in Patch Adams.

I still remember every word.  I could perform it right now.

Here are a few lines from the speech that stand out in my mind…

“What’s wrong with death, sir?  What are we so mortally afraid of?  Why can’t we treat death with the same amount of humanity, dignity, decency and, God forbid, maybe even humor.”

“If you treat a disease you win, you lose.  But if you treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win no matter what the outcome is. ”

What I can’t get out of my head, though, is the following quote…

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  (Plato got it right all those years ago.)

Let us not forget.

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