JAMESTOWN, N.Y. -- Robin Williams fans across the Southern Tier are mourning the loss of a comedy genius.
"Just a very tragic and sad day for everyone, but certainly in the world of laughter, it's a really mournful day," said Journey Gunderson, Lucy-Desi Center For Comedy executive director.
The National Comedy Center, which is expected to open in Jamestown in 2016, plans to one day showcase Williams' TV and film career and keep his legacy alive for generations to come.
The National Comedy Center, which is expected to open in Jamestown in 2016, plans to one day showcase Williams' TV and film career and keep his legacy alive for generations to come.
"The vision of the National Comedy Center is to weave his work into the world-class exhibit experience so his work is remembered," said Gunderson.
Jane Fischer and Gary Peters, Jr., are two of the cast members from Jamestown's comedy improv team, The Unexpected Guests, said Williams will be remembered as one of the all-time greats.
"What he did, brilliantly with improv is finding that playful moment and completely losing yourself in the what if and what else," said Fischer.
"He was almost constantly improvising," said Peters. "I will remember Robin Williams as probably the greatest comedian of our age."
Both said Williams had an incredible level of energy when performing on stage, yet at the same time, was filled with so much sadness while bringing laughter to millions of others.
"I think if there's anything that we would channel from him, it's that losing the fear of looking foolish," said Fischer.
"Within any true art or comedy in general, there's always a sense of despair," said Peters.
Williams recently praised Jametown native Lucille Ball for her work, and at the same time, learned she admired him as well.
"They were both great with their faces and being extremely animated and energetic in their comedy, so it didn't surprise me that she was one of the earliest to say hey, this is a guy to really observe," said Gunderson.
