Tributes to Robin Williams flooded the Internet Tuesday, marking the one-year anniversary of his death.
One in particular encapsulates the beloved comedian’s life and legacy by evoking one of his most memorable roles.
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Williams’ daughter in the CBS sitcom “The Crazy Ones,” posted a photo on Instagram of the Boston Public Garden bench featured in the Oscar-winning film “Good Will Hunting,” starring Williams and Matt Damon.
Gellar, best known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Cruel Intentions,” included this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better wether (sic) by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here. This is to have succeeded.”
“You succeeded RW,” she added.
The bench was the setting for one of the film’s most beloved scenes between Williams and Damon on the value of meaningful life experience.
The setting became a makeshift memorial after Williams’ death last year with fans scribbling quotes from the film in the ground.
“Your move, chief,” refers to the sarcastic nickname that Williams’ character, psychiatrist Sean Maguire, uses on the brilliant yet troubled janitor played by Damon.
“Sorry, guys, I went to see about a girl,” recalls a story Maguire shares with the younger character that later influences his views on love.
Gellar’s post earned more than 21,000 likes in 14 hours.
As one commenter on the photo said, “So beautifully written and so true.”