Following the tragic news of the death of Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams, Apple has created a "Remembering Robin Williams" dedicated section of the iTunes Store housing many of the actor's popular movies and stand up comedy routines.
Along with offering movies organized into categories like "Essentials," "Comedy," and "Drama," the Robin Williams iTunes Store section includes a photo of the actor along with a short paragraph on his decades-long career and his involvement in Comic Relief USA, a charity that's raised upwards of $50 million for homeless assistance.
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One of the most beloved and unforgettable performers in the history of show business, Robin Williams brought laughter and inspiration to millions. Throughout a career that spanned five decades, Williams evolved from stand up comedian to international movie star. Among the great masters of improv, he transfixed audiences with a mile-a-minute comic energy. Williams' Golden Globe-winning turn in Good Morning, Vietnam demonstrated that his versatile acting talents were equally suited to evoking dramatic complexity. Many of Williams' most iconic performances--in Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, and his Oscar-winning triumph Good Will Hunting--were dazzling high-wire acts that left audiences in tears of laughter one minute and tears of poignancy the next.
In the iTunes Store section dedicated to Williams, Apple lists more than 40 of his movies like Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, The Birdcage, Patch Adams, Good Morning, Vietnam, and more, along with a handful of his comedy performances.
Robin Williams' performance in Dead Poets Society is of special importance to Apple as his character, John Keating, delivered the famous "What will your verse be?" speech that inspired its "Your Verse" line of iPad advertisements. Williams also provided the voice over for one of the commercials, which began airing back in January.
Yesterday, Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted about Williams' death, calling him an "incomparable talent and a great human being." Phil Schiller also expressed his regrets over the tragedy.
Heartbroken by the news of Robin Williams' passing. He was an incomparable talent and a great human being. Rest in peace.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 12, 2014
Update: Apple has also dedicated a page on its website to Robin Williams with the following:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robin Williams. He inspired us through his passion, his generosity, and the gift of laughter. He will be missed.
This is one of the few times Apple has honored someone's life with a page on its website, with the others being Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, board member Jerry York and Steve Jobs.
Top Rated Comments
A dedicated section, but no discounts. Looks like Apple is just trying to cash in on this marketing "opportunity". Makes me feel kind of off about it...
Funny, I'd consider a "sale" to be more distasteful.
THAT sounds like cashing in...trying to spur sales, as it were.
Simply making a list seems more respectful to me.
Ever think that Apple can't change those prices, that maybe there's a contract in place with whomever? Imagine what the store would look like if Apple themselves had full control over pricing things how they wanted.
This is a nice gesture, and those of you who think they did this just to cash in, you have no respect.
classy of apple to exploit a celebrities death
More like profiteering off of his death.
Exploit? More like celebrating the life of. Why do you see it as "Oh look they're selling his movies and making money". They're just trying to make available all his movies for his dedication and for us to remember all the great roles/movies he's done.
A dedicated section, but no discounts. Looks like Apple is just trying to cash in on this marketing "opportunity". Makes me feel kind of off about it...
Seems odd to me to expect that Apple's most appropriate response to Robin Williams' death would be to save you money.