Lea Salonga bids “goodbye” to Robin Williams

Tony Award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga

MANILA — The death of American actor and well-loved stand-up comedian Robin Williams shocked not only the tinsel town but the whole world. Even Filipina singer Lea Salonga expressed her sadness over the tragedy.

Salonga was given an opportunity to “work” with Williams in the Disney film “Aladdin.

” She provided the singing voice of Princess Jasmine while Williams gave life to the character of the Genie.

Like many others of her generation, Salonga said that she fell in love with Williams’ character in several movies he played which include “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Dead Poets Society,” “Mrs.

Doubtfire,” and “Good Will Hunting.

” But her most favorite would be when Williams played the character of the Genie.

“His impressions (and there were numerous), manual dexterity (one recording session had him in front of a table full of props, with which he improvised the opening scene of the movie), impeccable comic timing, and emotional honesty are hallmarks of his performance in this movie,” shared Salonga.

She added, “The privilege of saying I was in a movie with Robin Williams will forever be a highlight of my life. To the Genie then I say, I love you for making me laugh and cry. I bid you farewell with a very heavy heart. Your wish to be free has finally come true.”