The TCL Chinese Theatre is one of the lit-up landmarks of Tinseltown, but the famous movie palace will lower its forecourt lights for only the eighth time in its 87-year history on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The one-minute dimming of the always bright forecourt is in honor of Robin Williams. "Williams, 63, was found dead Monday in what the Marin County Sheriff Department described as an apparent suicide by asphyxiation. His publicist said he suffered from depression," NBC Bay Area reported.
Photos, videos, and written remembrances are filling social media feeds while fans are leaving flowers at both his Tiburon home and the actor's Walk of Fame star in Hollywood. And the TCL Chinese Theatre is up next to pay homage, with a one minute dimming of its forecourt lights at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 12.
Calling it the "ultimate Hollywood send-off," the Chinese Theatre remembers the actor and his career, which is much associated with the Tinseltown theater. "Popeye" had its 1980 premiere at the venue, as did several more of his films, including "Good Morning, Vietnam" and "Mrs. Doubtfire."
And Mr. Williams left his handprints and footprints in the forecourt cement in celebration of 1998's "Patch Adams."
The landmark has only lowered its lights on seven other occasions during its venerable run. Shirley Temple, Peter O'Toole, and Mickey Rooney were all honored with the dimming of the forecourt.
