The Conversation

The stand-up's paradox: the funnier you are, the faster you die

Author: Simon Stewart, Director, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University

Mario Anzuoni/AAP

When I first learned of the circumstances around Robyn Williams’ death at 63, I was astounded that someone who made so many people laugh – and even cry with laughter – would feel so alone and take his own life.

But on deeper reflection, it didn’t seem so absurd that behind the manic bravado and mayhem there...

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