Revisiting First Person Plural: A Journey Through Dissociative Identity Disorder with Cameron West and Robin Williams
A new edition of the memoir "First Person Plural: My Life as a Multiple" by Cameron West, co-written with his wife Rikki West, is set to be released on May 26. The book delves into West's experience living with dissociative identity disorder, shedding light on his journey with multiple personalities stemming from childhood trauma. The original 1999 publication garnered widespread attention, leading to a New York Times best-seller status and a Disney screen rights deal with Robin Williams attached to star and Eric Roth to write the adaptation.
Williams, fresh off his Oscar win for "Good Will Hunting," showed a keen interest in the project, engaging deeply with West to understand the complexities of the disorder. The actor even invited West to his home to meet his alters and gain insight into his experiences. Their bond grew over time, with Williams displaying a genuine curiosity and empathy towards West's story. Despite the project facing setbacks due to changes at Disney, the connection between Williams and West remained strong until the actor's passing in 2014.
The memoir's re-release aims to bring more awareness to dissociative identity disorder, a condition that affects millions worldwide. West's ongoing journey with the disorder and his enduring relationship with Rikki serve as the foundation of the book, portraying a story of resilience and love. With hopes of reviving the screen adaptation in Williams' memory, West envisions a comprehensive portrayal of his life story, highlighting the depth and complexity of living with multiple personalities. The new edition of "First Person Plural" promises to offer a more nuanced perspective on the disorder, reflecting West's evolving experiences since the book's initial publication.